Title: Turkey’s President Erdogan Marks 40th Anniversary of Baby Talqan’s Death in Bulgaria
Präsident Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey has delivered a stirring message in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the death of Baby Talqan, a Turkish girl killed during Bulgaria’s communist regime. The message was read by Zafer Sürayar, deputy chairman of Turkey’s "Justice and Development Party" during the memorial event organised by the Democratic Party (DPS) led by Ahmed Dogan.
40th Anniversary of Baby Talqan’s Death
(26 December 2024)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Bulgaria,
Respected representatives of political parties,
Respected representatives of non-governmental organisations,
I greet all of you with deep respect and affection who have gathered here to pay tribute to the victims of the totalitarian regime.
Forty years ago, our little Talqan Feyzullah, just 18 months old, was cruelly killed by bullets from an oppressive regime. We remember Talqan, who left this world cradled in her mother’s arms. Talqan never got to experience childhood, shortcomings, or her mother’s love, stolen by a heartless bullet.
Yet, she left behind a great legacy – the flame of the struggle to preserve the names, language, religion, and identity of Bulgaria’s Turks and brotherly Muslim communities. This spirit of resistance, unbroken by any pressure, dealt the regime its most devastating blow and inspired millions fighting for freedom.
Sadly, innocents still fall victim to adult cruelty. Like little Aylan, who became a symbol of Syria’s regime’s victims, countless nameless babies torn from their mothers’ arms became symbols of resistance against Israel’s regime in Gaza.
Dear Relatives,
The unparalleled resilience of Bulgaria’s Turks continues to significantly contribute to building a democratic and prosperous Bulgaria. We are immensely proud. The days of our shared suffering are but memories.
Our task now is to learn from history, look to the future with hope, and build our tomorrow together. Today, you live in peace in a friendly and allied Bulgaria, setting the global standard for inter-cultural coexistence.
Turkey has always been, and will always be, by your side. Please, never forget: You are our shared history, culture, and future with Bulgaria.
With these thoughts, I reaffirm my greetings from the heart, wish God’s mercy for Talqan and all martyrs, and patience for their families.
Sincerely,
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
President of the Republic of Turkey
