Lament for Hanke

Hanke’ye Ağıt is a poem written in 1992 by Lieutenant General Aydoğan Aydın. The poem reflects the hardships and field conditions faced by Turkey’s security forces operating in the eastern regions during their counter-terrorism operations. The text is based on impressions gathered during a mission conducted at Hanke Plateau and presents a first-hand narrative from the perspective of a soldier.

Lieutenant General Aydoğan Aydın (AA)

Poem Text

We were ninety that day

Hungry, thirsty, sleepless

We walked with blistered feet, undaunted

Clouds hung over us—mist, mud, blood, and sweat

There, on Hanke Plateau, my hopes were blooming

Cold barrels in our hands, marching toward the mountains

Greetings came from the martyrs, to all who fought

Distant lands drew near, with my faith and my resolve

Awake, Hanke, I am coming—with my dignity, my spirit.

Aydoğan AYDIN ^【1】 

Historical Context

The poem was written in 1992 by Aydoğan Aydın while serving at Hanke Plateau. Aydın had spent many years engaged in counter-terrorism operations across various regions, and the poem was inspired by the conditions he encountered during these duties.

Aydoğan Aydın was martyred on 31 May 2017 in a helicopter crash in the Şenoba village of Uludere district, Şırnak, along with twelve fellow soldiers. Official sources confirmed that the helicopter, an AS 532 Cougar, had collided with a high-voltage power line and crashed. The area where he was martyred is the same geographical region where the poem was written.

Commemoration and Public Use

Following Aydoğan Aydın’s martyrdom, the poem re-emerged into public consciousness. It was recited in an official commemorative video produced by the Gendarmerie General Command. The poem was also publicly recited by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and shared widely with the public.

Musical Adaptation

Hanke’ye Ağıt was not only recited but also composed into music. Ilyas Öztürk, a teacher from a village under the Nizip district of Gaziantep, adapted the poem into a musical piece. Through this adaptation, the poem gained an artistic form and reached a broader audience.

Related Operations

Aydoğan Aydın served as the commanding officer during the 2017 Kato Mountain operation in Şırnak province. During this operation, security forces destroyed numerous bunkers and caves and seized significant quantities of ammunition. The operation is recorded as one of the largest-scale counter-terrorism campaigns in Türkiye’s recent history.

Funeral and Official Ceremonies

The funeral ceremony held in Ankara for Lieutenant General Aydoğan Aydın was attended by the President of Türkiye, the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly, the Prime Minister, the Chief of the General Staff, commanders of the armed forces, leaders of political parties, ministers, and numerous citizens. His body was laid to rest in the military section of Cebeci Asri Cemetery.

Funeral Ceremony of Lieutenant General Aydoğan Aydın (Republic of Türkiye Ankara Governorship)

Hanke’ye Ağıt is a text rooted in the observations, emotions, and experiences of a soldier serving on the frontlines of counter-terrorism. The fact that its author, Aydoğan Aydın, was martyred while serving in the same region has further cemented the poem’s place in public memory. Its recitation and musical adaptation have expanded its cultural impact.