Istanbul- Emine Ocak, mother of Hasan Ocak who was tortured to death in custody in 1995 and one of the Saturday's Mothers, died at the age of 89 on July 22, 2025 after having a heart attack due to respiratory failure on June 20, 2025.

A memorial ceremony was held in Istanbul’s Galatasaray Square on Thursday for Emine Ocak with the participation of thousands, including Eren Keskin, Co-chair of the Human Rights Association (IHD), Pervin Buldan, member of the Imrali Delegation, Ayşegül Doğan, Spokesperson of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), Republican People’s Party (CHP) Diyarbakır MP Sezgin Tanrıkulu, Berkin Elvan’s mother Gülsüm Elvan, members of the Saturday People and the Peace Mothers’ Initiative and representatives from the human rights movement.

Emine Ocak’s coffin, wrapped in black cloth, was brought to Galatasaray Square while people carried the photographs of Emine Ocak and a banner reading, “I did not give up, I will not give up” and placed carnations on her coffin.

The memorial ceremony started after the life story of Emine Ocak was read.

‘My mother, who cultivated patience from pain and hope from patience’

“My mother, who cultivated patience from pain and hope from patience,” said Masire Ocak, daughter of Emine Ocak, at the memorial ceremony. “My mother, you have become hope not only in our hearts but also in the hearts of millions of people. You always stood firm. You felt not only your pain but also the pain of all people. We felt the pain of the disappeared in your eyes. We will never forget them. Now, we are sending you to Hasan. A people's memory beats in a mother's heart. We will resist for all mothers, fathers and relatives who we have lost.”

Hanım Tosun, the wife of Fehmi Tosun who disappeared in custody, vowed to maintain the struggle of Emine Ocak. “Goodbye, there are mothers waiting for you there. Mother Elmas, Mother Berfo and Hasan are also there. We will be happy when you embrace Hasan.”

‘We learned how to resist from her’

İkbal Eren, a member of the Saturday People, said that ıt was difficult to say goodbye without justice. “We learned how to resist from Mother Emine. Mother Emine brought us together. Thanks to Mother Emine, I now have many sisters and brothers. Mother Emine, say hello to all of them.”

The ceremony ended after thousands chanted the “Goodbye, we are here, mother” slogan together.

Emine Ocak’s coffin will be taken to the Gazi Djemevi at 16:00 (Turkish time) and she will then be buried next to her son, Hasan Ocak.