The program, held at the OSTİM Organized Industrial Zone Conference Hall, was attended by Yenimahalle Mayor Fethi Yaşar, OSTİM Board Chairman Orhan Aydın, heads of NGOs, industrialists, and their families.
Following the recitation of the Holy Quran, Selahattin Çiğdem, son of the late Turan Çiğdem, addressed the attendees, beginning his speech by asking for forgiveness on behalf of his father. Çiğdem continued: “I pray to God for mercy upon those who contributed to OSTİM, especially our late uncle Cevat Dündar, and those we have lost to eternity, who contributed to the industry of Ankara and Turkey.”
A man of struggle
OSTİM Board Chairman Orhan Aydın stated that Turan Çiğdem and his team had made significant contributions to the region. “Brother Turan was instrumental in enabling so many people to produce, find jobs, and earn a living. As our faith dictates, the most beneficial people are those who benefit others. Therefore, I want to express my appreciation here for the great good deeds that Brother Turan Çiğdem has done. I strongly believe that those who contribute to this will be rewarded with good deeds. He poured his heart into the creation of this industrial zone; he was truly a man of struggle. The construction of this place wasn't just about building roads and shops. Its story is like writing history. Therefore, we remember Brother Turan with mercy. We pray for him for his contributions to the region. May God grant him abundant mercy. We offer our condolences and wish long lives to his family.”
"Those who benefit others live forever"
Stating that death is the most important and unchanging truth of the world, Aydın conveyed the following views: “We will all die. What is important is to leave behind a good memory, a pleasant legacy after death. This is not something that everyone will be blessed with. How do people live forever? How can one live forever? The answer to this question is; if people live only for themselves, as much as their own life, then for them life begins with birth and ends with death. But for those who do things for others, who touch others, who provide benefit to others, life does not end after death, it continues forever. May God Almighty make us all among those who live forever, who are remembered, and whose book of deeds is never closed.”
“They will be remembered with gratitude for years to come.”
Yenimahalle Mayor Fethi Yaşar reminded everyone that OSTİM is the school of industrialism in Ankara. He emphasized that they remembered with gratitude Cevat Dündar, Turan Çiğdem, and their colleagues who have passed away and wished those still alive a long and healthy life, adding, "To be able to conceive of OSTİM and bring it to where it is today is an important achievement for the country, the nation, and humanity."
Highlighting Turan Çiğdem's qualities as an elder brother and leader, Yaşar continued: “Turan Çiğdem was a name everyone respected and sought help from for their problems. Those who work to serve the public make sacrifices, even from their families and their lives. This is a unique feeling, a unique love. They leave a pleasant legacy. They are remembered with gratitude by their friends and future generations for years to come.”
Following the speeches, Turan Çiğdem's colleagues and close friends who had been part of his team shared their memories, feelings, and thoughts about Çiğdem.
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