Cengiz Akyuz

Cengiz Akyüz, who always said to his close friend every morning before leaving the house, 'If your bag is full (of love, joy, hope, greetings), let's go in the name of God, distribute them to people...' is fondly remembered for his ever-smiling face.

Cengiz Akyüz was born on May 15, 1969, in Midyat, Mardin. He is the father of three children, two daughters and a son. Working in plaster-decoration since childhood, Akyüz is known around him as a lively, sociable, helpful, and cheerful person. He indicated 'construction works' as the areas he could help in the participation form organized to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Akyüz, who wanted to do something for the homeless in Gaza, summarized why he joined this convoy as 'For the sake of Allah.' Known as an active person who rushes to help everyone, Cengiz Akyüz is known for spreading happiness to people with his friendly conversations, witty jokes, his love for swimming, playing chess, and getting along well with children. Every morning, Akyüz would say to his close friend before leaving the house, 'If your bag is full (of love, joy, hope, greetings), let's go in the name of God, distribute them to people...' He is always remembered with his smiling face. He attends the weddings and funerals of everyone around him and sings hymns and melodies beautifully with his nice voice and plays the tambourine. Cengiz Akyüz's favorite folk songs were martyrdom songs. Before setting off for Gaza, while bidding farewell to his friends, he said, 'Now you will write a martyrdom song for me too.' With a wide circle of friends due to being with them in both good and bad times, Akyüz was a member of the Iskenderun Humanitarian Aid Association and also volunteered for the activities of many civil society organizations in Iskenderun. When he embarked on this journey, Cengiz Akyüz's greatest wish was to deliver the materials for the hospital to be built in Gaza to his brothers here. His last words to his wife before boarding the ship were, 'Take good care of the children, emphasize the importance of education, and make sure they pray regularly!...