Families of Turkish Cypriot students who tragically lost their lives in the earthquakes that occurred in Kahramanmaras, Turkey, on February 6, while on a volleyball tournament trip to Adiyaman, are marking a year since the devastating loss.
Ruşen Yücesoylu Karakaya, mother of Selin Karakaya, one of the victims, highlighted their efforts to keep their children’s memories alive through the “Champion Angels Preservation Association.”
She emphasized the ongoing pain of their loss and their commitment to seeking justice. “We have experienced this pain for a year. This pain never goes away. It only grows every day. We miss our children every day, and our pain grows with each passing day,” she expressed.
Afet Aktuğralı, mother of Aras Aktuğralı, recounted the day she bid farewell to her son, just before the tragedy struck.
Finding solace in the association’s support, she expressed the collective struggle shared by families who lost their children in the earthquake. “I bid farewell to my son physically a year ago. Our lives have turned into an indescribable pain since then,” she recalled.
Recep Kılıç, the father of Havin, shared his experience of being trapped in the rubble and his determination to continue the legal battle for justice.
“This fight for justice is what keeps us going,” he emphasized.
Despite their grief, families remain resolute in their pursuit of accountability and justice for their children.
(With information and photo from Cyprus Mirror)
