Political parties, civil society organizations, human rights activists, journalists, and writers have publicly expressed their sympathy at the death of the well-known journalist and writer Hüseyin Aykol. Aykol died on New Year’s Eve in Ankara after a long stay in hospital as a result of multiple brain hemorrhages. He is considered a symbol of the free Kurdish press.
Aykol will be sent on his final journey tomorrow
Aykol’s funeral will take place on Friday, January 2, at 2 p.m. local time at the Karşıyaka Cemetery in Ankara. The writer will first be honored with a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. in the Yılmaz Güney Hall of the Çankaya Municipality. After the memorial service, condolences will be accepted at the Ankara branch of the Human Rights Association (IHD).
Some excerpts from the obituaries and tributes to the life and work of Hüseyin Aykol are documented below.
“He used his pen as a torch against the darkness”
In its obituary, the Democratic Regions Party (DBP) emphasized Akyol’s courageous commitment to the truth: “We have lost journalist Hüseyin Akyol, who had been receiving hospital treatment since October 14, 2025, due to a cerebral hemorrhage. Akyol, who devoted most of his life to journalism, used his pen as a torch against darkness and as a weapon against those who tried to obscure the truth. He was a press worker who never stopped pursuing the truth, even in the shadow of oppression, censorship, and threats.
The legacy that Akyol has left behind will live on not only in his articles, but also in his contribution to the tradition of free press, in the courage he instilled in young journalists, and in his unshakeable belief in the truth. We extend our condolences to his family, his loved ones, and all those who work in the free press.
Aykol was a “witness, defendant, and plaintiff”
“We have lost Hüseyin Aykol, a reporter, editor, editor-in-chief, and tireless fighter for press freedom. Aykol, who was a ‘witness, defendant, and plaintiff’ in his struggle for half a century, was an exemplary journalist and companion in his work and attitude. With his persistent and determined fight for the truth, he became a defender of the people and a voice for prisoners. The teacher of the free press, our dear Hüseyin Aykol, will always remain in our memory. Our sympathy goes out to his family, the free press, and all of us,” said Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar, co-chair of the DBP, in her condolences.
“Teacher of the free press”
Keskin Bayındır, co-chair of the DBP, also remembered Aykol with dignified words: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Hüseyin Aykol, the teacher of the free press and folk dervish. He fought for almost three months in the hospital and continued to spread hope. His efforts to bring the truth to light, his commitment to the realities of the people despite the pressure, and his honorable attitude toward the free press will always be remembered with respect and gratitude.
The words, attitude, and legacy he left behind will continue to guide those who seek the truth. I offer my condolences to his family, loved ones, and the free press community.
“The pain of loss weighs heavily on our hearts”
Tülay Hatimoğulları, co-chair of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), said the following in her message of condolences: “The pain of losing our teacher, role model, and veteran of the free press, our dear Hüseyin Aykol, weighs heavily on our hearts… Hüseyin Aykol, who devoted half a century of his life to the fight for freedom of expression and human rights in the press tradition, never stopped pursuing the truth despite all the repression.
Hüseyin Aykol, Apê Musa’s companion, continued the legacy of his murdered fellow journalists by persevering in journalism despite all the difficulties. He trained thousands of students in the tradition of a free press. The tradition he left behind will be continued. His determination and faith will continue to guide us. Our condolences go out to his family, the free press, and all of us…”
“He never shied away from writing the truth”
Tuncer Bakırhan, co-chair of the DEM Party, said in his message of condolence: “We are very sad. After Apê Musa, the free press has lost another of its pillars. We have lost our dear Hüseyin Aykol, who always stood on the side of truth with his pen and never shied away from writing the truth. His death leaves a deep void in our hearts. He is no longer with us, but his legacy, his writings, and his struggle will live on. Our condolences go out to the free press, his friends, and all of us.”
“Farewell, comrade”
“We have lost Hüseyin Aykol, a veteran of the free press, a teacher, and a comrade. His memories will live on in the common struggle of the peoples. Our condolences. Farewell, comrade,” said Ertcan Titiz, co-chair of the Socialist Reconstruction Party (SYKP), bidding him farewell.
The Dicle Firat Journalists’ Association (DFG) expresses its sorrow at the death of its colleague as follows: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of journalist Hüseyin Aykol, who dedicated 36 years of his 70-year life to the free press and was its role model and teacher. We extend our condolences to his family, the staff of the free press, and all his colleagues.”
Human rights activist and lawyer Eren Keskin also expressed her condolences: “A man who dedicated his life to a single goal: the fight against all forms of oppression. A journalist. My colleague on the editorial board of Özgür Gündem. He left this world with respect and love.”