In memory of Didem Yaman.

By George Davis in Articles

Didem died tragically in the Christchurch earthquake.

Didem Yaman, d. 22 Feb. 2011, Christchurch, NZ.

The following is an address I delivered at the memorial occasion held for the memory of Didem at the University of Otago on Friday 25 March 2011. Her life and death impacted greatly on her family and friends, in Turkey and here in Otago. As much of my work has to do with memory and loss, I felt that with the conjunction of Easter and Anzac Day that it might be acceptable to offer you this piece which reflects on the passing of a young friend:

--My name is George Davis and I had the privilege to be a postgraduate friend of Didem. I first met Didem in June 2007 immediately following a research trip to Canakkale. Her supervisor, Professor Ahmet Mete Tuncoku asked me to contact her as she was so far away, in a foreign country. From the first we found a meeting of minds in that our topics for research were interwoven. Her studies which involved aspects of political relations between Turkey, Australia and New Zealand paralleled much of my Anzac Day study. In this issue as a commemorations' historian I find myself in a sad and unique situation, honouring the life of a friend. Didem was an intelligent and enquiring postgraduate student who represented her home institution, Onşekiz Mart University very well. She was courteous and helpful at all times, gently correcting this old man in his pronunciation of Turkish language or again when clarifying political groupings in her country.

Most of our meetings happened in the university context, however, Didem was keen to meet Judith, my wife, and the two of them quickly found common ground. She always enquired after Judith whenever we met. In that matter her generosity of spirit and readiness to be helpful reflected the best of the hospitality we have been shown in Canakkale. Like many in her country, she was open - if she liked you she said so. This disarming frankness often surprises Kiwis, and we could learn a great deal from it.

To her family - your loss is irretrievable. What she has left however in her short span of life is delightful memories that never will fade. To Father İzzet, do not be bowed down with grief - your daughter achieved much and reflected most positively her upbringing. To Sister Cigdem, you were mentioned often and were always in Didem's thoughts. Take her memory forward proudly. I cannot think that a university could have had a better ambassador. To my academic colleague, Professor Tuncoku - Didem had great respect for you, and it was on your initiative we met. To her friends, here in Dunedin, and those at home in Canakkale, live well in the fresh memories of your friend. Speak kindly of her, for she was generous and brave.

We have all lost with the sudden death of Didem. However, over time, we will realise the profound and positive influence she had on us. She was lively, compassionate and intelligent, and instantly recognisable with her shock of intensely red curly hair. She was the daughter and friend we would have all been proud to know. Say her name - remember Didem.

Teşekkűr ederim. Thank you.
George Davis

Originally printed as a Connections article in the Parish Weekly Bulletin, April 24, 2011.