Journalist Hüseyin Aykol was laid to rest at Karşıyaka Cemetery in Ankara following a memorial service at the Yılmaz Güney Stage in Çankaya Municipality. Aykol was buried with soil brought from Kobanê, in accordance with his will.
Following the memorial service earlier today, Aykol’s body was taken to Karşıyaka Cemetery Mosque, where a funeral prayer was performed. His coffin was carried by his colleagues, family, and loved ones on shoulders.
It was stated that Aykol had requested to be buried with soil from the city of Kobanê, which became a symbol of resistance against ISIS in Rojava, northern Syria.
In accordance with this request, soil brought from Kobanê was placed on his grave, as well as red flags and carnations.
DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan, TJA (Free Women’s Movement) activist Sebahat Tuncel, Aykol’s colleagues, and friends placed carnations on his grave.
Speaking at the graveside, Selman Çiçek, Co-Chair of the Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (DFG), described Aykol as a “martyr of the free press.” Çiçek said, “Just like Apê Musa and Gurbetelli Ersöz, he is a martyr of the free press. Teacher Hüseyin is immortal.”
Condolences for Aykol will be accepted by his family and friends at the Ankara branch of the Human Rights Association (İHD) starting today.
Meanwhile, the Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (DFG) and the Mesopotamia Women Journalists Association (MKG) will hold a one-day memorial service on Monday, January 5, in Amed, Van, and Istanbul, under the slogan “We commemorate Hüseyin Aykol, the revolutionary pioneer of the Free Press.”
The condolence visits will be made at the DFG Office in Amed, at the ŞanoWan Stage in Van, and at the Human Rights Association branch (İHD) in Istanbul.