Deaths on January 24

Gaffar Okkan

Died on January 24, 2001

Gaffar Okkan, Turkish police officer and civil servant (b. 1952)

Ali Gaffar Okkan, a highly regarded Turkish police chief, was born in 1952 and tragically met his end on January 24, 2001. He was assassinated in a brutal ambush in Diyarbakır, a major city located in southeastern Turkey. His death sent shockwaves across the nation, not only due to the violent nature of the attack but also because of his widely acknowledged success in transforming public safety and fostering community trust in a challenging region.

Who Was Ali Gaffar Okkan?

Ali Gaffar Okkan was a distinguished figure in Turkish law enforcement, best known for his tenure as the Provincial Police Chief of Diyarbakır from 1997 until his untimely death in 2001. Before his assignment to Diyarbakır, he served in various capacities within the police force, consistently demonstrating a commitment to public service and security. His leadership style, particularly in Diyarbakır, was marked by a proactive and community-oriented approach, which significantly set him apart.

Okkan's Impact in Diyarbakır

During his time in Diyarbakır, Ali Gaffar Okkan initiated significant reforms that dramatically improved the city's security landscape and public perception of the police. He was instrumental in:

Enhancing Public Safety: Under his leadership, there was a noticeable decrease in crime rates, making the city feel safer for its residents.
Combating Organized Crime: Okkan led vigorous operations against various criminal organizations, most notably the Turkish Hizbullah (a radical Islamist organization distinct from the Lebanese political and paramilitary group Hizbullah), which had a significant presence in the region. His efforts severely weakened their networks and capabilities.
Fostering Community Relations: He prioritized building trust between the police force and the local population. Okkan often engaged directly with citizens, including youth, through community outreach programs and by supporting cultural and sports activities, thereby humanizing the police image. This approach helped bridge the divide often felt in the region, promoting a sense of shared responsibility for peace and order.
Modernizing the Police Force: He worked to improve the training and equipment of his officers, ensuring they were better prepared to handle the complex security challenges of the region.

The Assassination of a Police Chief

On January 24, 2001, Ali Gaffar Okkan was returning from the Diyarbakır Governor's Office to the Police Headquarters when his vehicle was ambushed by armed assailants. The attack occurred on Sezai Karakoç Boulevard. In this meticulously planned assault, Chief Okkan and five police officers accompanying him – Atilla Durmuş, Mehmet Sepetçi, Salih Ekinci, Sabri Kün, and Nuri Bozyiğit – were killed. The investigation and subsequent trials confirmed that the assassination was carried out by members of the Turkish Hizbullah, as retribution for Okkan's effective and relentless operations against their organization. This tragic event underscored the dangerous realities faced by law enforcement officials in regions grappling with armed extremist groups.

Legacy and Remembrance

Ali Gaffar Okkan is widely remembered in Turkey, particularly in Diyarbakır, as a hero who dedicated his life to public service and brought a sense of peace and security to a challenging region. His humane approach, unwavering dedication, and success in combating crime while building bridges with the community left an indelible mark. Many streets, schools, and police facilities across Turkey, especially in Diyarbakır, bear his name as a lasting tribute to his memory and contributions. He remains a symbol of integrity and commitment in the fight against crime and extremism.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ali Gaffar Okkan

Who was Ali Gaffar Okkan?: Ali Gaffar Okkan was a highly respected Turkish police chief who served as the Provincial Police Chief of Diyarbakır from 1997 until his assassination in 2001. He was known for his effective efforts in combating crime and fostering strong community relations.
When and where was Ali Gaffar Okkan assassinated?: Ali Gaffar Okkan was assassinated on January 24, 2001, in an ambush in Diyarbakır, a city in southeastern Turkey.
Who was responsible for Ali Gaffar Okkan's assassination?: Investigations and legal proceedings confirmed that Ali Gaffar Okkan and five of his accompanying officers were assassinated by members of the Turkish Hizbullah, a radical Islamist organization, in retaliation for his successful operations against them.
What was Ali Gaffar Okkan known for in Diyarbakır?: In Diyarbakır, Ali Gaffar Okkan was widely known for significantly improving public safety, drastically reducing crime rates, particularly against Turkish Hizbullah, and actively building trust and positive relationships between the police and the local community through outreach and support for social activities.

References

Gaffar Okkan

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Events on 2001

6 May

Pope John Paul II
During a trip to Syria, Pope John Paul II becomes the first pope to enter a mosque.
11 Sep

September 11 attacks
Two hijacked aircraft crash into the World Trade Center in New York City, while a third smashes into The Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia, and a fourth into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in a series of coordinated suicide attacks by 19 members of al-Qaeda. A total of 2,996 people are killed.
14 Sep

September 11, 2001 attacks
Historic National Prayer Service held at Washington National Cathedral for victims of the September 11 attacks. A similar service is held in Canada on Parliament Hill, the largest vigil ever held in the nation's capital.
17 Sep

September 11 attacks
The New York Stock Exchange reopens for trading after the September 11 attacks, the longest closure since the Great Depression.
7 Oct

War in Afghanistan (2001-2014)
The Global War on Terrorism begins as a result of the September 11 attacks. The U.S. invasion of Afghanistan initiates with an air assault and covert operations on the ground.