Ahmet Yildiz 1982 -2008
Ahmet Yildiz was an openly gay Turkish national and citizen living in Istanbul, Turkey at the time of his murder. He was murdered in 2008. He was 26 years old at the time of his death. There is considerable mystery, insinuation and uncertainty around the exact circumstances surrounding his death. What is known is that he was shot several times, fled from his assailant or assailants, was somehow able to get into his vehicle and drive a short distance before crashing his vehicle and subsequently dying a short time later at the hospital.
The prevailing theory is that Ahmet was a victim of what is called “honor killing.” An honor killing is one member of a biological family killing another member of the family or social group because of a belief that the victim has brought dishonor to the family or community. Traditionally, the vast majority of victims of honor killings have been girls and young women. In recent times however, they have extended to men as well.
Ahmets openly gay life made him the target of death threats which he received at least more than a couple of times. Despite this and the enormous pressure he faced to conceal his sexuality, he had the courage to stand his ground and remained open about it until his death.
It was apparently very well known that Ahmet's family, particularly his father, were very disturbed by his sexuality and especially his determination to be open about it. He had been vigorously pressured by his family to undergo psychotherapy designed to “correct” his sexuality though he consistently resisted such pressure. After his murder no one from his family came to claim his body. This is often true of victims of honor killing. His boyfriend who fled the country shortly after his murder was not allowed to claim his body. Ahmet's father reportedly fled to Iran after his son's murder. It is unknown if he has ever returned to Turkey.
LGBT people throughout the world, including The United States, continue to be at risk for similar fates as that suffered by Ahmet Yildiz. No one culture or country holds a monopoly on such actions. The exact technique and degree may differ from case to case. However, the end result is often the same.
May All Beings Be Free
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