Speaking to the large crowd gathered at Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM), Peoples' Equality and Democarcy (DEM) Party Co-chair Tülay Hatimoğulları described Önder as a unifying figure and a tireless advocate for peace. “Önder was a peace ambassador for people of all backgrounds, languages, and identities. He was more than a writer, artist, and politician—millions saw their own stories in him. His life reflected the struggles of women and the poor in this land,” she said. 

 

Emphasizing that Önder's illness brought society together across divides, Hatimoğulları added, "His presence united people around the ideals of a democratic society. He pushed for peace no matter the cost, for Turks, Kurds, Arabs, and exiled comrades. He fought so that Turkish and Kurdish mothers would no longer cry. Your words will never be forgotten, Sırrı. This time, we will succeed."

 

'WE PROMISE YOU, EUPHRATES WATERS WILL REACH MARMARA'

 

DEM Party Co-chair Tuncer Bakırhan also spoke, invokng the words of legandary writer Yaşar Kemal to express the depth of loss and determination to continue Önder's mission. "Sırrı was the symbol of peace, a true master of words," said Bakırhan and added: "Your story was as rooted as the soil you came from. Like a dengbêj (Kurdish singer), every word you spoke carried the weight of this geography."

 

Bakırhan recalled Önder's hopeful words from a peace meeting a decade ago in Dolmabahçe, noting that they had lost Yaşar Kemal the very same day. "You once siad, 'The mountains and the people are tired—peace will win.’ We are sending you off today with Kemal’s words: ‘To fight war without killing, to resist without violence—this is the greatest idea this land has produced.’”

 

Bakırhan concluded: "You gave yourself fully to peace so that no one would suffer. We promise you, Sırrı; Euphrates' waters will reach the Marmara. Peace will win. We will miss you beautiful heart."