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Oğuz Türkyılmaz, BirGün columnist, Chair of the Energy Group of the Turkish Chamber of Municipal Engineers (TMMOB) Mechanical Engineers’ Chamber, Spokesperson for Energy Affairs of the SOL Party, and Member of the Executive Board of the European Left Party, passed away at the age of 75 following a heart attack in Bodrum.
Türkyılmaz was one of the figures who left their footprint on Türkiye’s struggles for democracy, labour, and professional rights. Active in social struggles from his youth onward, Türkyılmaz was among the key witnesses to the 1968 generation and the subsequent democratic mass organization movements.
Throughout his professional career, Türkyılmaz held various positions at Etibank, the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB), and the Chamber of Mechanical Engineers. He was particularly known for his work in the fields of energy policy, industrialization, the public interest, and engineering.
Türkyılmaz, who also worked for a time at the Demokrat newspaper, advocated for the values of equality, freedom, and solidarity throughout his life. He left behind a significant legacy regarding the engineering profession, energy policies, and the history of the democratic struggle.
As we mourn the loss of our dear friend Türkyılmaz, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and all his loved ones.
HE WILL LIVE ON IN OUR STRUGGLE
Following Türkyılmaz’s passing, the TMMOB Executive Board issued a statement declaring, “We will not forget Türkyılmaz.” Oğuz Türkyılmaz, a writer for BirGün and Chair of the Energy Working Group at the TMMOB Mechanical Engineers’ Chamber, passed away yesterday at the age of 75 following a heart attack. The statement read, “Through his dedication to our organization, the sacrifices he made, and the generations he helped shape, he left an undeniable legacy in the history of TMMOB. In the struggle that TMMOB has waged to defend the people, labour, and democracy, Türkyılmaz’s name, his labour, and his resilience will live on. The legacy of struggle he left us will continue to live on as one of the strongest values illuminating our path as we march in support of the people and labour.”
WE WILL NOT FORGET; THE REVOLUTION WILL SURELY COME ONE DAY
In a statement issued by the SOL Party, the following words were included: “During the ‘68 uprising, he marched with Dev Genç for an ‘Independent Türkiye.’ In the 1970s, he was one of the architects of the hope symbolized by the fist-and-star emblem in the resistance against fascism. He was one of the workers at the Demokrat newspaper. He was among those who resisted the September 12 fascism in prisons. In times when disbelief and surrender ran rampant, he was among those who chose to start anew with his comrades. From the ÖDP to the SOL Party, until his last breath, he was one of the hardest-working, most dedicated, most disciplined, most stubborn, and most beloved people in our revolutionary struggle. “Dear Oğuz Türkyılmaz, an unceasing marchers on the revolutionary path of the peoples of Türkiye—we will never forget you.” The statement concluded with the words, “As you said, ‘We do not forget, we will not forget! The revolution will surely come one day!’”
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CONDOLENCE MESSAGES RECEIVED FROM MANY COUNTRIES
Other messages of condolence sent from Europe for Türkyılmaz are as follows:
Communist Party of Austria
"Dear comrades,
We are deeply saddened by the news of his passing and, on behalf of the KPÖ, I would like to convey our most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all his comrades. May you find comfort; may the light be with our comrade. We are certain that his memory will live on in the struggle for freedom and solidarity.
In solidarity.”
New Left Greece
“Hello everyone, this is very sad news. Comrade Oğuz was an exceptional and leading figure of the Left – ever-present, inspiring, and fighting for social freedom, peace, international solidarity and a better world for all. He will be sorely missed. We offer our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family and to all our comrades.
In solidarity."
Communist Party of Finland
"Dear comrades, I was deeply saddened to hear of Oğuz’s passing. I fully agree with the sentiment expressed in the speech on Cuba. The passion and dedication he demonstrated were extraordinary. I offer my most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and comrades."
Note: This article is translated from the original article titled Yazarımız ve dostumuz Oğuz Türkyılmaz yaşamını yitirdi, published in BirGün newspaper on June 18, 2026.
