Symbol of the Kartalkaya tragedy hangs sheets from building window: 'Not negligence, but probable intent'

The fire that broke out on January 21 at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya Ski Resort resulted in the loss of 78 lives, 36 of whom were children.

Businessman Rıfat Doğan's wife, Ceren Yaman (45), and daughter, Lalin Doğan (16), also lost their lives in this tragedy. The disaster was recorded as one of the largest hotel fires in the world.

In the investigation launched following the incident, a lawsuit was filed against a total of 32 defendants, 19 of whom are in custody, and the defendants were brought before a judge. The second hearing of the case, for which an interim decision has been made, will continue on September 22.

BANNER AND WHITE SHEETS HUNG

To commemorate those who lost their lives in the fire and to raise public awareness, Rıfat Doğan hung banners and white sheets on apartment buildings along the D-100 highway. In addition to the white sheets draped over the facades of the buildings, a large banner featuring an image of a burning candle and the text "We have no more lives to lose" was placed on the upper floor of the building.

"THE VERDICT WILL SET A PRECEDENT"

Stating that the verdict to be reached in the hearing on September 22 will set a precedent, Doğan said, "The decision that will come out of this will be a precedent. Either everyone will do their job properly, carry out their inspections completely, take their work seriously, and know the weight of the signature they put down, or they will continue to act incompetently, saying 'Nothing will happen to me.' All our effort is to ensure that such tragedies do not happen again and that our loved ones are not lost.

The hearing on September 22 is approaching. I invite everyone to support us in this hearing once again. You have always supported us until today. That is why I am glad you exist, I am glad you are with us," he said.