Who is Sırrı Süreyya Önder?
Sırrı Süreyya Önder was a Turkish politician, filmmaker, and activist known for his bold voice in Turkish politics. Born in 1962 in Adıyaman, he came from a Turkmen family and dedicated much of his life to both political resistance and cultural expression.
On May 3, 2025, he passed away at the age of 62 after complications from heart surgery. His death marked the end of a vibrant chapter in Turkey’s political and artistic history.
Early Life and Education
Önder’s father was a barber and a founding member of the Workers’ Party of Turkey, while his mother was a homemaker. He was one of four children. From a young age, he was interested in photography and social issues.
He completed high school in Adıyaman and later graduated from Ankara University’s Faculty of Political Science.
Filmmaking and Media Work
Önder wrote for the popular TV series Emret Komutanım and contributed to Kalpsiz Adam as a script consultant. He directed and wrote several films and performed in numerous productions. His work in media was widely recognized for its political depth and artistic integrity.
Imprisonment and Activism
His activism began in high school, when he was jailed for protesting the Maraş Massacre. During his university years, he was arrested after the 1980 military coup. In 2018, he received a prison sentence due to a speech made during Newroz celebrations and was incarcerated in Kocaeli.
Political Life
Between 2011 and 2013, Önder was a key figure in the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP). Later, he joined the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and remained active for a decade. In 2014, he ran for Istanbul mayor but did not win. By 2023, he was serving under the DEM Party and was appointed Deputy Speaker of the Turkish Parliament.
Parliamentary Career
In 2011, Önder entered parliament as an independent candidate from Istanbul with support from BDP. In 2015, he was elected as HDP’s representative for Ankara. He served as a member of parliament between 2011 and 2018, and returned in 2023 as a DEM Party MP from Istanbul.
Death and Hospital Statement
On April 15, 2025, Önder was rushed to the hospital after suffering cardiac arrest. He underwent emergency surgery for aortic dissection, including a Bentall operation and bypass. Despite intensive care, including ECMO support, his condition worsened due to multiple organ failure.
On May 3, 2025, at 16:10, Sırrı Süreyya Önder died in intensive care. The hospital issued a statement expressing condolences to his family and supporters.
Personal Life
In 1991, he married Halide Tülay Demirsöz. They had a daughter, Ceren Önder Kandemir, before later divorcing. His personal life remained mostly private, although his dedication to justice was always public.
