Decision by DEM Party municipality sparks controversy: Name of Cyprus martyr Cengiz Topel removed

A decision was made in the Yüksekova district of Hakkari to change the name of Şehit Cengiz Topel Street to that of the late Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and DEM Party Istanbul MP Sırrı Süreyya Önder. The decision was unanimously approved during the May council meeting of the Yüksekova Municipality.

The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Co-Mayors Şadiye Kırmızıgül and Şoreş Diri. The session, which was also attended by council members, began with a commemoration of Sırrı Süreyya Önder. A photograph of Önder was placed in a memorial corner adorned with carnations in the municipal hall.

EMPHASIS ON THE MEMORY OF SIRRI SÜREYYA ÖNDER

During the commemoration at the meeting, attention was drawn to Sırrı Süreyya Önder's identity as a fighter, his emphasis on democratic politics, and his stance advocating for the brotherhood of peoples. The Co-Mayors announced that Önder's name would be kept alive in one of the most central locations in Yüksekova.

In a joint statement issued by the Co-Mayors, it was stated: "Sırrı Süreyya Önder is an important figure who advocated for the brotherhood of peoples and brought the language of peace into politics. We remember him with respect and longing."

BACKLASH ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Following the announcement of the decision, a post shared on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Yüksekova Municipality sparked debate on social media. Some users reacted to the decision by reminding that the street's former name belonged to the Cyprus martyr, Pilot Captain Cengiz Topel.

WHO IS MARTYR CENGİZ TOPEL?

He was born on September 2, 1934, in İzmit, where his father was stationed. His mother is Mebuse Hanım. He was the third of four children in the family.

He began primary school at Bandırma II Primary School and continued his education at Ömer Seyfettin Primary School following his father's transfer to Gönen, Balıkesir. After losing his father, his family settled in Kadıköy, Istanbul. He completed his primary and secondary education at Kadıköy Yeldeğirmeni School. He began his high school education at Haydarpaşa High School and continued at Kuleli Military High School, graduating in 1953. In 1955, he graduated from the Military Academy and joined the ranks of the army as a second lieutenant.

As a result of his interest in aviation from a young age, he was assigned to the air branch. He was sent to Canada for pilot training. After successfully completing his training in Canada, he returned to the country in 1957 and began his duty at the Merzifon 5th Main Jet Base Command. In 1961, he was appointed to the Eskişehir 1st Main Jet Base. He was promoted to captain in 1963.

On August 8, 1964, during the Cyprus Operation, he was sent from Eskişehir to Cyprus as a flight leader of a four-plane formation. While flying his F-100 aircraft, his plane was hit from the ground and shot down. He managed to eject with a parachute but was taken prisoner by the Greeks. It is alleged that he died as a result of torture carried out in violation of international laws of war concerning prisoners. Cengiz Topel, who was the first Turkish air force casualty in Cyprus, was announced to have died in the hospital, but his body could only be retrieved from the Greeks on August 12, 1964, as a result of persistent efforts.

After ceremonies held in Cyprus, Adana, Ankara, and Istanbul, he was laid to rest on August 14, 1964, at the Sakızağacı Air Martyrs' Cemetery in Edirnekapı.

Fonte della notizia: 12punto