Safiye Soyman tearfully remembers son Harun on second anniversary of his death
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Safiye Soyman commemorated the second anniversary of her son Harun Akaröz's death from multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Soyman expressed her deep grief, stating that the pain of losing a child is incomparable and that she visits his grave regularly.
- Her husband, Faik Öztürk, also shared his sorrow, recounting how he slept with his son's pillow to feel close to him.
Turkish singer Safiye Soyman tearfully commemorated the second anniversary of her son Harun Akaröz's passing. Akaröz died at the age of 42 from multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease affecting the central nervous system that had caused him progressive muscle weakness, balance issues, and difficulties with walking and speaking for 24 years.
The second year passed so quickly, like a dream. It feels like my son passed away yesterday. May God spare anyone the pain of losing a child. This pain does not subside; it's unlike anything else for a mother or father. A child is something else entirely.
The remembrance ceremony took place at Akaröz's grave in Gündoğan Cemetery, attended by Soyman, her husband Faik Öztürk, and numerous relatives. Prayers were offered for the repose of his soul.
Speaking to reporters, Soyman shared the depth of her enduring sorrow. "The second year passed so quickly, like a dream. It feels like my son passed away yesterday," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "May God spare anyone the pain of losing a child. This pain does not subside; it's unlike anything else for a mother or father. A child is something else entirely."
I come to his grave all the time, summer and winter. We never leave him alone. Even when I sing my songs, my eyes are always teary. My heart aches.
Soyman revealed her constant devotion, stating, "I come to his grave all the time, summer and winter. We never leave him alone." She admitted that even while performing, her eyes well up with tears, her heart aching. Faik Öztürk echoed her sentiments, describing the profound impact of their loss. "A fire burns where it falls," he stated, reflecting on how memories flood back. "I couldn't sleep at all last night. I know Safiye slept with Harun's pillow because it smelled like him. It's harder for her as a mother."
A fire burns where it falls. Everything comes to our minds. I couldn't sleep at all last night. I know Safiye slept with Harun's pillow because it smelled like him. It's harder for her as a mother.
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.