Ruşen Karakaya: In Just 16 Seconds, 59 Columns of the Building Collapsed and Became a Grave for Our Children

Karakaya, who lost her daughter Selin Karakaya in the Isias Hotel rubble, shared the details of the Isias Hotel case on Turkey's İLKSES TV.

Providing detailed information about the incident, Karakaya said, “We lost our children, loved ones, and friends at the Grand Isias Hotel. A group of 39 people went to Adıyaman happily just for a sports competition. They were supposed to compete in the semifinals and then, two weeks later, fight for the championship in another place. They were all very successful athletes. Teachers and parents also went along to support the children. However, according to the expert reports obtained after the earthquake that occurred at 04:17 on February 6th, the building's 59 columns collapsed in just 16 seconds, becoming a grave for our children. We dug with our nails and found our children one by one, bringing them back to Cyprus. Right now, the families in Cyprus are also suffering with us. Our pain has not diminished for 16 months. Together with the families, government officials, deputies, ministers, and all our loved ones, we are fighting for our champion angels and justice.”

"We Want to Trust in Turkish Justice"

Karakaya emphasized that the case has garnered worldwide attention, stating, “We have many supporters in Turkey. They see how serious and significant this case is and support us. Our case has received great interest from international media. Since day one, our struggle continues in the same way. We have a large team of lawyers consisting of 27 families. Together, we are in a great struggle. Our third hearing will be on June 12th. During the last hearing on April 26th, the court decided to obtain a third expert report due to the deficiencies highlighted in the second expert report from Gazi University. This report was sent to professors at Dokuz Eylül University. Since day one, we, as families, have said that we want to trust in science and Turkish justice. Our faith in science is complete. We want the truth to come out. That's why we are doing our part. We believe that scientific institutions will present reports that reveal the truth. When the additional reports for the expert report are presented and the condition of the building is reviewed, it will be impossible not to see it. Therefore, we say justice will come with science.”

"The Hotel Was Poorly Constructed as an Office Building"

Using the hashtag #isiasortakdavamız on social media, Karakaya underlined their aim to seek justice for their children and loved ones, stating, “We will be in Adıyaman on June 12th for another hearing. It is likely that the expert report will not be ready. We only express our belief that science will reveal the truth. The reports obtained by the complainant side, that is, the families' lawyers, and the three different reports from our very experienced professors are all consistent. The condition of the building and why it became a grave for our children are clearly stated in the reports. We expect this truth to be confirmed by the expert report. The problem in the building is not just the collapse of one column. Everything is wrong from the moment it was designed as an office building. With its projects, incomplete reports, fake construction permits, floors cut for elevator construction, gaps in partitions, concrete quality, and iron quality, everything is evident. We expect the expert report to reveal this and for the court to see the truth.”

"Public Officials and Fake Reports Involved in the Building's Construction"

Updating on the latest developments in the case, Karakaya stated, “There are two legs to the criminal aspect of the case. The first leg was the criminal case against the hotel owners and technical supervisors. The second leg involves public officials responsible for the building’s construction. There are fake reports. We have been fighting for these people to be prosecuted. Recently, an investigation permit was granted for public officials. We now want these two cases to be merged and proceed together so that the real culprits can be exposed and punished for possible intentional homicide.”

"The Main Culprit Must Be Imprisoned"

Karakaya noted that the person who built the Isias Hotel was released on judicial control and that the court released him based on a quickly prepared expert report from Gazi University. She said, “When we attended the hearing on April 26th, we saw that one of the culprits was still in jail. However, he is imprisoned for other crimes, not the Isias Hotel case. After the expert report from Dokuz Eylül University, a re-arrest decision must be made for this main culprit. These people need to be prosecuted for possible intentional homicide. One truth we have seen in Turkish justice for 16 months is that the responsible parties in earthquake cases are being prosecuted for conscious negligence. Conscious negligence is not the definition of these crimes. The definition of these crimes is possible intentional homicide. These people acted with a 'whatever happens' mentality. Therefore, they need to pay for the loss of 72 lives by being punished for possible intentional homicide.”

"Earthquake Cases Should Not Be Forgotten"

Karakaya emphasized their ongoing work in social responsibility areas, noting that right after burying their children, they realized this was a fight for justice and did what was necessary. She stated, “Right after the incident, we formed our lawyer team and did the necessary work with the families. We tried to make our voices heard on social media. We are still continuing. As families, we are aware of and in contact with most of the ongoing earthquake cases in Turkey. We read the indictments of the cases and are in communication. Earthquake cases should not be forgotten and should not be allowed to be forgotten. Precedent decisions should emerge from earthquake cases. A handful of Turkish Cypriots will continue our fight for justice, and something will change. Our champion angels will change some things in Turkey. They left us a task, and we believe we need to complete it. While we have been fighting for justice for 16 months without fully experiencing our pain, our families are tirelessly working in our association. We are striving to give the future taken from our children to other children. We provide scholarships to students, help, and support.”

"Our Children's Names Will Live on Through Educational Support"

Karakaya mentioned their significant projects as an association, saying, “We want to build an educational complex in Famagusta, Cyprus, to keep the names of our champion angels alive. We are simultaneously continuing our work for this. We found the location, cleared the area, and are carrying out the necessary legal procedures. At the same time, we started designing the project by working with the chambers of engineers and architects. Our children were very successful. They were not only involved in volleyball but also in other sports. They had championships in different areas. Our educators were also very successful. We want other children to experience their success. We have taken this as our duty. Until our last breath, until we leave this world and reunite with them, we will do everything for justice to be served. Our children's names will live on by supporting education.”