The ASELSAN technicians who lost their lives in the helicopter crash in Qatar, Süleyman Cemre Kahraman and İsmail Enes Can, were bid farewell with a state ceremony in Ankara. Emotional moments were experienced during the ceremony, which saw heavy participation.
Emotional Farewell Ceremony in Ankara
A funeral ceremony was held for the ASELSAN technicians who were martyred in the helicopter crash in Qatar at Ahmet Hamdi Akseki Mosque in Ankara’s Çankaya district. Following the noon prayer, the funeral prayer was attended by state officials and a large number of citizens.
While the families of the martyrs received condolences, Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş supported the families.
State Protocol and Political Figures Attend Ceremony
Senior state officials and political figures attended the funeral ceremony. Among those present were:
- Cevdet Yılmaz
- Yaşar Güler
- Devlet Bahçeli
- Özgür Özel
- Mansur Yavaş as well as many other political figures, military officials, and citizens.
A wreath sent by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was also placed in the mosque courtyard.
Martyrs Sent Off with Prayers
After the funeral prayer, the bodies of the martyrs were carried on shoulders accompanied by chants of “Allahu Akbar.” Accompanied by a police band, the martyrs were transported to funeral vehicles:
- Süleyman Cemre Kahraman was laid to rest at Cebeci Martyrs’ Cemetery,
- while İsmail Enes Can was sent to be buried in the Güdül district of Ankara.
Details of the Accident: Technical Failure Allegation
Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler stated that the accident, which occurred during a training activity in Qatar, was caused by a technical failure.
It was reported that the helicopter crashed into the sea and that a total of three Turkish personnel were martyred. Among the martyrs was Air Defense Major Sinan Taştekin.
Condolence Messages: “Our Pain Is Great”
Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, in his statement, expressed condolences for the martyrs and emphasized that the Turkish nation deeply feels the pain.
Ahmet Akyol, in his statement, said:
“We bid farewell to our martyred technicians with prayers. May our nation’s loss be consoled.”
A Major Loss for the Defense Industry
This tragic incident once again highlighted the importance of ASELSAN personnel who undertake critical duties in Türkiye’s defense industry. The loss of expert technicians caused deep sorrow both in the Turkish Armed Forces and within the defense industry community.
