Cumhuriyet enthusiast Nihat Genç commemorated at his graveside on the first anniversary of his passing

Renowned writer and founder of Veryansın TV, Nihat Genç, who passed away on 4 Temmuz 2025, was remembered with prayers by his loved ones at his graveside on the first anniversary of his departure. His words, "Keep the Republic alive," uttered the day before his death directed at the Turkish nation, are etched in memories as the summary of his stance and struggle. Throughout his 69-year life, Genç, who leaned on the conscience of the people and never bent his pen against any pressure, left behind not only his works but a lifestyle dedicated to the Cumhuriyet cause. For his loved ones, his departure means not only the loss of a close friend but also the physical separation of the symbolic figure of an ideological movement. It is stated that Nihat Genç's legacy will continue to be kept alive through the books, writings, and digital platform broadcasts he left behind.

The attendance at the commemoration ceremony held at his graveside was highly intense and heartfelt. The ceremony was attended by his family members, notably Genç's wife Nuriye Genç and his son Laçin Genç, as well as his companion on the path they walked together and the Chairman of the Cumhuriyetçi Vatanseverler Partisi (CVP), Serkan Öz. Additionally, Veryansın TV's General Broadcast Manager Eray Çelebi and his very close friend Lütfü Şahsuvaroğlu did not leave Nihat Genç alone on this special day. The group, which included former football player Murat Bölükbaşı and other loved ones, commemorated the deceased writer with a moment of silence and respect. The somber expressions on the faces of the participants revealed Genç's profound impact on his loved ones and how immense the void his absence created.

One of the most emotional moments of the commemoration ceremony occurred during the speech made by CVP Chairman Serkan Öz at the grave of his companion Nihat Genç. In his tearful address, Öz recalled the stories woven around the Cumhuriyet ideal since Genç's youth and the value he placed on young people. In his speech, he emphasized that Genç saved them from the confusion of political camps and engraved the ideals of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the Cumhuriyet in their hearts. Öz stated that Nihat Genç found the purest organization for this cause and led it, praying to Allah to be pleased with him. Stating that Genç was an incorruptible, principled, and extremely honorable man, Öz confessed that he loved him even more than his father, siblings, and spouse in his life, demonstrating a profound devotion.

It emerged from the details of his speech that Nihat Genç gave instructions to Serkan Öz regarding party affairs and the Cumhuriyet cause even while being intubated before his death. Öz recounted that Genç, having accepted death, stated that they must continue to fight for the homeland and the Cumhuriyet, displaying an incredible sense of ease while doing so. This situation proves the kind of leadership Genç exhibited until his last breath, setting aside personal interests for the future of Turkey and the national cause. This exemplary spirit of leadership continues to inspire the friends and comrades in struggle he left behind. All these events clearly reveal that Genç was not only a writer but also practically a leader and guide for his comrades in the cause.

Continuing his emotional speech at the graveside, Serkan Öz promised that they would stand by their word, saying, "Your family is our family, your cause is our cause, brother." Öz cemented the weight of this oath by expressing that if they deviate from the path of the Cumhuriyet cause, they would be despicable, and if they follow the devil, they would be reduced to ruins. Stating that Genç drew a pure path for them and proudly made them champions in this homeland, Öz bid farewell to his deceased friend with profound and genuine love. Before the participants dispersed at the end of the speech, they renewed their promise to protect the spiritual legacy he left behind by recalling Nihat Genç's photographs and works. This commemoration ceremony went down in history as an important event showing that Nihat Genç's ideas and love for the Cumhuriyet will continue to live on through his loved ones, even if he is not physically alive.