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This content was originally written in Turkish for children and is automatically translated into English using artificial intelligence.

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Who is Ömer Halisdemir?

Last Updated: 01.12.2025

Life and Childhood

Ömer Halisdemir was born on 4 March 1974 in the village of Çukurkuyu, located in the Bor district of Niğde. Growing up as one of seven siblings, Ömer began working as a shepherd from an early age to support his family. He had a deep love for nature and animals. According to his father, he was a hardworking, honest, and disciplined child. He began his education in Niğde and continued attending school under difficult conditions.


Ömer Halisdemir's Childhood (Fikriyat)

Military Education and Career

After completing high school, he chose to join the military. In 1999, he enlisted in the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Infantry. Throughout his service, he undertook numerous important assignments both within Türkiye and abroad, participating in operations in northern Iraq, southeastern Anatolia, Afghanistan, and Europe. His fellow soldiers described him as brave, loyal to his duty, and trustworthy.

Ömer Halisdemir served as the bodyguard Non-Commissioned Officer for Lieutenant General Zekai Aksakallı, Commander of the Special Forces. This assignment was given only to soldiers of the highest trustworthiness.


Ömer Halisdemir (AA)

The Night of 15 July: Symbol of Courage

On the night of 15 July 2016, a coup attempt was launched against Türkiye’s democratic government. Some military personnel sought to seize control of the state. That night, Brigadier General Semih Terzi, one of the key figures in the coup plan, moved to take over the Special Forces Command in Ankara.

Upon learning of the situation, Lieutenant General Zekai Aksakallı called Ömer Halisdemir and issued the following order:


“Ömer, Brigadier General Semih Terzi is a traitor to the homeland. Kill him before he enters the headquarters. There is martyrdom in this; forgive me my sins.”


Ömer Halisdemir accepted this order without hesitation. “Yes, Commander, may my sins be forgiven, and may you forgive me too,” he replied. Halisdemir went to the entrance of the command building and shot Brigadier General Semih Terzi in the forehead, neutralizing him. However, he was immediately shot 17 times by coup-affiliated soldiers and martyred.


Symbol of Love for the Homeland

Ömer Halisdemir’s courage disrupted the coup plotters’ plans on the night of 15 July and altered the course of events. His sacrifice strengthened the public’s resistance and inspired many to stand up for democracy.

His funeral was held in Çukurkuyu, the village where he was born and raised, with a large crowd in attendance. Subsequently, memorial ceremonies were held across all regions of Türkiye in his honor.


How Is His Memory Preserved?

  • University Named After Him: The name of Niğde University was changed to Ömer Halisdemir University.
  • Monuments Erected: A monument was erected in front of the Special Forces Command where he was martyred.
  • Schools and Parks: Numerous schools, parks, and cultural centers across Türkiye have been named after him.
  • Artistic Works: Poems, documentaries, and stories have been written about him. Poet Dursun Ali Erzincanlı commemorated his heroism in his poem “30 Birds.”

His father’s words reflect the kind of patriot Ömer Halisdemir was:


“I raised him for the homeland; when the homeland asked for him, I gave him.”


References:


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INSPIRATION NOTE FOR CURIOUS KIDS!

If you, too, wish to be brave, determined, and loyal to your homeland like Ömer Halisdemir, you must first be an honest and hardworking person. He always strove to perform his duty to the best of his ability. Great deeds often begin with small tasks carried out in silence. Whenever you face a decision of great importance to your country, always remember this great hero, Martyr Ömer Halisdemir.

Who Wrote?
Kids Writing
AuthorZozan DemirciDecember 1, 2025
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Omer Halisdemir was a non-commissioned officer who neutralized coup general Semih Terzi during the July 15 2016 coup attempt, thereby altering the course of the coup. Born and raised in Nigde, Halisdemir served in numerous critical roles within the Turkish Armed Forces. Acting in accordance with his orders, he sacrificed his life and was martyred. His heroism has become one of the symbols of the struggle for democracy in Türkiye. His memory is preserved through schools, monuments and works of art.

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