Anniversary of Uğur Mumcu’s Death
Anniversary of Uğur Mumcu’s Death
Today marks the 33rd anniversary of the departure of Uğur Mumcu, the courageous pen of the Turkish press and an investigative journalist-writer, who was lost in a treacherous assassination on January 24, 1993.
Uğur Mumcu was not just a journalist; he was a warrior of enlightenment who fearlessly shed light on the dark corners of Turkey, exposing corruption, terrorism, and the “cult-politics-commerce” triangle.
On this meaningful day, we commemorate Uğur Mumcu and the values he represented through these headlines:
1. “One Cannot Have an Opinion Without Having Knowledge”
This is the greatest principle he bestowed upon Turkish journalism. Mumcu always based his claims on documents, concrete data, and meticulous research. In today’s world of increasing disinformation, this principle remains the most reliable compass.
2. Pioneer of Investigative Journalism
He wrote about topics no one else dared to touch, such as arms smuggling, drug trafficking, deep-state structures, and the inner workings of terrorist organizations. His works like “Rabıta” and “The Kurdish File” remain essential sources for understanding Turkish history even today.
3. “We Are Shot, O My People, Do Not Forget Us!”
After his death, his name, his writings, and his cause were embraced by a vast segment of society. Every year, the period between January 24 and 31—starting with the assassination of Muammer Aksoy and symbolized by Uğur Mumcu—is observed as “Justice and Democracy Week.” Throughout this week, the principles of democracy, secularism, and the rule of law are emphasized.
4. The Morning of January 24, 1993
When he lost his life as a result of a bomb placed in his car in front of his house on Karlı Street in Ankara, he left behind thousands of articles and dozens of books. The “veil of mystery” surrounding the assassination and the debate over the true perpetrators remain one of Turkey’s bleeding wounds, even after 33 years.
Let us remember him in his own words:
“I am an Ataturkist… I am a republican… I am a secularist… I am an anti-imperialist… I stand for a fully independent Turkey… I am a libertarian… I am a defender of human rights… I am the enemy of bigots, thieves, profiteers, and opportunists.”
We remember Uğur Mumcu with respect, longing, and gratitude. May he rest in peace (Işıklar içinde uyusun).
