The Democratic Alevi Federation (FEDA) issued a statement to mark the anniversary of the Madımak Massacre, on 2 July 1993.

FEDA stated that this massacre is still a bleeding wound.

Recalling the numerous massacres carried out by the Turkish state, the statement added: "This crimes committed against humanity, will continue to bleed in the conscience of Alevis."

FEDA said: “Unless those responsible have accounted for, the Alevis should not and will not be at peace. And this account should never remain on the Supreme Court. Because the Alevi population in Sivas and Maras has been reduced to the status of a numerical minority."

BACKGROUND

The Sivas Massacre or Madımak massacre refers to the fire at the hotel Madimak that on 2 July 1993 resulted in the death of 35 people, mainly Alevi intellectuals and two hotel employees.

The Alevis had gathered at the Madımak hotel in Sivas for a cultural festival celebrating the life of 16th-century Alevi poet Pir Sultan Abdal.

Among the intellectuals was celebrated left wing writer Aziz Nesin who was much hated by Islamic extremists.

A mob of extremists sieged the hotel and eventually ended up setting it on fire. Nesin himself was able to escape the fire, but dozens of other intellectuals lost their life. Among them were poets, musicians, but also tourists and hotel staff.

The police did nothing and didn’t intervene.

Several people were arrested in the aftermath of the fire. Over the years a number of trials were held and sentences handed out. Yet, the feeling that justice has not been done remains.

The State Security Court finally sentenced 33 defendants to death on 28 November 1997 for their role in the massacre. In 2002, shortly after Turkey suspended the application of death penalty, the sentences were commuted to life sentences.