17.07.2026 14:11
Olcay Baykal, wife of the late former CHP Chairman Deniz Baykal, is being laid to rest in a ceremony in Ankara. The funeral, which brought together the political world, was marked by the cold handshake between Özgür Özel and Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, as well as the "two chairmen" wreath at the venue. The pair were seen avoiding eye contact during their handshake.
A funeral ceremony is being held at Ankara Karşıyaka Cemetery for Olcay Baykal, who passed away at the age of 88 in a hospital where she was receiving treatment in Antalya. Following the sad news, the deceased's body was brought to the capital for burial.
TO BE BURIED NEXT TO DENİZ BAYKAL
After the funeral prayer, which will be held at Karşıyaka Cemetery with the participation of politicians and loved ones, Olcay Baykal's body will be taken to the State Cemetery. Baykal will be buried next to the grave of her husband, former CHP Chairman Deniz Baykal, who passed away in 2023.
SECOND MEETING AFTER THE NULLITY DECISION: ÖZEL AND KILIÇDAROĞLU SHAKE HANDS
The funeral ceremony witnessed a notable encounter under the shadow of legal and political developments within the CHP. Following the court's "absolute nullity" decision, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, appointed as chairman, and Özgür Özel came together for the second time at a funeral after this process.
The first person to arrive at the ceremony area and take his place in the funeral row was Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. Later, Özgür Özel arrived at the area, quickly shook Kılıçdaroğlu's hand, and took his place in the row. It was noticed that the two did not make eye contact while shaking hands.
The two figures had their first face-to-face meeting and handshake after the court decision at the funeral ceremony held at the Turkish Grand National Assembly for former CHP Deputy Orhan Sür, who passed away on June 25.
NOTABLE DETAIL: TWO "CHAIRMAN" WREATHS AT THE SITE
Meanwhile, a detail in the wreaths sent to the area before Olcay Baykal's funeral ceremony did not go unnoticed. It was observed that two separate wreaths, sent on behalf of Özgür Özel and Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, each inscribed with "CHP Chairman," were placed side by side.