24/01/2025

Federation of Syriac Associations in Turkey extends condolences to those affected by Kartalkaya Hotel Fire, calls for accountability

BOLU, Turkey — The Federation of Syriac Associations in Turkey (Süryani Dernekler Federasyonu, SÜDEF), headquartered in Medyad (Midyat) in the historic region of Tur Abdin, expressed profound sorrow over the devastating fire at the Kartalkaya Hotel.

In a statement shared via X, SÜDEF President Evgil Türker extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery for the injured. The organization emphasized the urgent need for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire and to hold those responsible accountable.



The fire broke out on Tuesday during Turkey’s two-week winter holiday, engulfing the 12-story Kartalkaya Hotel, which housed 238 guests at the time of the incident. The blaze began in the defrosting rooms and quickly spread throughout the 161-room hotel.

Tragically, 79 people were killed, with 56 victims identified. Fifty others sustained injuries, and 12 remain hospitalized for treatment.
Authorities have arrested 11 individuals suspected of causing or starting the fire. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the tragedy.

The incident has prompted widespread calls for accountability and heightened safety measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.