Tolga Ecebalın, who went to Saraçhane upon the call of President Erdoğan on the night of the vicious coup attempt, was martyred after he was shot in the face by the putschists.
On the night of July 15th, Tolga went to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in Saraçhane with his father Tarkan Ecebalın, he said to his father, “This is totally different, father. If the authorities need us, then may God let us die as martyrs.” Tolga was wounded in the face from gunfire by the treacherous putschists and fell down on the ground. Meanwhile, his father saved another young person who was under fire, but he couldn’t save his own son. Tolga was martyred after a bullet was lodged in his face.
27 year old Tolga had two children from his previous marriage, was engaged and was going to have a wedding on September 29th.
Tarkan stated that he saw his son beside the grave of Mohammad the Prophet in Medina. He also showed a photo in which Tolga’s silhouette was reflected, on the TV program he was watching.
His house is converted into a museum
Tarkan converted his son’s residence in Balat into a museum, in order to cherish the memory of his martyred son and to remember him in his daily life. In the house, every single possession of the July 15th Martyr is exhibited. The martyr’s possessions from his groom’s suit to circumcision suit were opened to visitors. Tarkan said, “My son lives here,” and also stated that everyone was welcome to visit the museum.
Martyr Tolga Ecebalın was buried in the Edirnekapı Martyr’s Cemetery.
