ANKARA - PKK leaders Rıza Altun and Ali Haydar Kaytan are commemorated in Tuzluçayır neighbourhood.

 

The PKK announced the final declaration of its 12th Congress yesterday. In the declaration, it was stated that the PKK's leading cadres Ali Haydar Kaytan died on 3 July 2018 and Rıza Altun died on 25 September 2019. Kaytan and Altun are commemorated today with an event in Ankara's Tuzluçayır neighbourhood. 

 

The commemoration is being held at Altun's house. Photographs of Altun and Kaytan, decorated with carnations, were left at the place where the commemoration took place. A memorial book was also placed there.

 

During the commemoration, a cinevision will be shown about the lives of Altun and Kaytan. Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party Co-chairs Tuncer Bakırhan and Tulay Hatimoğulları and many politicians are expected to attend the commemoration.

 

TUZLUÇAYIR NEIGHBOURHOOD

 

Tuzluçayır neighbourhood is an important place in the history of the struggle of leftist and socialist organisations. The neighbourhood, where shanty houses were built in the 1960s, became home to families coming from different parts of Kurdistan and Turkey. The predominantly Alevi population from Kayseri, Çorum, Yozgat, Sivas and Kırşehir formed the dominant culture of the neighbourhood.

 

The neighbourhood, where solidarity was at the forefront, also became a place for "Apoists" with the arrival of Kemal Pir in 1975. Kemal Pir established himself here with his active struggle. In a short time, he connected with the youth and became a leader. When Abdullah Öcalan came to the neighbourhood and held meetings, Tuzluçayır became a centre where the PKK was ideologically shaped and pioneering cadres were trained.