Önder, Deputy Chairman of the Grand National Assembly, Laid to Rest
Farewell to Deputy Chairman Önder: A Nation Mourns
The funeral of Önder, the Deputy Chairman of the Grand National Assembly, was a poignant event that brought together a multitude of dignitaries and citizens seeking to pay their last respects. Following a ceremony held at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM), Önder’s remains were transported to the Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa Mosque in Levent, a place that witnessed both sorrow and solidarity.
Inside the mosque, Önder’s family—his mother Zeliha Önder, brother Ali Önder, and daughter Ceren Önder Kandemir—received condolences from relatives and friends. A coffin draped in the Turkish flag was placed before an olive branch symbolizing peace, signifying the values he championed throughout his life.
An afternoon funeral ceremony was conducted, attended by notable figures including Numan Kurtulmuş, the President of the Parliament, and various party leaders from across the political spectrum. Among them were CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, MHP Istanbul Deputy Celal Adan, and leaders from the Turkish States Organization Aksakallar Council, along with representatives from several political parties. Istanbul Governor Davut Gül and other city officials were also present, underscoring the widespread respect Önder garnered.
As the ceremony unfolded, a eulogy was delivered by author Ihsan Eliacık, and prayers were offered for Önder’s soul. Attendees gathered not just to mourn but to reflect on his contributions to the nation. Wreaths from MHP Chairman Devlet Bahceli, CHP leader Özel, and other political entities symbolized a unified front in honor of the departed leader.
After the prayers, Önder’s body was laid to rest at Zincirlikuyu Cemetery, amidst an atmosphere of reverence. The ceremony was not without its share of tension, as reports emerged of some participants facing physical altercations, reminding attendees of the broader challenges facing the nation.
The departure of Deputy Chairman Önder marks the end of a significant era in Turkish politics, evoking feelings of loss but also a renewed commitment to the ideals he represented. As citizens and leaders gather to remember his legacy, the collective wish is for a peaceful and harmonious future.
