Ankara, January 10 – Families of those who lost their lives in the Grand Kartal Hotel fire at the Kartalkaya Ski Center on January 21 last year, commemorated their loved ones by hanging 78 birdhouses in the ’78 Lives Memorial Forest’ in Ankara.
Commemoration at the ’78 Lives Memorial Forest’
Each birdhouse hung in the ’78 Lives Memorial Forest’ at Atatürk Forest Farm by the families of those who died in the fire was prepared to bear the name of a person who lost their life in the incident.
Duygu Can, who lost her son Doruk, daughter Nehir, and their father in the fire, stated to Anadolu Agency that they had previously established a memorial forest to keep their loved ones alive and honor their memories. Can added that by hanging 78 birdhouses in the memorial forest, they wanted to provide a home for souls and commemorate January 21 in this manner.
A Tragic Incident Remembered
The fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu Kartalkaya Ski Center, which took place on January 21 of the previous year, was a devastating event that claimed numerous lives. The commemoration ceremony in Ankara served as a poignant reminder of the tragedy and a testament to the enduring love and remembrance of the victims’ families.
The act of hanging birdhouses symbolizes hope, new beginnings, and a peaceful resting place for the souls of those lost. The ’78 Lives Memorial Forest’ stands as a permanent tribute, allowing families and the community to reflect and remember the lives that were tragically cut short.
Community Support and Ongoing Remembrance
This initiative highlights the community’s support for the grieving families and their collective effort to keep the memory of the victims alive. Such events play a crucial role in the healing process for those affected by such profound losses.
The commemoration not only honors the deceased but also raises awareness about safety and the importance of remembering past tragedies to prevent future occurrences. The families expressed their gratitude for the support received and their determination to continue honoring their loved ones in meaningful ways.
The event, organized by the families, underscores the deep bonds of love and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity. It also serves as a reminder to the wider public of the impact of such events and the importance of collective memory.
Source: https://www.haberturk.com/ankara-haberleri/40217851-kartalkayadaki-otel-yangininda-hayatini-kaybedenler-ankarada-anildi
