Death Anniversary of Hatun Sürücü: The Story of an Individual Woman – and Many Young Girls
The 21st death anniversary of Hatun Sürücü, a victim of an 'honor killing', sparks calls for open discussions on patriarchal violence in Berlin.
Hatun Sürücü, a German-Kurdish woman, was murdered 21 years ago for seeking to live an autonomous life, a crime that has since symbolized the violence perpetrated in the name of so-called honor. In Berlin, the city's Mayor, Kai Wegner, emphasized the need for open discussions around patriarchal violence during a memorial event attended by Sürücü's son, Can. His presence marks a return to public life after years of absence, as he aims to honor his mother and raise awareness of honor-related crimes. The event at the Red City Hall highlighted the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence and the importance of listening to the stories of victims. Can Sürücü's emotional tribute to his mother underscores the personal impact of these societal issues, representing not only his own family's trauma but the shared suffering of many young women who face similar threats. His call to action reflects a desire for societal change and better protective measures for those at risk. The commemoration serves not only as a remembrance of Hatun Sürücü's tragic fate but also as a rallying point for advocates fighting against honor-based violence. The dialogue around this topic is essential for making strides toward equality and justice, emphasizing the need for collective action to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.