KAHRAMANMARAŞ — 1978 · Major Tragedy

Maraş Massacre

ClosedSources: ALast updated: 14 October 2026

Between 19 and 26 December 1978, violence in Kahramanmaraş left 111 people dead according to official figures, hundreds injured, and many homes and businesses destroyed. It began on 19 December with a bomb at a cinema, followed by another at a coffeehouse; the killing of two teachers on 21 December and clashes during their funeral spread the violence across the city. The attacks mainly targeted the city's Alevi residents and people with left-wing views. On 26 December martial law was declared in 13 provinces including Kahramanmaraş. A martial law military court in Adana tried 804 people; in proceedings that lasted until 1991, 29 death sentences, 7 life sentences and hundreds of prison terms were handed down. Later legal changes eventually led to the release of all those convicted.

Date: 1978
Place: Onikişubat, Kahramanmaraş
Category: Major Tragedy
Case Status: Closed
Coordinates: 37.5850, 36.9250 ↗

Timeline of Events

19 December 1978The violence began with a bomb at a cinema.
21-24 December 1978After two teachers were killed, the violence spread across the city.

26 December 1978Martial law was declared in 13 provinces including Kahramanmaraş.
1979-1991804 defendants were tried by the Adana martial law court.

Sources

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