Memories of Martyr Cennet Yiğit Preserved in “Memory House” in Kayseri
In the aftermath of the failed coup attempt orchestrated by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) on July 15, 2016, the memories of 23-year-old assistant commissioner Cennet Yiğit, who was martyred during an attack on the Special Operations Department in Ankara, are being preserved in a “memory house” located in the basement of her family home in Bünyan, Kayseri.
Emotional Tribute to Martyr Cennet Yiğit
The “memory house” dedicated to Cennet Yiğit includes her photographs, childhood dolls, engagement ring, official uniform, clothes worn at the time of the attack, shrapnel from the bombings, her artwork, and photos of her fellow martyrs. Her family attempts to cope with their loss through these keepsakes.
Father Yahya Kemal Yiğit: “We Relive July 15 Every Second”
Expressing how the family finds solace in Cennet’s belongings, father Yahya Kemal Yiğit said that July 15 is indelibly etched in their memories. He stated, “We created a memory house here. Our citizens are very sensitive. So far, 20,000 people have visited. With each visitor, we relive July 15,” he said. He mentioned that visitors write their thoughts about July 15 in a memorial book, which shows the society’s stance against coups.
“We Lost a Child, but Gained Thousands”
Eight years have passed since the coup attempt, but the pain remains fresh for Yiğit. “We will never forget the treacherous coup attempt of July 15, and we will not let it be forgotten. We will tell this story again and again to future generations. Just as the allied forces came to occupy this country in Çanakkale, they attempted the same on July 15. But thanks to our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership, citizens did not allow it,” he said. Despite the sorrow of losing his daughter, he expressed pride in being part of a martyr’s family. “We have thousands of children now, thanks to God. Most importantly, we still have our country,” he added.
The Martyr Cennet Yiğit Memory House
Father Yahya Kemal Yiğit detailed the items in the “memory house” formed from Cennet’s belongings. “All her uniforms, jewelry, diaries are here. The boots she wore during the trench operations still have mud on them. Cennet’s life story from infancy to martyrdom is here. Her drawings, charcoal works, and pieces of the bomb dropped on July 15 are here. The cluster bomb dropped by the coup plotters, which we’d never use on even our worst enemies, is also here. Among other personal effects are a shrapnel piece from the bomb, her personal pistol, and her burnt phone,” he said. Additionally, the pride certificates presented by state officials are displayed in the “memory house,” which Yiğit described as “a corner from Cennet.”