Former parliament speaker Cindoruk dies at 93

ANKARA

Condolences poured in from across Türkiye’s political sphere following the death of former Parliament Speaker and veteran politician Hüsamettin Cindoruk, who died at the age of 93 while receiving treatment in a hospital in Istanbul.

Cindoruk was taken to Istanbul’s Koç University Hospital on Dec. 25, 2025, after his oxygen saturation dropped at home. He was admitted for treatment and subsequently placed in intensive care.

After months-long treatment, Cindoruk passed away on April 11.

Widely regarded as one of the key figures in Turkish politics, Cindoruk had a long career in both law and state administration. In addition to serving as speaker at the parliament, he led the Democratic Party until 2011, when he stepped down and withdrew from active politics.

Following the announcement of his death, political leaders began issuing messages of condolence.

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel shared a photo of a past visit with Cindoruk alongside Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, describing him as “a statesman who understood the weight of office, knew how to bear responsibility, and when the time came, how to hand it over.”

Özel added that Cindoruk’s stance in favor of democratic legitimacy, despite the shadow of coup periods, would remain one of the most valuable aspects of his legacy.

Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş also issued a condolence message, calling Cindoruk a “veteran politician who left a deep mark on Turkish political life.”

Cindoruk left a will stating that no state funeral should be held after his death, local media reported, adding that he is expected to be laid to rest in Istanbul following a ceremony scheduled for April 13.