Who was Ali Gaffar Okkan? Bio & Death

Ali Gaffar Okkan: One of Modern Turkey’s Most Respected Police Chiefs

Born on February 24, 1952, in the Hendek district of Sakarya, Turkey, Ali Gaffar Okkan was one of the most respected police chiefs in modern Turkish History. He grew up in a working-class family where his father ran a local shop, which helped him develop strong communication skills with regular people from an early age. He chose a career in law enforcement early in life, graduating from the Police College in 1970 and later completing his education at the Turkish Police Academy in 1973. This formal training gave him a strong background in public safety, criminal law, and community policing, setting the stage for his future leadership roles in major cities across the country.

During his active years in uniform, he was known for being physically active and approachable, often working directly on the streets alongside his officers. To address a common query, Ali Gaffar Okkan stood at a height of 180 cm (5 feet 11 inches) and maintained a disciplined physical form with a weight of approximately 78 kg (172 lbs). He did not like sitting behind a desk, preferring to walk around the neighborhoods he protected to talk directly with local residents, business owners, and youth. This active lifestyle kept him physically fit and highly visible, making him a trusted figure among the public.

The Diyarbakır Years: Building Trust and Community Ties

The career of Ali Gaffar Okkan was marked by steady promotions through the ranks of the Turkish National Police. He served in various positions in Izmir, Şanlıurfa, and Eskişehir, gaining extensive experience in both counter-terrorism and traffic management. His most significant assignment came in 1997 when he was appointed as the Provincial Police Chief of Diyarbakır, a city facing complex security challenges at the time. Instead of relying solely on heavy security measures, Okkan focused heavily on building bridges between the police force and the local community.

In Diyarbakır, Okkan changed how the police interacted with regular citizens. He deployed female police officers to the streets for the first time to assist elderly people and children, and he ordered his patrol cars to keep their lights on so citizens would feel safe at night. He also played an active role in supporting Diyarbakırspor, the city’s local football club. He attended matches regularly, traveled with the team, and helped find financial support for the club. This deep involvement in the daily life of the city made him incredibly popular, to the point where hundreds of local families named their newborn sons Gaffar after him.

The Tragic Assassination and Enduring Memory

The life of Ali Gaffar Okkan was cut short at the peak of his career. On January 24, 2001, while traveling from his office to a scheduled meeting, his vehicle was ambushed in central Diyarbakır. Okkan and five of his fellow police officers—Sabri Kün, Mehmet Kamalı, Selahattin Baysoy, Atilla Durmuş, and Mehmet Sepetçi—were killed in the armed attack. The news of his death triggered massive grief across the country, particularly in Diyarbakır, where shops closed down and thousands of people filled the streets for his funeral procession to show solidarity with his memory.

Today, his name lives on across Turkey, with numerous schools, major boulevards, and police stations named in his honor. On the personal front, his domestic life was shared with his wife, Zerrin Okkan, and the couple had two children, a daughter named Sezin and a son named Can. His life story continues to be studied in police academies as a primary example of how effective law enforcement relies on earning the trust and respect of the community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How tall was Ali Gaffar Okkan and what was his weight?
The police chief had a height of 180 cm (5’11”) and maintained a steady weight of around 78 kg (172 lbs).

When was Ali Gaffar Okkan born and how old was he when he died?
He was born on February 24, 1952, and was killed on January 24, 2001, at the age of 48 years old.

Where did Ali Gaffar Okkan go to school?
He received his professional training at the Police College and graduated from the Turkish Police Academy in 1973.

Why was Ali Gaffar Okkan so popular in Diyarbakır?
He gained immense popularity by making the police accessible, helping local families, and playing an active role in supporting Diyarbakırspor.

Who are the members of Ali Gaffar Okkan’s family?
He was married to Zerrin Okkan, and he left behind two children named Sezin and Can.

What is the cause of Ali Gaffar Okkan’s death?
He was assassinated on January 24, 2001, during a high-profile armed ambush in central Diyarbakır while in the line of duty.

Check out our 1952 born celebrities page to discover Ali Gaffar Okkan and other notable people born in the same year.