On December 25, 2025, the usually bustling Cumhuriyet Meydanı in Kayseri was imbued with a somber yet heartfelt atmosphere. Citizens gathered near the historic Bürüngüz Mosque, drawn not by politics or protest, but by a simple act of remembrance: the distribution of lokma, a traditional sweet pastry, in memory of two recently deceased mayors from Manisa—Ferdi Zeyrek and Gülşah Durbay. The event, organized by the Republican People’s Party (CHP) Kayseri Provincial Directorate, became a poignant moment of communal mourning and reflection.
The loss of Ferdi Zeyrek, Manisa’s Metropolitan Mayor, and Gülşah Durbay, Mayor of the Şehzadeler district, was felt far beyond their home province. According to DHA and several regional outlets, Zeyrek died in June 2025 after a tragic electric shock accident. Durbay, beloved by her constituents, passed away on December 14, 2025, following a battle with colon cancer and related health complications. The news of their passing, especially so close together, sent shockwaves through the political landscape and left many communities grieving.
In a statement at the event, CHP Kayseri İl Başkanı (Provincial Chair) Ümit Özer addressed the gathered crowd, expressing both personal and collective sorrow. "As you know, in June, we lost our Manisa Metropolitan Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek due to a tragic incident. Not long ago, we also lost our Şehzadeler Mayor Gülşah Durbay. Today, as the CHP Kayseri provincial organization, we have gathered to remember and honor them, and to share our grief with the citizens of Kayseri," Özer said, according to DHA and Kayseri En Son Haber. He emphasized that both mayors had, in their short time in office, won the hearts of the people through their dedication and service.
The timing of the lokma distribution was especially significant. It coincided with Regaip Kandili, a revered night in the Islamic calendar marking the beginning of the three holy months. This is a time traditionally associated with prayer, reflection, and acts of charity. As Özer noted, "Today is Regaip Kandili, the beginning of the three holy months. It is a day when all prayers are believed to be accepted." The event thus became both a memorial and a spiritual gathering, blending civic remembrance with religious observance.
Party members and local citizens alike joined in the ceremony, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such a meaningful act. The CHP Kayseri Youth Branches also played a visible role, underscoring the sense of unity and intergenerational respect that pervaded the event. Social media posts from the party leadership highlighted the broad participation and the deep emotional resonance of the gathering.
Throughout the day, the mood was reflective but warm. Lokma, a food commonly distributed in Turkey during religious occasions or in memory of the deceased, was handed out to all who attended. In Turkish culture, sharing lokma is both an act of charity and a means of keeping the memory of loved ones alive. As one participant remarked, "This is a meaningful event, and we thank everyone involved." The gesture allowed citizens to collectively express their condolences and support for the families and colleagues of the two mayors.
Ümit Özer’s words captured the widespread admiration for Zeyrek and Durbay: "Both mayors left a significant mark on the hearts of the people. With their services, they made millions happy, and with their untimely loss, they brought millions to tears." He added, "We wish God’s mercy upon our mayors and patience for their loved ones and those who cherished them." According to a statement shared by the CHP Kayseri organization, "We will never forget these beautiful people. We believe they will live forever in the hearts, prayers, and memories of this nation. May their souls rest in peace, and may their places be in paradise."
The event was also a moment for political reflection. Losing two prominent mayors in quick succession is a rare occurrence, and it prompted many to consider the impact these leaders had on their communities. As reported by Deniz Postası and Kayseri En Son Haber, both Zeyrek and Durbay were known for their approachability and their commitment to public service. Their deaths at relatively young ages only deepened the sense of loss. "We lost our Manisa Metropolitan Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek and our much-loved Şehzadeler Mayor Gülşah Durbay at a very young age," Özer lamented. "Today, as the provincial directorate, we distributed lokma in their name. Once again, I wish God’s mercy to our mayors and patience to their families and loved ones."
For many, the ceremony was not just about mourning but also about honoring the legacy of public service. The CHP Kayseri Provincial Directorate made it clear that the memory of Zeyrek and Durbay would continue to inspire their work. "We will continue to keep alive the memory of our departed mayors," the organization stated. The event concluded with prayers, as participants invoked blessings for the souls of the deceased and for the well-being of the wider community.
As dusk settled over Cumhuriyet Meydanı, the scent of freshly fried lokma lingered in the air—a sweet reminder of lives well-lived, if all too brief. The crowd slowly dispersed, but the sense of unity and shared remembrance remained palpable. The day had been about more than just loss; it was a testament to the enduring bonds between leaders and the people they serve, and to the power of simple acts of kindness to bring comfort in times of sorrow.
In the days and weeks ahead, the legacy of Ferdi Zeyrek and Gülşah Durbay will no doubt continue to be felt—not just in Manisa, but across Turkey. Their dedication, warmth, and compassion left a lasting impression, one that events like this help to keep alive. As the CHP Kayseri İl Başkanlığı and the citizens of Kayseri demonstrated, grief can be shared, memories can be honored, and even in sadness, communities can find strength together.
