Farewell Bahattin, Good Friend
Bahattin, we have known each other since the mid-1950s and enjoyed an enviable friendship with a small group of us. Your career took you and your family to faraway places as you served as a Turkish diplomat, consul general, and eventually ambassador to several countries.
I have always enjoyed our conversations and being together, especially with a few more close friends. This morning, Jan and I heard the sad news from Suleyman that you are no longer with us. But, that is not entirely true as I have a deep well of great memories to help me celebrate your life and friendship.
Turkish poet Cemal Sureya wrote a poem that ends with the following words which I find highly fitting to you and your life my friend.
…
This life you have just taken has been a good one,Keep the change.
Cemal Sureya
I will miss you, we will miss you, but you and your memories will be with us.
Jan and I send our heartfelt condolences to your lovely wife, our friend Hatice, your sons Oyku and Doruk, and to all who knew you.
Farewell Bahit! I celebrate having known you and mourn my loss.
Fifty-Two Years Ago
Haluk Atamal
Accept my condolences, Cemal. A bitter fact of life couldn’t have been better worded.
Take care and best regards,
Haluk
A. Cemal Ekin
Thank you, Haluk. I agree, life is defined as the time span between birth and death but we are full of sorrow at the second end.
Take care,
Cemal
Anson
Dear Cemal,please know that even though I am late, my thoughts are with you and your friend during this difficult time.
A. Cemal Ekin
Thank you for your thoughts, Anson. Good memories will be there for a long time.
Cemal