Hüseyin Bandak laid to rest in Koyunköy
Bandak, a prominent businessman from İskeçe, lost his life on the evening of Sunday, 7 December, in a tragic traffic accident. On Monday afternoon, following the asr prayer, family members, friends, and residents gathered in front of his home in Koyunköy to offer their final blessings. After a prayer led by the village imam, İskeçe Mufti Mustafa Trampa addressed the hundreds attending the funeral, stating that the large turnout reflected the community’s deep love and respect for Bandak, who had dedicated his life to the cause of the Muslim Turkish Minority of Western Thrace.
In a message posted on social media, Mufti Trampa wrote:
“Hüseyin Bandak, one of the beloved leading figures of İskeçe and a symbolic name in the struggle of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority, was laid to rest today in Koyunköy following the asr prayer. The large crowd that attended his funeral was a powerful expression of the respect and affection our people held for our dear brother Hüseyin. May Allah have mercy on him. May his place be in paradise, inshaAllah.”
Large Turnout from Community and Officials
The funeral ceremony in Koyunköy brought together representatives from various segments of society. Among those in attendance were İskeçe’s Consul General in Komotini Aykut Ünal and consulate staff; İskeçe MPs Hüseyin Zeybek and Burhan Baran; İskeçe Mayor Stratos Kontos; former mayors Manolis Tselis and Michalis Stylianidis; Mustafçova Mayor Ahmet Kurt; DEB Party Chair Çiğdem Asafoğlu; leaders of Turkish minority associations; and numerous community members.
The large attendance underscored the lasting impact Bandak had on the region and its people.
A Life Marked by Service
Hüseyin Bandak, aged 71, leaves behind a deep legacy in Western Thrace. He is survived by his wife Makbule Bandak and their three children — Kezban, Şaban, and Hülya. His son Şaban Bandak, who followed in his father’s footsteps in public service, currently serves as the Deputy Mayor of İskeçe.
