30.08.2026 18:40
Mehdi Zana, one of the important figures of Kurdish politics who lost his life and the former mayor of Diyarbakır, was sent off on his final journey after the ceremonies held. At Zana's funeral, his family, relatives, politicians and many citizens came together, and emotional images from the funeral ceremony were reflected on cameras. Leyla Zana bid farewell to her husband with flowers.
Mehdi Zana, a prominent figure in Kurdish politics and former Mayor of Diyarbakır, who passed away at the age of 85, was laid to rest following ceremonies. His family, politicians, and numerous citizens came together to bid farewell to Zana.
MEMORIAL CEREMONY IN FRONT OF THE MUNICIPALITY
A memorial ceremony was held for Mehdi Zana in front of the Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality. Before the ceremony, Zana's photograph was hung on the municipal building.
Attending the ceremony were Zana's family, as well as Leyla Zana, DEM Party Spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan, Diyarbakır Metropolitan Mayor Serra Bucak, former Metropolitan Mayor Gültan Kışanak, politicians, and numerous citizens.
BUCAK: DIYARBAKIR WILL NEVER FORGET
Speaking at the ceremony, Diyarbakır Metropolitan Mayor Serra Bucak said that Mehdi Zana holds an important place in the city's political, historical, and cultural memory.
Recalling that Zana was elected Mayor of Diyarbakır in 1977, Bucak stated that despite being removed from office and arrested after the September 12, 1980 military coup, his bond with the people endured.
Bucak noted that Zana's legacy is not a memory of the past, saying, "The legacy left by Mehdi Zana is not merely a memory of the past, but a living value that shapes our present and future."
At the end of her speech, Bucak bid farewell to Zana with the words, "Diyarbakır will never forget you, Brother Mehdi."
Former member of parliament Leyla Zana also bid an eternal farewell to her husband with flowers. Leyla Zana and her cousin Mehdi Zana had married in 1975 when Leyla Zana was only 14 years old.
TAKEN TO THE GREAT MOSQUE WITH A PROCESSION
Following the memorial ceremony in front of the municipality, Zana's funeral was taken to the Great Mosque (Ulu Cami) accompanied by a procession attended by many people.
After the funeral prayer performed there, Mehdi Zana's funeral was laid to rest at Yeniköy Cemetery.
It was stated that the Zana family would accept condolences at the Liceliler Condolence House.