HÜDA PAR Chairman Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu called for a renewed investigation into the Başbağlar Massacre and urged authorities to address unresolved questions surrounding the case during a commemoration marking the 33rd anniversary of the attack.

The memorial program, held at the Fatih Ali Emiri Efendi Cultural Center in Istanbul, brought together representatives of political parties, civil society organizations, and relatives of the victims who were killed in the July 5, 1993 massacre in Başbağlar village in eastern Türkiye's Erzincan province.

The event began with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Hafız İsa Bilecen, Imam-Hatib of Ortaköy Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, followed by a documentary presentation on the massacre and its aftermath.

Addressing participants, Yapıcıoğlu described the 1990s as a period marked by violence and instability and said the memory of the victims should continue to serve as a reminder of the importance of social unity and justice.

“Thirty-three innocent people lost their lives on July 5, 1993. It was one of the many painful events that left deep wounds in our nation’s memory,” he said. “We must ensure that such tragedies are neither forgotten nor repeated.”

Drawing parallels with other mass killings, including the Srebrenica genocide and incidents in East Turkestan, Yapıcıoğlu argued that attacks targeting civilians often sought to undermine the values and bonds that unite communities.

“The real target was not only innocent people but also the shared values that hold societies together,” he said.

Emphasizing the importance of solidarity among different ethnic and cultural groups, Yapıcıoğlu said people from diverse backgrounds have long coexisted through common values, shared history, and mutual respect.

“Our languages, regions, and backgrounds may differ, but the values that unite us are far stronger than the differences that separate us,” he told the audience.

The HÜDA PAR leader also highlighted the importance of preserving historical memory, citing the late Bosnian leader Alija Izetbegović’s often-quoted statement that “massacres that are forgotten are repeated.”

He said remembering past atrocities is essential for understanding the conditions that led to them and preventing similar tragedies in the future.

A significant portion of Yapıcıoğlu’s speech focused on the Başbağlar case itself. He called on the Ministry of Justice to reexamine the circumstances surrounding the massacre and investigate lingering questions regarding its perpetrators, possible organizers, and the judicial process that followed.

“Many questions remain unanswered after more than three decades,” he said. “The public deserves a full and transparent clarification of the events and the factors behind them.”

Başbağlar Association Chairman Erhan Aydınlı also addressed the gathering, calling for the establishment of an independent commission to further investigate the massacre and help bring greater clarity to the case.

The Başbağlar Massacre remains one of the most significant and controversial incidents of Türkiye’s turbulent 1990s. Thirty-three civilians were killed in the village on July 5, 1993, and annual commemorations continue to be held in memory of the victims while renewed calls are made for justice and accountability.

This year’s anniversary events focused not only on honoring those who lost their lives but also on reinforcing appeals for a comprehensive examination of the case and ensuring that the tragedy remains part of the nation’s collective memory. (ILKHA)