Ferhat Gedik was born on 1 January 1979 in the İskenderun district of Hatay and joined the Turkish Armed Forces to fulfill his dream of military service. Serving as a Senior Master Sergeant in the Gendarmerie, Gedik was killed in action on 11 August 2017 during an attack in the Maçka district of Trabzon, where he shielded 15-year-old Eren Bülbül by covering him with his body and was martyred.

Military Career and Place of Service

Ferhat Gedik was temporarily assigned from Gümüşhane to Trabzon, where he continued his duties. Despite the end of his service period, he chose to remain in Trabzon due to his deep affection for the region. On 11 August 2017, during a clash with PKK terrorists in the Maçka district of Trabzon, Ferhat Gedik was martyred while attempting to protect 15-year-old Eren Bülbül from enemy fire.

The Moment of Martyrdom

Ferhat Gedik shielded Eren Bülbül by covering him with his body and was martyred after being hit by 41 bullets. In this incident, both Ferhat Gedik and Eren Bülbül lost their lives. Ferhat Gedik, aged 41, was buried on 12 August 2017, his birthday, in his hometown of İskenderun.

Family and Legacy

Ferhat Gedik was married and a father of two children. His wife, Cemile Gedik, continues to keep his memory alive. His mother, Hatice Gedik, strives to preserve his memory at home through his uniforms and photographs. Hatice Gedik has stated that every year, on the anniversary of his death, her grief is renewed as she recounts her son’s love for military service and his martyrdom. Ferhat Gedik’s memory is honored in Maçka through the naming of a tunnel after him.