Selçuk Paker was a Turkish Armed Forces Infantry Master Sergeant born in 1991. He served in the eastern regions of Türkiye and participated in various operations against terrorism. On 30 January 2016, during a trench and barricade operation in the Sur district of Diyarbakır, he was seriously wounded in an attack by members of a separatist terrorist organization and was martyred at Diyarbakır Military Hospital. Paker, who was married, was survived by his wife Sedef Paker, who was two months pregnant at the time of his martyrdom. His body was laid to rest at the Cebeci Military Cemetery in Ankara following a state ceremony. Paker, who lost his life while on duty, is remembered as one of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism.

Early Life and Family

Selçuk Paker was born in 1991. He was the child of Sevgi and Sait Paker, who lived in the Ümraniye district of Istanbul. Selçuk Paker, one of two children in his family, was married. At the time of his martyrdom, his wife Sedef Paker was two months pregnant.

Military Career

Selçuk Paker served in the Turkish Armed Forces with the rank of Infantry Master Sergeant. Stationed in the eastern regions of Türkiye, he participated in various operations against terrorism throughout his service.

Martyrdom

Selçuk Paker was martyred on 30 January 2016 during an operation in the Sur district of Diyarbakır. The operation was conducted against the separatist terrorist organization PKK. Severely wounded by gunfire from terrorists during the clash, Paker could not be saved despite all medical efforts at Diyarbakır Military Hospital, where he passed away at 15:30. Four terrorists were neutralized in the same clash.

Ceremonies and Burial

The first ceremony for Martyr Selçuk Paker was held at Diyarbakır Military Hospital. Attendees included Lieutenant General Adem Huduti, Commander of the Second Army; Governor of Diyarbakır Hüseyin Aksoy; Lieutenant General Ibrahim Yılmaz, Commander of the 7th Corps and Garrison; Major General Musa Çitil, Commander of the Gendarmerie Region; military and civilian authorities; and his family. After a moment of silence, his biography was read and prayers were offered.

The funeral ceremony took place on 31 January 2016 at Kocatepe Mosque in Ankara. Attendees included Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye İsmail Kahraman, Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Yaşar Güler, Deputy Leader of the CHP Parliamentary Group Levent Gök, commanders of the armed forces, civil and military officials, and numerous citizens. After the funeral prayer, held after the afternoon prayer, his body was transported by caisson and buried at the Cebeci Military Cemetery in Ankara.

Family and Social Impact

The news of his martyrdom reached his father’s home in Selçuk Street, İstiklal Neighborhood, Ümraniye, Istanbul. Turkish flags were hung on the building where his family lived and on other buildings in the street. Prayers were recited in the neighborhood and condolences were offered to the family. Among those who visited the family were Edip Semih Yalçın, Deputy Chairman of the MHP, and Member of Parliament İzzet Ulvi Yönter.

In Memory

Selçuk Paker was martyred while on duty and is recognized as one of the security forces who lost their lives in the fight against terrorism. Official statements by the Turkish Armed Forces and public authorities honored his sacrifice and bravery, and condolences were extended to his family and the nation.