A large crowd gathered at the historic Fatih Mosque in Istanbul on Friday to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the assassination of Metin Yüksel, a prominent figure in the 20th century Islamic movement in Türkiye.

The event, organised by the Martyr Metin Yüksel Platform, served as a platform to remember Yüksel's legacy and reaffirm his contributions to the Islamic community.

The programme began with a solemn funeral prayer in absentia, in which prayers were offered for Yüksel and countless other martyrs who have fallen throughout history. The recitation of the Koran filled the mosque with a sense of reverence and reflection.

Semih Kaplan, who delivered a press statement on behalf of the Metin Yüksel Martyr Platform, spoke of Yüksel's unwavering commitment to the core Islamic principles of tawhid (oneness of God), ummah (global Muslim community) and wahdat (unity). He highlighted Yüksel's embodiment of these principles through his actions and unwavering support for oppressed Muslim communities worldwide.

Kaplan's speech resonated with the audience as he recounted examples of Yüksel's advocacy. "We heard from him," Kaplan said, "the need not only to pray for Muslims, but also to fight for them and, if necessary, to be in the trenches with them to defend them. He went on to emphasise Yüksel's unwavering support: "His cry, his anger, his struggle was always for them.

A significant part of the ceremony focused on drawing parallels between Yüksel's legacy and the ongoing 'Aqsa Flood' resistance movement in Palestine. Kaplan described the Aqsa Flood as a pivotal moment not only for Palestinians but for the entire Muslim world, characterising it as a war for liberation, justice and humanity.

He emphasised the global nature of the struggle against oppression and tyranny. "This war is a war of right and wrong," Kaplan declared, "a war of humanity against local, regional and global oppressors and tyrants, pharaohs and bullies".

Inspired by Yüksel's indomitable spirit, Kaplan declared the platform's unwavering commitment to continue the struggle against Zionism and imperialism. "On this day, when we breathe the climate of martyrdom," Kaplan said, "we declare that we will take all our responsibilities with the consciousness of ummah and wahdat in the struggle against imperialism and Zionism."

The commemoration culminated in a march from Fatih Mosque to Edirnekapı Martyrdom, where Yüksel lies in state. Chants in support of Yüksel, Palestine and the resistance movement rang out, followed by prayers at his grave.

Metin Yüksel, a vocal advocate of Islamic social activism and a symbol of resistance for certain segments of Turkish society, was assassinated in 1979. His annual commemoration serves as a platform to remember his contributions and the ideals he embodied. This year's event, coinciding with the ongoing Aqsa Flood Operation, highlighted the enduring relevance of his struggle for justice and the interconnectedness of the struggles faced by Muslim communities worldwide. (ILKHA)