“Can you hear the echoes of sorrow?” I ask. Here in Ayvalı Mahallesi a tragic event has left an indelible mark.
Ayvalı Mahallesi is a neighborhood in Ankara’s Keçiören district. It is known for its schools and shopping. But it is also known for a heartbreaking event that occurred here.
In recent times Ayvalı Mahallesi became the scene of an unspeakable tragedy. A mother suffering from schizophrenia killed two of her children. She also severely wounded another. The event shook the community to its core.
The news reports detailed the horrific scene. Serpil A.D. cut the wrists of her children. A.B.D age 12 A.S.D age 10 and O.A.D age 7. Two of the children A.S.D and O.A.D died at the scene. A.B.D was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Neighbors recounted the horrifying discovery. One neighbor heard the commotion. He initially thought it was just a fight. He then saw a child covered in blood. The neighbor entered the house with others. They found the children with their wrists cut. The mother seemed unaware of what she had done.
The father Mehmet Dereci was at work when he received the devastating news. His eldest daughter called him saying “Father help”. He rushed home but it was too late. He later shared his grief. He mentioned his wife’s mental health struggles. He had tried to get her treatment. She refused. He described her paranoia in the months leading up to the tragedy.
The surviving daughter A.B.D was transferred to Istanbul for further treatment. The father expressed his determination to support her. He also said that they could no longer live in that place. The community mourned the loss of the two young lives. They struggled to comprehend the enormity of the tragedy that had unfolded in Ayvalı Mahallesi.
This event serves as a somber reminder. It highlights the importance of mental health awareness. It also shows the need for accessible support systems.
As we stand here in Ayvalı Mahallesi let us remember the lives lost. Let us also reflect on the importance of community and compassion. We must support those who are struggling with mental illness. Only then can we prevent such tragedies from happening again.