Turkey: The Sivas-Madımak Massacre was commemorated
Featured image: banner by Partizan conmemorating the Sivas-Madımak massacre. Source: Yeni Demokrasi.
On July 2, 1993, 33 intellectuals, writers and poets were burned to death at the Madımak Hotel by state-backed reactionary fascist gangs. The lawyers who defended the murderers in the Madımak case were rewarded by being made mayors and members of parliament. The brutal burning murder of these 33 and two hotel employees, who were in Sivas for the Pir Sultan Abdal festivals and stayed at the Madımak hotel is commemorated by revolutionary forces at many places in Turkey, Europe and around the globe.
Revolutionary-democratic institutions, including Partizan, Pir Sultan Abdal Cultural Association Samandağ Branch, and Reconstruction Platform, came together at Abdullah Cömert Park on July 1 and demanded to hold those accountable who carried out the massacre and to continue to struggle. The action ended with the slogans “Don’t forget Sivas, don’t let it be forgotten!” .
The Dersim Labor and Democracy Platform organized a commemoration event in Seyit Rıza Square. First of all, a lamp was lit in the square and a commemoration was held for those who lost their lives in the massacre. Speeches were held and a musical concert was performed.
Thousands marched in Sarıgazi, Istanbul. The march started with the chant “He is alive” after the names of those lost in the Sivas Massacre were read out. During the march, slogans such as “The Light of Sivas will not turn of!” and “We will drown fascism in the blood it spills!” were chanted. Grup İsyan Ateşi and Grup Vardiya performed on stage together and sang folk songs and anthems. The commemoration event ended with more slogans.
A commemoration event was held in London by the British Alevi Unions Federation in the area where the Madımak martyrs’ monument is located. In addition to PARTIZAN , other revolutionary-democratic forces also participated in the event.
