Turkey: Multiple Commemorations for Communist Leader İbrahim Kaypakkaya
Featured image: event in Ataşehir, Istanbul, by the Cultural Asociation Pir Sultan Abdal (PSAKD). Source: Yeni Demokrasi (YD)
On 18th of May, the 52nd anniversary of the martyrdom of the important Communist Leader İbrahim Kaypakkaya took place. In recent days, there have been numerous actions and events in Turkey to commemorate him. Commemorations have also taken place in Europe. In Cologne, Germany, a significant international event has been organized:
The Communist Party of Turkey/Marxist-Leninist (TKP/ML) has issued a statement on the occasion of this anniversary:
Partizan issued also a statement:
Partizan Prisoners also issued their own statement:
Events have been held in various cities. In Ataşehir, Istanbul, the PSAKD organized an event called “We Remember the Martyrs from May 1937 to the Present,” which was attended by representatives from several organizations, including Partizan, the Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP), and the Federation of Socialist Assemblies (SMF). The event had a high attendance. There, the representative of Partizan emphasized Kaypakkaya’s teachings and how they remain relevant today.
In Dersim, another joint event was held, organized by the Federation of Socialist Assemblies (SMF) and Partizan. The event began with a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs of the revolution and communism, represented by İbrahim Kaypakkaya. A film was screened, and Partizan held a speech highlighting that Kaypakkaya provided an analysis of nations and nationalities in the country, defended the right of nations to self-determination, insisted on the necessity of revolution, and put emphasis on the issue of the Party and its importance. Following the speeches, there were also addresses from the Provincial Organization of the Labor Party (EMEP) and the Dersim branch of the Human Rights Association (IHD).
In Samsun, a commemorative event was called, attended by representatives from political Parties and organizations, and it was noted that thousands of people have been investigated for remembering and honoring the Communist Leader İbrahim Kaypakkaya.
In Istanbul, there was another commemorative event that began with a speech, followed by a moment of silence for those immortalized in the struggle for revolution and communism, and especially for İbrahim Kaypakkaya. A video presentation was shown, followed by a discussion. It was stated that separating Kaypakkaya from Maoism would be a betrayal because he can only be understood through Maoism. The anti-imperialist character of Kaypakkaya was emphasized, and it was reported that İbrahim’s flag continues to fly high today. The firm stance of the international Maoist movement and the Palestinian national liberation struggle were highlighted. It was declared that the struggle against feudalism and against imperialism are linked.
During the past week, Partizan has carried out numerous agitation actions throughout Turkey.
