A chilling silence hangs in the air. This is the Istanbul Palace of Justice Prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz Campus. It stands imposingly before you a stark reminder of a tragedy.
This isn’t just any courthouse. It’s the largest in Europe covering over 300000 square meters. Inaugurated in July 2011 it became a symbol of Turkish justice. But its history is marked by violence.
In March 2015 two members of the DHKP-C a banned leftist group held Prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz hostage. They demanded the public naming of police officers involved in the death of Berkin Elvan. The six-hour standoff ended tragically with the prosecutor’s death. The gunmen were also killed.
This event shook Istanbul. The siege highlighted security vulnerabilities. The attackers disguised themselves as lawyers entering without being searched. This shocking breach of security led to significant changes. The incident remains a sobering chapter.
The Istanbul Palace of Justice Prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz Campus continues to operate. It stands as a testament to the enduring need for justice. It’s also a memorial to those lost in the violence of 2015. The memories linger. They shape the atmosphere.
A later attack in 2024 near the campus further underscored the challenges. Two more DHKP-C members attacked a nearby police station. This resulted in the death of a civilian and the injury of several others. The attackers themselves were killed.
The events at this very place underscore the complexities of Turkish politics. The campus stands as a symbol of both hope and loss. Its very stones hold the echoes of these profound events. It is impossible to walk these grounds without reflecting on the past. Remember the sacrifices. Remember the battles. Remember Mehmet Selim Kiraz.