Family members, supporters, and community leaders gathered in Diyarbakır’s Bağlar district on Sunday to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the assassination of Aytaç Baran, the former president of Yeni İhya-Der, a religious and social aid organization.

Baran was killed in an armed attack on June 9, 2015, in an incident widely attributed to members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) during a period of heightened violence in southeastern Türkiye. The commemorative event, organized by the Martyrs Caravan Platform and the Mustazaflar Association, served as a powerful tribute to Baran’s legacy and a call to uphold his vision of faith-driven justice and resistance.

Aytaç Baran was a prominent figure in Diyarbakır, known for his unwavering commitment to Islamic principles and his role as a mentor to young activists, including Yasin Börü, a teenage student brutally killed during the violent unrest tied to the Kobane protests of October 6-8, 2014. Baran’s assassination, widely regarded as part of a targeted campaign against Islamic figures in the region during the mid-2010s, left a deep scar on the community, making his annual commemoration a significant moment for reflection, unity, and renewed resolve.

A Solemn and Spiritual Ceremony

The program began with a moving recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Hafiz Ömer Akgül, whose resonant voice set a solemn tone for the gathering. Attendees then joined in a collective reading of Surah Yasin, a chapter of the Qur’an traditionally recited to honor the deceased and seek blessings for their souls. The spiritual atmosphere was palpable, as participants reflected on Baran’s sacrifice and its broader implications for their community and faith.

The centerpiece of the event was a stirring and emotional speech by Ömer Çelik, President of the Martyrs Caravan Platform. Çelik’s address wove together themes of martyrdom, Islamic history, and the ongoing struggle against oppression, framing Baran’s life and death as part of a divine continuum of sacrifice and resistance. His words resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom were visibly moved by the call to honor Baran’s legacy through action and steadfastness.

Martyrdom: The Engine of the Islamic Cause

Çelik emphasized the central role of martyrdom in Islam, describing it as a divine institution designed to sustain the faith. “Allah has ordained that the door of martyrdom remains open until the Day of Judgment,” he declared. “When Muslims stray into complacency or despair, martyrdom serves as a clarion call, reviving their spirit and purpose. The blood of martyrs like Aytaç Baran has always been the lifeblood of this cause, propelling it forward through every trial.”

Drawing on historical parallels, Çelik referenced the Battle of Badr, a defining moment in early Islamic history where a small group of believers achieved victory against a much larger force, attributing their success to divine intervention following the sacrifices of martyrs. He urged attendees to draw inspiration from such moments, portraying Baran’s martyrdom as a continuation of this sacred tradition. “Martyrdom is not a loss but a seed planted for future generations,” he said. “Aytaç Baran’s sacrifice challenges us to live with purpose and courage.”

Islamic Resilience vs. Fleeting Ideologies

Çelik drew a sharp distinction between the enduring nature of the Islamic cause and what he called “worldly ideologies” such as socialism and communism, which he argued had collapsed into capitalism under pressure. “Movements not anchored in divine truth are destined to falter,” he stated. “But the Islamic cause, rooted in the eternal guidance of Allah, grows stronger through adversity.” He cited iconic figures of Islamic resistance—Sheikh Izzeddin al-Qassam, Sheikh Ahmad Yasin, Yahya Sinwar, and Ismail Haniyeh—as examples of leaders whose martyrdom fueled the emergence of new voices rather than diminishing the movement.

“The oppressors believe that killing our heroes will end our struggle,” Çelik asserted. “They are wrong. From the blood of every martyr, another Sinwar, another Haniyeh rises. This cause is not man-made—it is sustained by Allah’s will.” His words underscored a belief in the regenerative power of martyrdom, framing it as a catalyst for renewal and resilience.

Echoes of the 1990s: A Legacy of Struggle

Reflecting on the Islamic awakening in southeastern Türkiye during the 1990s, Çelik recounted the severe repression faced by religious youth and the systematic assassinations of Islamic scholars and activists. He likened these figures to Habib-i Neccar, a Qur’anic figure martyred for defending the prophets and their message. “Just as Habib-i Neccar was killed for calling people to follow the messengers, so too were our brothers in the 1990s targeted for upholding the Book of Allah and the way of the Prophet,” Çelik said. “But they were not buried—they were planted. From their blood, this generation has risen, carrying forward their mission.”

Çelik’s reference to the 1990s resonated with many attendees, who recalled the era’s challenges and the enduring impact of those who stood firm in their faith. He framed their sacrifices as foundational to the current generation’s resolve, emphasizing continuity in the struggle for justice and faith.

Islam as the Final Stand Against Global Oppression

Çelik positioned Islam as the sole force capable of confronting global imperialist powers, specifically naming the United States, Britain, and Israel as perpetrators of injustice. “We were not created to chase fleeting worldly gains,” he declared. “Our purpose is to challenge the reign of tyrants and restore justice through the message of Islam. This is our true mission.” He portrayed the Islamic cause as a universal call to resist oppression, rooted in divine purpose and unyielding in the face of adversity.

He called on attendees to honor the martyrs not merely with words but through lives of sacrifice, struggle, and unwavering commitment. “We must visit their graves, cherish their legacy, and prepare ourselves for hardship,” Çelik urged. “If we endure the trials of this world with faith, we are saved. If we falter, we face greater tests in the hereafter.”

A Unified Call to Action

The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt prayer for all martyrs, with a special focus on Aytaç Baran, led by community leaders and attended by a diverse crowd of men, women, and youth. The prayer reaffirmed the community’s dedication to the path of Islamic resistance and justice, with many attendees visibly moved by the collective act of remembrance. The event closed with a renewed pledge to embody Baran’s values in daily life, ensuring that his sacrifice continues to inspire action and unity.

The commemoration not only honored Aytaç Baran but also served as a rallying cry for the community to remain steadfast in their faith and mission, reinforcing the enduring power of martyrdom in shaping the future of their struggle. (ILKHA)