Manisa in mourning... Farewell to Ferdi Zeyrek! Laid to rest: Özgür Özel could not hold back his tears

Manisa Metropolitan Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek, who was seriously injured in an electrical accident that occurred in the machine room of the pool at his home on June 6, the first day of Eid al-Adha, died after three days in hospital. Zeyrek, 48, was laid to rest today with a funeral ceremony.

Hundreds of people from Manisa, who had not left the front of the hospital since the first day Zeyrek was taken there, kept vigil until morning. Ferdi Zeyrek’s body was taken from the hospital at around 09.00 this morning. Citizens gathered in front of the municipal building with flowers in their hands and tears in their eyes to bid farewell to their beloved mayor.

FUNERAL CEREMONY BEGAN AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING

Tens of thousands of people gathered in front of Manisa Metropolitan Municipality to attend the official ceremony held for Zeyrek. A large photograph of Zeyrek and a banner reading “We are in mourning” were hung on the municipal building. 

After the ceremony, the body will be taken to Cumhuriyet Square before the funeral prayer to be held at Hatuniye Mosque, where citizens will pay their final respects.

ÖZGÜR ÖZEL GOT INTO THE FUNERAL VEHICLE

CHP Chair Özgür Özel took his place in Zeyrek’s funeral vehicle. Özel was seen experiencing emotional moments. CHP deputies, mayors, representatives of civil society organizations and local administrators from many political parties also attended the ceremony.

“THIS DEATH DID NOT BEFIT HIM”

Speaking at the ceremony, Turgutlu Mayor Çetin Akın described his friendship with Ferdi Zeyrek through tears and used the following expressions: 

“Mayor Ferdi touched people’s hearts. He reached out to people with disabilities, the elderly and children. This death did not befit him. He left far too soon. He built the Manisa alliance and was elected with a record vote of 58 percent. Not only CHP supporters, but AK Party supporters, MHP supporters and people from every segment are crying for him.”

THOUSANDS FLOCKED TO THE CEREMONY AT THE MUNICIPALITY

People from Manisa flocked to the front of Manisa Metropolitan Municipality, where the first ceremony was held. 

In the front rows at the ceremony were CHP Chair Özgür Özel, CHP Secretary-General Selin Sayek Böke, CHP İstanbul Provincial Chair Özgür Çelik, Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş, Mersin Metropolitan Mayor Vahap Seçer, Antalya Metropolitan Mayor Muhittin Böcek, Ataşehir Mayor Onursal Adıgüzel and CHP deputy Mustafa Sarıgül. 

CHP leader Özgür Özel’s eyes filled with tears as he spoke at the ceremony. 

Ferdi Zeyrek's wife, Nurcan Zeyrek, said: "He was devoted to Manisa. He had very strong faith; do you give him your blessing? I have three children; I will be both mother and father to them. The prayers of all Manisa are with us, may God bless you all." 

A banner reading "We are in mourning" was hung on Manisa Metropolitan Municipality, and the same poster was also placed on billboards. 

NO PERMISSION FOR İMAMOĞLU; HIS WIFE ATTENDED THE CEREMONY

Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is being held in Silivri Prison, applied to the Ministry of Justice to attend Ferdi Zeyrek's funeral. While there has not yet been a response to İmamoğlu's application, Ekrem İmamoğlu's wife Dilek İmamoğlu and İBB Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan attended the ceremony in front of Manisa Metropolitan Municipality.