04.05.2026 21:16
A memorial ceremony was held at the grave of Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who passed away at the hospital where he was being treated after a heart condition while serving as the Deputy Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, on the anniversary of his death. DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan said, 'In times when people were hesitant to speak of peace, Sırrı Süreyya always believed in peace, advocated for peace, and convinced us to believe in peace as well. We will uphold his words. One day, we will definitely bring peace to this country.'
Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who passed away in the hospital where he was being treated after falling ill while serving as Deputy Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, was commemorated at a ceremony held at his grave in Zincirlikuyu Cemetery on the first anniversary of his death.
The ceremony was attended by Önder's mother Zeliha Önder, his daughter Ceren Önder Kandemir, his brother Ali Önder, Deputy Speaker of the TBMM Pervin Buldan, DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan, some members of parliament, relatives, and loved ones.
After the recitation of the Quran and prayers, Bakırhan spoke, stating that Önder, who left a significant mark with both his personality and struggle, was an irreplaceable person.
"WE WILL BRING PEACE TO THIS COUNTRY ONE DAY"
Bakırhan said, "He was an important figure for peace in Turkey. Being able to still smile, struggle, and show our hope despite all that happened surprised others. Even in the toughest times, we brought this struggle to this day."
Highlighting Önder's emphasis on peace, Bakırhan stated the following:
"He never diminished his word, always added to it. At times when people hesitated to speak of peace, Sırrı Süreyya always believed in peace, advocated for peace, and convinced us of peace. He taught us that peace is possible even under such pressure. There is a saying in Anatolia: 'To make the word matter.' What matters is the one who makes the word matter, the one who makes peace matter. We too make a promise. In the presence of you comrades, we will make his word matter. We will bring peace to this country one day."
"YOU LEFT US A GREAT LEGACY, A LASTING AND HONORABLE PEACE"
TBMM Deputy Speaker Pervin Buldan stated that Önder left a deep impression on broad segments of society, saying, "Everyone who came here today and those who could not come remembers Sırrı Süreyya with the same sorrow and emotion. A year ago, the same mourning was experienced in millions of homes."
Emphasizing that Önder will not be forgotten, Buldan continued as follows:
"We do not remember you only with your smile, jokes, and kind face. We also take your humanity, courage, and insight as an example. We also remember your belief in peace, the effort you gave for peace, and the contribution you made. You always said, 'Let peace come whenever it comes, but it must come.' You left us a great legacy, a lasting and honorable peace. I am one of those who best knows how great the effort you put in, the endeavor you showed, and the struggle you waged; I am one of the closest witnesses. I want to make a promise here once again: we will definitely bring peace and dedicate it to you."
"OUR COUNTRY'S PERSISTENCE FOR PEACE CONTINUES"
Ceren Önder Kandemir had emotional moments during her speech addressing her father.
Kandemir said, "Daddy, today we came here with your friends. In this past year when you are not with us physically, I want to tell you about what's happening in our own world and outside. We never parted from your friends, even for a day; we tried to find comfort by holding onto each other."
Expressing that the family continues to keep Önder's memory alive, Kandemir stated, "Although Can (grandson) sometimes wants to call you on video, he quickly understood the situation. He shows your photos to those who come to the house and talks about you to everyone. When we come here, he collects pinecones and arranges them, saying 'grandpa's garden.' I thought looking at memories would be painful. But you are so sweet that even that brings joy. As the big world came into being, wars broke out, and giants clashed. But our country's persistence for peace continues still."
Kandemir, noting that they will continue to keep her father's memory alive, later played a poem by Mustafa Kahtalı, known as Kahtalı Mıçe from Adıyaman, from her father's voice recording.
Sırrı Süreyya Önder's brother Ali Önder expressed his gratitude to those who did not leave them alone in the rainy weather.
The ceremony ended after prayers.