Deniz Poyraz was commemorated at her grave in the western Turkish Aegean region of Izmir. The occasion was her birthday. The Kurdish woman would have turned forty on this New Year's Eve if she had not been murdered by a racist. Poyraz died on 17 June 2021 in an attack on her workplace, the headquarters of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) in Izmir. She was struck down by six bullets from the gun of a supporter of the ultra-nationalist organisation "Grey Wolves". Her murderer, Onur Gencer, was sentenced to life imprisonment in a show trial a few days ago. Those behind the murder have not been identified.

"Mothers and fathers do not forget their children, they always follow them, even after death," said Fehime Poyraz at her daughter's grave. She continued her speech with moving words. "My Deniz was insidiously taken from life. Neither will she ever leave my heart nor yours. She has a firm place in our hearts and an anchor in the memory of our people. Happy birthday, my child."

To commemorate Deniz Poyraz, her parents, Fehime and Abdülilah Poyraz, as well as other family members and friends, went to the cemetery in the Buca district. Among them were activists of the Free Women's Movement (TJA) and the group ‘Women Strong Together’, as well as members of the HDP Izmir.

HDP member of parliament Musa Piroğlu was also present. The politician gave a short speech in which he referred to the trial of the shooter and accused the Turkish judiciary of being complicit in "bloodbaths" against Kurds. "The history of the Kurdish people is marked by massacres by the rulers. They want to bring us to our knees. This is being shown again these days in Paris. Through murders, attacks and the disappearance of our friends, the intention is to crush our resistance. We will not be intimidated. We maintain our legitimate struggle to liberate this country from the enemies of humanity and to demand accountability for their crimes."

Abdülilah Poyraz spoke the last word. "Never bow your head to the enemy," he said, looking at those present. “It is our duty to stand up for the martyrs" as well as for Imrali. Whatever the cost.”

"Şehîd namirin" [Martyrs are immortal) and "Deniz Poyraz is immortal" were shouted by those present before the cemetery was left in silence.