Journalist and writer Şefik Kantar dies at 69

Journalist and writer Şefik Kantar, who highlighted the issues facing Turks in Germany for years through his newspaper, television programs and books, has died at the age of 69.

Journalist, writer and intellectual Şefik Kantar has died at the age of 69.

Born in Rize in 1957, Kantar began his journalism career at a young age. After moving to Germany in 1979, he worked on the social, cultural and identity-related issues of the Turkish community in Europe. Kantar became a voice for Turks in Europe for many years through the newspaper İntertürk, which he began publishing in Cologne in 1989, and also produced programs for various television channels.

Köln'deki DİTİB Merkez Camii (arşiv)

Kantar worked to preserve the Turkish language and strengthen the cultural presence of Turks in Europe. His works include "The Baby Crucified", "Building a House for God", "Foreign Lands Took Us Away", "Becoming Turkish, Islamic and German", "Letters from Cologne" and "A Story of Longing". In his works, Kantar addressed the migration experiences, identity searches, and religious and cultural lives of Turks in Europe.

The Istanbul Branch of the Turkish Writers' Union (TYB) also issued a condolence message. The message said: "We pray for God's mercy for Şefik Kantar, a man of struggle, journalist and writer who brought the issues of European Turks to public attention through his works and devoted his life to serving the cultural presence and values of our nation. We extend our condolences to his family, loved ones and the literary community."