Veli Bilgin: Air Force Academy Student Laid to Rest in Niğde

Air Force Academy student Veli Bilgin fell ill at the Air Force Command 18th Main Base Command Practical Training Camp in Yalova. Bilgin, who passed away during the training, was laid to rest in his hometown, Niğde.

His body, draped in the Turkish flag, was brought to his family home in Yeşilgölcük town of Niğde. A funeral ceremony for Bilgin was held following the afternoon prayer in the indoor market area.

Bilgin's coffin was carried on the shoulders of soldiers to the catafalque. His biography was read, and blessings were sought during the ceremony.

Following the funeral prayer, Bilgin's body was interred in the town cemetery.

Bilgin's family and relatives attended the funeral ceremony. Also present were Niğde Governor Nedim Akmeşe, AK Party Niğde Deputy Cevahir Uzkurt, and Mayor Emrah Özdemir. Land War College Commander Major General Levent Sabahattin Güldağı, National Defence University Air Force Academy Commander Major General Vedat Öncel, and Yalova 18th Main Base Commander Air Pilot Brigadier General Mert Uysal were also at the ceremony. National Defence University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Talat Canbolat, Niğde Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Colonel Gürol Okyar, and Niğde Provincial Police Chief Erdinç Yüceer were also among those who participated in the ceremony. Many citizens also accompanied Bilgin on his final journey.