Who is Ömer Halisdemir?
Life and Childhood
Ömer Halisdemir was born on 4 March 1974 in the village of Çukurkuyu, located in the Bor district of Niğde. Growing up as one of seven siblings, Ömer worked as a shepherd from a young age to support his family. He had a deep love for nature and animals. According to his father, he was a hardworking, honest, and disciplined child. He began his education in Niğde and continued his schooling under difficult conditions.
Ömer Halisdemir's Childhood (Fikriyat)
Military Education and Career
After completing high school, he chose to join the military. In 1999, he enlisted in the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) as an Infantry Non-Commissioned Officer. Throughout his service, he undertook numerous important assignments both within Türkiye and abroad. He participated in operations in Northern Iraq, Southeastern Anatolia, Afghanistan, and Europe. His fellow soldiers described him as brave, loyal to his duty, and trustworthy.
Ömer Halisdemir served as the bodyguard non-commissioned officer for Lieutenant General Zekai Aksakallı, Commander of the Special Forces. This assignment was given only to soldiers of the highest trustworthiness.
Ömer Halisdemir (AA)
The Night of 15 July: Symbol of Courage
On the night of 15 July 2016, a coup attempt was launched against Türkiye’s democratic government. Some military personnel sought to seize control of the state. That night, Brigadier General Semih Terzi, one of the key figures in the coup plan, moved to take over the Special Forces Command in Ankara.
Upon learning of the situation, Lieutenant General Zekai Aksakallı called Ömer Halisdemir and issued the following order:
“Ömer, Brigadier General Semih Terzi is a traitor to the homeland. Kill him before he enters the headquarters. If you die in the process, your martyrdom is assured; forgive me for this.”
Ömer Halisdemir accepted this order without hesitation. He replied, “Yes, Commander, may my soul be forgiven. You too forgive me.” Halisdemir arrived at the command building and shot Brigadier General Semih Terzi in the forehead, neutralizing him. However, he was immediately shot 17 times by coup-supporting soldiers and martyred.
Symbol of Love for the Homeland
Ömer Halisdemir’s courage disrupted the coup plotters’ plans on the night of 15 July and altered the course of events. His sacrifice strengthened public resistance and inspired many to stand up for democracy.
His funeral was held in Çukurkuyu, the village where he was born and raised, with a large crowd in attendance. Subsequently, commemorative ceremonies were held across Türkiye in his memory.
How Is His Memory Preserved?
- Named After a University: Niğde University was renamed Ömer Halisdemir University.
- Monuments Erected: A monument was erected in front of the Special Forces Command where he fell.
- Schools and Parks: Numerous schools, parks, and cultural centers across Türkiye have been named after him.
- Artistic Works: Poems, documentaries, and stories have been written about him. Poet Dursun Ali Erzincanlı commemorated his heroism in his poem “30 Birds.”
His father’s words reflect the nature of Ömer Halisdemir as a true son of the homeland:
“I raised him for the homeland. When the homeland asked for him, I gave him.”
References:
- Anadolu Agency. “Verdict in the Case of Ömer Halisdemir’s Martyrdom.” Anadolu Agency, 19 April 2018. Accessed 20 March 2025. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/15-temmuz-darbe-girisimi/omer-halisdemirin-sehit-edilmesi-davasinda-karar/1122410.
- Biography. “Ömer Halisdemir.” Biography, n.d. Accessed 20 March 2025. https://www.biyografya.com/tr/biographies/omer-halisdemir-5b642725.
- Niğde Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism. “Martyr Ömer Halisdemir.” Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism, n.d. Accessed 20 March 2025. https://nigde.ktb.gov.tr/TR-166034/sehit-omer-halisdemir.html.
- Ömer Halisdemir University. “Who Is Ömer Halisdemir?” Ömer Halisdemir University, n.d. Accessed 20 March 2025. https://www.ohu.edu.tr/sayfa/omer-halisdemir-kimdir.
- TRT News. “The Epic Hero of 15 July: Ömer Halisdemir.” TRT News, 15 July 2022. Accessed 20 March 2025. https://www.trthaber.com/haber/gundem/15-temmuzun-destansi-kahramani-omer-halisdemir-694866.html.
- TRT News. “The Hero of the Nation: Ömer Halisdemir.” TRT News, n.d. Accessed 20 March 2025. https://www.trthaber.com/haber/gundem/milletin-kahramani-omer-halisdemir-868323.html.
- Yeni Şafak. “Who Is Ömer Halisdemir? When Was He Born?” Yeni Şafak, 20 February 2023. Accessed 20 March 2025. https://www.yenisafak.com/gundem/omer-halisdemir-kimdir-ne-zaman-dogdu-omer-halisdemir-dogum-gununde-dualarla-anildi-3755789.
