Thousands of Muslims from across Türkiye gathered in the Yolaç (Susa) neighborhood of Diyarbakır's Silvan district to commemorate the martyrs of the Susa Mosque massacre on the 34th anniversary of their martyrdom.

The commemoration program, organized by SUSA-DER, brought together scholars, community leaders, families of the martyrs, students, and visitors from various provinces. Participants visited the Susa Martyrs' Cemetery and the mosque where ten devoted Muslims were martyred during an armed attack on June 26, 1992.

Throughout the day, attendees reflected on the sacrifices of the martyrs, whose lives and deaths continue to inspire generations of believers. Organizers described the gathering not merely as a memorial event, but as an opportunity to strengthen faith, revive Islamic consciousness, and transmit the legacy of the martyrs to younger generations.

Remembering Those Martyred on the Path of Allah

The program began after the afternoon prayer with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Ammar Zeren. The verses echoed throughout the cemetery as participants stood among the graves of the martyrs, reflecting on the honor bestowed upon those who sacrificed their lives while pursuing knowledge of the Quran and serving the cause of Islam.

Following the recitation, prayers were offered for all martyrs who gave their lives in defense of faith, truth, and justice.

Speaking on behalf of the martyrs' families, Mullah Münir Şanlı emphasized that martyrdom occupies a unique and honored place in Islam.

"A martyr is a witness to the truth and a witness to a sacred cause," he said. "Those gathered here today are also witnesses to the lives and sacrifices of these martyrs."

He described the cemetery as a place where believers reconnect with the spirit of sacrifice, sincerity, and devotion to Allah.

"The blood of those who were martyred while attending the mosque, studying the Quran, and striving in the path of Allah is blessed," Şanlı said. "Their graves remind us that the path of faith has always required sacrifice, patience, and steadfastness."

A Legacy Rooted in the Quran and the Sunnah

Throughout the event, speakers stressed that the martyrs of Susa were not ordinary victims of violence, but believers who dedicated their lives to worship, Islamic learning, and service to their community.

Religious hymns commemorating the Susa martyrs were performed by singers from Özlem Ajans, while organizers recounted the biographies of the 33 martyrs buried in the Susa Martyrs' Cemetery.

Participants listened attentively as the stories of the martyrs were shared, many of whom devoted their lives to learning and teaching the Quran, attending mosque activities, and raising awareness of Islamic values.

The accounts served as a reminder that every generation of Muslims is called upon to preserve the message of Islam and remain committed to the path of the prophets, the righteous, and the martyrs.

"The School of Susa Is the School of the Prophets"

Addressing the gathering, Mullah Siraç Şanlı described Susa as a living school of faith and sacrifice.

"We must understand the school of Susa," he said. "This is not merely a cemetery. It is a place that teaches us the path of the prophets, the path of tawhid, justice, and resistance against oppression."

He explained that the message of Susa is inseparable from the message carried by the prophets throughout history.

"This is the path of Prophet Ibrahim, Prophet Nuh, Prophet Hud, Prophet Salih, Prophet Yahya, Prophet Yunus, Prophet Yusuf, and all the prophets who stood against falsehood and called humanity to worship Allah alone," he said.

According to Şanlı, the martyrs buried in Susa continued this prophetic legacy through their commitment to Islam and their willingness to sacrifice everything for their faith.

Raising a Generation That Loves Faith and Sacrifice

A major theme of the program was the importance of nurturing future generations with a strong Islamic identity and a deep love for the Quran.

Şanlı emphasized that the stories of the martyrs should not be viewed merely as historical events but as lessons for Muslims today.

"The martyrs remind us that Islam is not preserved through words alone," he said. "Every generation must be prepared to make sacrifices for the protection of faith, morality, justice, and the Quran."

He urged families to educate their children about the lives of the martyrs so that they would grow up with a strong sense of responsibility toward their religion and community.

Stories of Faith, Patience, and Devotion

Among the most emotional moments of the program were the accounts of young martyrs and the steadfastness shown by their families.

Speakers recounted the story of children who spent their nights in worship and Quranic study, aspiring to live lives dedicated to Allah. They also recalled the patience and faith demonstrated by parents who viewed the martyrdom of their children as a sacrifice offered for the sake of their Lord.

Participants were reminded that Islamic history is filled with examples of believers who remained steadfast in the face of hardship, drawing inspiration from the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the martyrs of Uhud, and countless righteous men and women throughout the centuries.

Renewing the Covenant With the Martyrs

Throughout the gathering, speakers repeatedly emphasized that remembering the martyrs requires more than annual ceremonies.

They called upon Muslims to renew their commitment to the Quran, strengthen their relationship with the mosque, preserve Islamic morals, and stand firm against injustice and oppression wherever it occurs.

"The greatest way to honor the martyrs is to continue the work for which they sacrificed their lives," one speaker remarked.

As the event concluded, thousands of participants raised their hands in prayer, asking Allah to accept the martyrs among the righteous, grant patience to their families, and enable future generations to remain steadfast upon faith and truth.

More than three decades after the Susa Mosque massacre, the memory of the martyrs continues to live on in the hearts of believers. For those gathered in Susa, the commemoration was not only a remembrance of the past but also a renewal of their covenant to uphold Islam, serve the Quran, and preserve the legacy of those who gave their lives in the path of Allah. (ILKHA)