Sırrı Süreyya Önder, a prominent Turkish politician and filmmaker, has made headlines again due to a serious health scare. The 62-year-old member of the DEM Party and Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) was hospitalized following a heart attack on April 15, 2025. This incident has sparked renewed interest in his life and career, prompting many to ask, "Who is Sırrı Süreyya Önder?"
Born on July 7, 1962, in Adıyaman, Önder has had a multifaceted career that spans politics, film, and journalism. His father, Ziya, and mother, Zeliha, instilled in him a passion for the arts and politics from a young age. After completing his high school education, he ventured into cinema and writing, eventually becoming a well-known director, screenwriter, and columnist.
Önder's political journey began in earnest in 2011 when he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Istanbul's 2nd District during the general elections. His political ambitions did not stop there; he ran for mayor of Istanbul in the 2014 local elections as a candidate for the People's Democratic Party (HDP) but was not successful. However, he continued to make his mark in Turkish politics, serving as an Ankara representative in the June and November 2015 elections.
In his political career, Önder has held significant positions, including serving as the Administrative Chief of the TBMM Presidential Council during the 24th term and as a member of the Constitution Commission in the 25th and 26th terms. In the 2023 Turkish General Elections, he was elected as a Member of Parliament from the DEM Party for the 28th term, further solidifying his influence in the political arena.
His health crisis began when he experienced a heart attack in Istanbul. The DEM Party released a statement confirming that Önder was hospitalized due to a serious heart condition, stating, "DEM Party İmralı Committee member and our Deputy Speaker Sırrı Süreyya Önder has been hospitalized this evening due to a serious heart condition." Medical professionals provided immediate intervention, and his condition is being closely monitored.
Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu also addressed the situation, revealing that Önder is undergoing surgery due to a tear in the main artery leading from the heart. Memişoğlu expressed his hopes for Önder's speedy recovery, stating, "The surgery is ongoing, and his condition is being closely monitored. I wish him a speedy recovery." The Ministry of Health confirmed that Önder's treatment is continuing in the hospital.
As news of his health spread, many expressed concern on social media, reflecting Önder's significant presence in Turkish public life. His contributions to both cinema and politics have made him a well-known figure, and the public's reaction underscores the impact he has had on many lives.
Önder's cinematic career is equally noteworthy. He has worked as a director, screenwriter, and actor, contributing to various films that have become staples in Turkish cinema. Notable works include Beynelmilel and İtirazım Var, both of which showcase his unique storytelling abilities and commitment to addressing social issues through film.
In addition to his film work, Önder has also taught cinema courses at universities, sharing his expertise with the next generation of filmmakers and writers. His dedication to education and the arts has made him a respected figure in both fields.
Önder's personal life has remained relatively private, though some details have emerged. He married his wife in 1991 after meeting her at a friend's summer house in Adıyaman, and they have one daughter named Ceren. Ceren has occasionally made headlines, but Önder has generally kept his family life away from the public eye.
As Sırrı Süreyya Önder continues to recover from his health scare, many in Turkey are reflecting on his contributions to politics and the arts. His resilience and commitment to his work have inspired many, and the public is hopeful for his swift return to health and public life.
In the wake of this health crisis, Önder's biography has resurfaced, with many seeking to learn more about his journey from a small-town boy in Adıyaman to a key player in Turkish politics and cinema. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one individual can have on society.
