Journalist and author Şefik Kantar, known for his efforts toward the preservation of the Turkish language, the maintenance of national identity, and the strengthening of the cultural presence of Turks in Europe, has passed away at the age of 69.
In a message released regarding Kantar's passing, the Istanbul Branch of the Writers Union of Turkey (TYB) stated that through his journalism, writing, and intellectual struggle, he kept the issues of the Turkish community in Europe on the agenda.
"We pray for God's mercy upon the fighter, journalist, and author Şefik Kantar, who brought the issues of European Turks to the agenda through his works and dedicated his life to serving the cultural existence and values of our nation, and we extend our condolences to his family, loved ones, and our literary community."
Born in Rize in 1957, Kantar began his journalism career at a young age. After moving to Germany in 1979, he conducted studies on the social, cultural, and identity issues of the Turkish community in Europe.
With the newspaper İntertürk, which he began publishing in Cologne in 1989, Kantar aimed to be the voice of European Turks for many years. Kantar, who prepared programs for various television channels, was also known for his articles, books, and cultural activities.
Among the published works of Şefik Kantar are "Çarmıha Gerilen Bebek" (The Crucified Baby), "Allah’a Bir Ev Yapmak" (Building a House for God), "Yad Eller Aldı Bizi" (Foreign Hands Took Us), "Türkleşmek İslamlaşmak Almanlaşmak" (Turkifying, Islamizing, Germanizing), "Köln Mektupları" (Cologne Letters), and "Bir Hasret Hikayesi" (A Story of Longing).
News Source: 12punto
