Mavi Marmara, one of the humanitarian aid ship as a member of the flotilla sailed to deliver humanitarian aid to people of Gaza, today returned home, Istanbul.

Thousands of people -families, children and youngers- gathered in Sarayburnu, Istanbul and welcomed the ship. Mavi Marmara sailed to deliver humanitarian aid to people of Gaza who suffer under the Israeli blockade for years.

Mavi Marmara headed to Gaza with the other ships come from the other European countries with civil, unarmed (naturally) activists from all over the world. But when the flotilla approached, in the mediterranean sea and still international waters, israeli armed forces raided the ship and captured the ships. In this deadly attack, 7 months ago, 8 turkish citizens and one turkish american citizen younger got killed and  people injured as well.

A frenzied crowd welcomed the ship even weather wasn’t  warm and drizzling while the ship has pictures of martyrs hung on it. Some of the presidents of the organising NGOs,  (swedish, greek, american…) gave a speech and parents of some martyrs too.

The flotilla was organised by IHH ( Humanitarian aid organisation) and  some other NGOs from all over the world. There were citizens of 32 countries as muslims, christians, jewish, atheists and others. Like the flotilla, honoured people on it too came from different countries and continents as united to stand against the cruel occupation and embargo.

As a result of the israeli attack on aid ships, people are more united against occupationists from now on.

Istanbul did the best today!

Mavi Marmara ship is still in Sarayburnu, Istanbul and open for visits for one week.  So, you can easily visit Mavi Marmara in Sarayburnu(close to an exit of Gulhane Park to the seaside) . According to the news, local and foreign visitors are showing high interest on it. A great chance to be eyewitness of  history.

Update: Due to much attention of local and foreign visitors, Mavi Marmara is open for visitors for one week more and from 7:00am to 11:00pm. Sometimes queue is forming by waiting people to visit. Some groups of people visit the ship,  such as organisations, student groups, associations, journalists, authors,and artists from out of city and abroad. There is a memorial book which is being written by visitors.