Page - 131 - in Limina - Grazer theologische Perspektiven, Volume 2:1

131 | www.limina-graz.eu hande Birkalan-Gedik | muslim | martyr | masculine represents the eternity and the universe. “This also means that the martyrs are not dead but are in an eternal life with holy offerings” (Sözcü 2017). While the martyrdom monument in Istanbul can be characterized as a more “humble” piece of architecture, the monument in Ankara is gran- diose. Located opposite the presidential palace, it visibly presents national symbols such as the Turkish flag at the top. But the Turkish flag is not the only national element visible on this monument. The names of the martyrs are written on the four walls that support the Turkish flag. It is known that Erdoğan makes open references to Rabia, a hand gesture that was first used in Turkey in 2013 and in the social upraisings in Egypt in 2013. It can be described as raising the right hand up and closing the thumb. https://www.haberler.com/15-temmuz-sehitler- abidesi-bugun-aciliyor-9835839-haberi/ [accessed on 12 December 2018] https://www.medyaege.com.tr/bestepede- 15-temmuz-sehitler-aniti-acildi-50062h.htm [accessed on 2 November 2018]