How Could They Show Their Faces at the Funeral? 20 Days of Lies and National Grief!

The story of “Bu aile, bu köylü hangi yüzle geldi cenazeye?!” has sparked a nationwide outcry in Turkey. It revolves around the tragic and brutal death of Narin Güran, a young girl who was the victim of a heinous crime involving sexual assault and murder. The hashtags #nariniçin and #NarinGüranİcinAdalet, which translate to “For Narin” and “Justice for Narin Güran,” have trended widely on social media, as citizens demand accountability and justice for her untimely death.

Background

Narin Güran was a young girl living in a small village in Turkey. She was known for her innocence and lively spirit, like many children in tight-knit rural communities. However, her life was tragically cut short when she became the victim of a brutal crime. Narin was sexually assaulted and then murdered in cold blood, sending shockwaves through the local community and across the country.

The case quickly garnered attention as details began to surface. People were outraged not only by the nature of the crime but also by the response of those involved. The family suspected of having ties to the perpetrator attended Narin’s funeral, sparking fury among those present. Many found it hypocritical and offensive that those who might be involved in the crime would show up at the very event commemorating the victim.

The Public Reaction

The reaction to this incident has been swift and fierce. The phrase “Bu aile, bu köylü hangi yüzle geldi cenazeye?!” translates to “What face did this family, these villagers, come to the funeral with?!” and expresses the public’s disdain and disbelief at the audacity of those accused of wrongdoing. For 20 days, people across Turkey have been grieving Narin’s loss, and they feel that the family involved has only added insult to injury by attending the funeral and allegedly spreading lies about what happened.

The hashtags #nariniçin, #NarininKatilleriniBulun (“Find Narin’s Killers”), and #YeterGelsinSandık (“Enough, Let the Ballot Box Come”) are all calls for justice. These social media movements reflect the growing frustration of Turkish citizens over the lack of accountability for crimes, especially those involving violence against women. This case has resonated with people on a deeper level, as it represents not just the tragedy of Narin’s death but also a broader societal problem.

Violence Against Women in Turkey

The murder of Narin Güran has reignited the conversation about the ongoing issue of violence against women in Turkey. This is not an isolated incident. Over the years, Turkey has seen a worrying increase in cases of femicide and sexual violence. Women’s rights groups, activists, and citizens have repeatedly called for stricter laws and better enforcement to protect women from these horrific acts.

In this context, Narin’s case serves as a stark reminder of how far Turkey still has to go in addressing gender-based violence. The anger surrounding the case is fueled by the perception that justice is often delayed or denied when it comes to crimes against women. Many believe that the legal system is failing to protect women and hold perpetrators accountable.

A Shift in Social Norms

The outrage over Narin’s death is also tied to a broader cultural shift. In the past, Turkish society had a more communal approach to raising children, with adults taking a more active role in protecting and nurturing young people. A phrase circulating on social media, “Bizim zamanımızda, çocuk görünce göz falan kırpardık,” which translates to “In our time, we would wink at a child when we saw one,” reflects the nostalgia for a time when children were cherished by the community as a whole.

This sentiment continues with statements like “Başını okşardık, güldürürdük,” meaning “We would pat their heads, make them laugh.” These expressions of affection are meant to highlight the drastic changes in social interactions that have taken place over time. Today, people are more cautious and hesitant around children, partly out of fear of being misunderstood. The phrase “Şimdi annesi, babası yanlış anlamasın diye kafamızı çeviriyoruz,” which means “Now, we turn our heads so that the parents don’t misunderstand,” reflects the tension and fear that have crept into society when it comes to interactions with children.

Many see these changes as part of a larger erosion of trust and human connection. The final cry, “ÇOK ŞEY ÇALDINIZ İNSANLIKTAN!” or “You have stolen so much from humanity!” is a lament over what is perceived as a loss of innocence and communal values. The sense is that crimes like Narin’s murder are symptomatic of a broader moral decay, where violence, deceit, and mistrust have replaced the care and compassion that once bound communities together.

A Demand for Accountability

The hashtags associated with Narin’s case are more than just slogans; they represent a growing demand for accountability and justice. The name Didem Arslan and others, like Gülbin Tosun and Salim Güran, have been mentioned in connection with the case, suggesting that there are individuals who either have a role in the case or have been vocal about it.

The involvement of prominent figures in the discussion has only amplified the public’s call for justice. Journalists, activists, and politicians have weighed in, each contributing to the ongoing conversation about how Turkey should handle cases of violence against women. The case of Sinan Ateş, mentioned alongside Narin’s, underscores that this is not an isolated issue but part of a larger national conversation about crime, justice, and social decay.

Conclusion

The story of Narin Güran is a heart-wrenching tragedy that has touched the lives of many across Turkey. It is a symbol of the broader issue of violence against women in the country and the failure of the justice system to adequately protect victims. The public outcry, expressed through social media hashtags and public demonstrations, is a powerful reminder that Turkish society is demanding change.

Narin’s case has resonated so deeply because it represents not just the loss of a young life but also the loss of trust, compassion, and humanity in a society that once prided itself on its communal values. As the country continues to grapple with this tragedy, the demand for justice grows louder, with citizens insisting that the truth be revealed and that those responsible be held accountable. Until that happens, the story of Narin Güran will continue to serve as a rallying cry for justice, equality, and a return to the values that once defined Turkish society.