At Üsküdar University’s Çarşı Campus’ garden, a “Silent Call and Absentee Funeral Prayer” was organized to draw attention to the civilian massacres and ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza. During the event, statements were read in Turkish, English, and Arabic, calling on the world public for justice and humanity.
Üsküdar University Rector’s Advisor Prof. İsmail Barış said: “Today, our priority is, of course, Jerusalem, Palestine, and Gaza; but before the sun sets, we must also stand with all the oppressed who are persecuted because of their faith, whether they are Uyghur Turks, in Myanmar, in the Philippines, or anywhere else in the world.”
At Üsküdar University’s Çarşı Campus’ garden, a “Silent Call and Absentee Funeral Prayer” was organized to draw attention to the civilian massacres and ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza. During the event, statements were read in Turkish, English, and Arabic, calling on the world public for justice and humanity.
The program, initiated by Üsküdar University students, included speeches and prayers. Rector’s Advisor and Head of the Department of Social Work at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. İsmail Barış, delivered a speech titled “Genocide Against Gaza.” Afterwards, Sadık Paksoy, Director of Health, Culture, and Sports, spoke on “The Call to Boycott.” The program concluded with a recitation from the Qur’an and an absentee funeral prayer.
Babies' live shorter lives than butterflies
Reading the opening statement, Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine student Ahmet Demircan said they had gathered to commemorate a period of silence in the face of humanity’s suffering: “We are here today to remember October 7, 2023, and the ongoing genocide in Gaza, which is an event that will go down as a dark stain in human history. We are speaking of a time when babies live shorter lives than butterflies, when children have their limbs amputated without anesthesia, and when mothers give birth saying, ‘I raise three homes, and sacrifice them for three martyrdoms.’”
Stating that silence was impossible in the face of such brutality, Demircan continued his remarks as follows: “Remaining neutral in the face of oppression where innocent children, women, and the elderly are targeted is impossible for us. We believe that tyranny cannot last forever, and the prayers of the oppressed will never go unanswered. May God make us not among those who remain silent to oppression, but among those who stand with truth and justice.”
The statement was then read aloud in English and Arabic, emphasizing its universal message.
Prof. İsmail Barış: “We gathered to raise our voices against genocide in Gaza and Palestine”
In his address, Prof. İsmail Barış presented both a historical and moral perspective: “From one of Türkiye’s most important universities, from the heart of Üsküdar, we have gathered to raise our voices against the genocide in Gaza and Palestine. Zionism, Judaism, and its current representative, the State of Israel, are repeating what they have done throughout history. The world should not put too much trust in them in the name of peace.”
He further emphasized: “What is happening in Gaza and Palestine has been ongoing for years. We must be united; strength first comes through unity and faith. Today, our priority is Jerusalem, Palestine, and Gaza, but before the sun sets, we must also stand with all the oppressed around the world who suffer persecution because of their faith, whether in East Turkistan, Myanmar, or the Philippines.”
Prof. Mehmet Zelka: “Victory belongs to the believers”
At the end of the event, Rector’s Advisor Prof. Mehmet Zelka addressed the current state of the Muslim world: “Our Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘A time will come when people swarm upon the ummah.’ What we are experiencing today is exactly this. We are not few in number but love of the world and fear of death have brought us to this point. Hope and struggle are crucial. When we awaken, there is nothing beyond our reach. Victory belongs to the believers. Allah is with us, but He expects effort from us. The young people gathered here today are symbols of that effort.”
Prof. Zelka stressed that the call for justice regarding Gaza and Palestine is rising worldwide, not only among Muslims but also across different societies: “As we come together, our voices will grow louder, and we will present a stronger stance against oppression. God willing, if we fulfill our duty, victory will be ours, and Jerusalem will attain freedom.”
Sadık Paksoy: “We must never lose unity and solidarity”
Also addressing the event, Sadık Paksoy, Director of the Department of Health, Culture, and Sports at Üsküdar University, emphasized unity: “Those who seize the world’s blessings have turned humanity into mere servants. Today, from East Turkistan to Myanmar, the world is in flames. Humanity will never find peace unless our nation awakens. These young people are our hope. You will raise this flag higher and be the means for the awakening of the ummah. We must lead in knowledge and never lose unity and solidarity.”
Following the speeches, Enes Salih Topal recited verses from the Qur’an.
The program concluded with an absentee funeral prayer for civilians and martyrs who lost their lives in Gaza. Throughout the event, participants maintained an atmosphere of silence, prayer, and solidarity, making a heartfelt appeal to the conscience of humanity.
