Iraq: Turkmen martyrs remembered in Erbil

ERBIL, Iraq

A ceremony to remember Turkmen leaders, who were martyred by the Ba’ath regime in 1980, was held in Erbil, the capital of Kurdish Region Government (KRG) in northern Iraq.

The ceremony was organized by the provincial Presidency of Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITF) with the attendance of Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government’s (KRG) Minister of Region for Components’ Affairs and Executive Board Member Aydin Maruf, Turkmen party officials, members and relatives of martyrs.

Underlining the importance of the Jan. 16 in Turkmen history, Maruf reminded that the Turkmen leaders were unfairly executed by the Ba’ath regime 41 years ago.

Turkmen people remained loyal to their struggle despite pressure and threats from past governments, he added.

Maruf also pointed out that the Turkmen Martyrs Day represents all Iraqi Turkmen martyrs which should be officially accepted by both Iraq and the KRG.

The Ba’ath regime led by Saddam Hussein in Iraq martyred Turkmen leaders Abdullah Abdurrahman, Dr. Necdet Kocak, Adil Serif and Dr. Riza Demirci on Jan. 16, 1980.

Turkmen people commemorate the day with memorial events under the name of "Martyrs' Day" on Jan. 16 every year.

*Writing by Havva Kara Aydin