The march was organized in Istanbul to mark the 15th anniversary of the Mavi Marmara attack. During the march, those who were martyred by Israeli attacks a few days ago while working at IHH’s Gaza office — Cemal al-Mubayyid, Muhammad al-Mubayyid, Mu’taz Rajab, Ahmed Bustan, and Ishaq al-Tayyif — were also honored. Many NGOs supported the march, which featured chants condemning the occupying Israeli regime. The march started from Fatih Mosque to the courtyard of the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. After the march, a student from the Ali Nar Imam Hatip Middle School Qur’an Memorization Program Hafiz Adnan Havut recited the Qur’an, followed by a speech by IHH Chairman Bülent Yıldırım.
In his speech, Yıldırım said:
“You know, we had bought ships. All the world’s governments united to oppose their departure. They said, ‘If these ships set sail into the Mediterranean, these governments won’t help.’ If they wouldn’t help, then let them sail. The U.S. and Israel said, ‘Don’t let them sail,’ and the whole world acted in uniform. Nevertheless, the Conscience ship set out as part of the Freedom Flotilla. In Malta, the crew and onboard teams were to be changed — fully replaced with European personnel. That’s when Conscience was struck by two drones near Malta. We pulled the ship toward Libya, but Libya refused to take it. From here, I would like to address my Libyan brothers: your leaders refused the ship.”
Yıldırım added:
“We are requesting the permission from the Ministry of Transport for the ship to dock at the port. Let me say this clearly: if this ship is not allowed to dock, we must all be ready to protest. I call on our Ministry: as of today, a formal investigation must be launched against anyone blocking this ship.”
Mavi Marmara Became a Symbol of Hope for Gaza
Further in his speech, Yıldırım stated:
“As of today, a ship from the Freedom Flotilla has departed from Sicily. And that’s not all — land convoys have also begun moving. Currently, a thousand vehicles from African countries like Tunisia and Algeria are on their way, intending to reach Egypt. Our Mavi Marmara Association will also make a statement on Wednesday and announce how to travel to Egypt by plane from Türkiye. Mavi Marmara was launched and attacked; but until the recent assaults, the Rafah crossing remained open. The ten martyrs on the Mavi Marmara sacrificed themselves for the sake of food, sustenance, and healing for tens of thousands in Gaza.”
Touching upon Türkiye’s defense industry independence, Yıldırım added:
“A significant step was taken toward the independence of the Republic of Türkiye in its arms industry. We had been dependent on Israel. When they said, ‘We won’t sell weapons to you,’ we replied, ‘Then we will make our own.’ The most vital turning point in today’s defense industry was Mavi Marmara.”
“We Bring Aid, and We Are Martyred”
Referring to the attack on the Conscience Ship, Yıldırım said:
“Dear brothers and sisters, on the anniversary of Mavi Marmara, our brothers conducting humanitarian work in Gaza were deliberately targeted by Israel. First, our kitchen was hit; we lost one martyr and had two personnel critically injured. Later, our team was attacked by an American-supplied drone while delivering aid by vehicle. Four of our brothers were martyred in that attack.”
Commenting on the deaths in Gaza and global silence, Yıldırım said:
“Let me summarize the situation: we distribute aid, and we are martyred. We set sail with ships, and we are attacked. What more can a civil society organization do? All we can do is make this call: O international states, O Islamic countries! Unite your military forces. The people in Gaza are only asking countries to ‘Come, open the borders, and bring us aid.’ Let me say this here and now: children are left alone, women are left alone, people are dying… Let us condemn this!
O leaders of the Islamic world! Come together, and if necessary, conduct a military operation to open the Rafah crossing.”
“Do Not Sacrifice Gaza”
Addressing the Islamic world, Yıldırım continued:
“I call on the nations neighboring Gaza: Either your states open the border or elect leaders who will. Take action, head to the borders. O people of Egypt! If people from around the world are coming to open the Rafah Gate, then it is your duty to walk to the gates as well. If you walk, then we will walk with you — watch how the Rafah Gate opens. Break free from America’s deception. Trump came, took everyone’s money, then said: ‘We are your friends, but give us Gaza as a price to pay.’ O Muslims! Do not sacrifice Gaza on Eid al-Adha!”
What Happened on Mavi Marmara?
In 2010, six international NGOs, including IHH, set out to deliver 6,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza and to break the blockade. The flotilla carried both aid supplies and 750 activists from 36 countries. On May 31, 2010, the occupying Israeli forces attacked the flotilla in international waters, killing 10 humanitarian volunteers and seriously injuring 56 others. The names of the martyrs are as follows:
Uğur Süleyman Söylemez, Cevdet Kılıçlar, Necdet Yıldırım, İbrahim Bilgen, Furkan Doğan, Fahri Yaldız, Çetin Topçuoğlu, Cengiz Songür, Cengiz Akyüz, and Ali Haydar Bengi.
The march concluded with a prayer by Hakan Coşkun Hoca, President of the Asır Foundation.
