In Germany's capital, Berlin, 33 intellectuals and artists who were massacred at the Sivas Madımak Hotel on July 2, 1993, were commemorated on the 33rd anniversary of the massacre with a march and memorial program attended by thousands. At the event, which was attended by representatives of Alevi institutions, democratic mass organizations, and political parties, demands for justice, confrontation, and equal citizenship were once again strongly voiced.
The memorial program, jointly organized by the Federation of Alevi Unions in Germany (AABF), the Berlin Alevi Community Cemevi (BAT-Cemevi), sister associations, and democratic mass organizations, began at Hermannplatz Square. Representatives from Die Linke, the Greens, and the SPD were also present at the event attended by thousands.
The program commenced with a 'gülbenk' (a prayer) by Haydar Akdağ Dede, Head of the Faith Council of BAT-Cemevi, a moment of silence, and semah performances accompanied by the 'deyiş' (folk songs) of Anıl Sarpkaya.
"The Common Conscience of Humanity Was Burned at Madımak"
Haydar Akdağ Dede stated that the Madımak Massacre meant not just the burning of a building, but the burning of humanity's common conscience. He said that true social peace could not be achieved as long as the state did not confront the massacre.
Akdağ stated that those who lost their lives in the massacre were the spiritual leaders of the Alevi community and emphasized that they would continue their struggle until justice was served.
"This Struggle is a Struggle for Truth and Justice"
Speaking on behalf of the organizing institutions, Şermin Sertkaya, a member of the BAT-Cemevi Board of Directors, stated that justice had still not been served 33 years after the Madımak Massacre.
Reminding that the Sivas case has been left unresolved for years, Sertkaya conveyed the following message:
- Statute of limitations cannot be applied to crimes against humanity.
- The political dimension of the massacre must be revealed.
- Truth, confrontation, and justice must be achieved.
Sertkaya stated that some of the perpetrators of the Madımak Massacre continue to live in Germany, and even in Berlin, and that legal efforts are ongoing to bring these individuals to justice.
Joint Message from Political Parties: "Justice Must Be Served"
Prominent figures in Berlin politics who spoke at the memorial program emphasized that the Madımak Massacre must not be forgotten.
Die Linke: "What Happened Was a Pogrom"
Elif Eralp, representative of Die Linke in Berlin, stated that what happened in Sivas was not an "incident" but an open pogrom. She said that discrimination against Alevis continues not only in Turkey but also in Germany.
Eralp stated that the Alevi faith should be more visible in the education system and that chairs for Alevism should be established in universities.
Greens: "It is a Shame That the Perpetrators Live in Berlin"
Bettina Jarasch, candidate for Deputy Mayor of Berlin from the Green Party, described the fact that some of the perpetrators of the massacre continue to live in Berlin as "shameful."
Jarasch stated that far-right and radical religious groups threaten democracy and called for a joint struggle against hate crimes.
SPD: "Berlin Stands with the Alevi Community"
Steffen Krach, representative of the SPD in Berlin, said that Berlin stands with the Alevi community.
Krach stated that crimes against humanity should not be forgotten and announced their support for stronger representation of the Alevi faith in education, academia, and public life.
Thousands Marched to Oranienplatz
After the speeches, thousands marched from Hermannplatz to Oranienplatz, carrying photographs of the 33 lives lost.
During the march, messages were conveyed in Turkish and German stating that the Madımak Massacre would not be forgotten, the struggle for justice would continue, and solidarity against hate crimes would grow.
The march, supported by Berlin Democratic Alevi Associations, Alevi youth organizations, and various non-governmental organizations, concluded after final speeches at Oranienplatz.
Thousands of attendees paid their respects once again to those who lost their lives in the Madımak Massacre with the slogan "We have not forgotten, we will not let it be forgotten."
Photos: BAT-Cemevi Press Office / Ulaş Yunus Tosun
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