Photos: Coronavirus alters way Turks mourn and bury their dead

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Photos: Coronavirus alters way Turks mourn and bury their dead

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way Turks bury and mourn their dead

Published: May 16, 2020 11:02 AP and compiled by Balaram Menon, Digital Content Editor

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Copy of Turkey_Cemeteries_Photo_Gallery_08616.jpg-18263~1-1589611931643 — In a special section of Istanbul's Baklaci cemetery set aside for COVID-19 victims, a gaggle of workers well outnumbered the three mourners - the maximum number of relatives allowed to attend the burial of Munever Kaya. Image Credit: AP

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Copy of Turkey_Cemeteries_Photo_Gallery_59045.jpg-38ea4~1-1589611942391 — In a special section of Istanbul's Baklaci cemetery set aside for COVID-19 victims, a gaggle of workers well outnumbered the three mourners - the maximum number of relatives allowed to attend the burial of Munever Kaya. Image Credit: AP

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Copy of Turkey_Cemeteries_Photo_Gallery_30149.jpg-c9e59~1-1589611956225 — Like elsewhere, the pandemic has changed the way Turks bury and mourn their dead. On some occasions, funeral prayers have been held at the graveside instead of in mosques, as is the normal custom. Mourners must stand well apart and wear masks. Image Credit: AP

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Copy of Turkey_Cemeteries_Photo_Gallery_64474.jpg-c96c1-1589611969646 — Traditional "mevlit" ceremonies - a kind of wake held at the home of the deceased where a poem on the Prophet Muhammad is read - have also suffered due to the restrictions on gatherings. Image Credit: AP

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Copy of Turkey_Cemeteries_Photo_Gallery_69247.jpg-55286~1-1589611938728 — Meanwhile, travel restrictions force many families to bury their loved ones in the place where they died, instead of taking the bodies back to hometowns or villages as decreed by tradition. Image Credit: AP

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Copy of Turkey_Cemeteries_Photo_Gallery_12909.jpg-f9afe~1-1589611959861 — "On some occasions, we have buried the dead ourselves because no family or friends could be present," explained Safak Cevirme, deputy head of the Istanbul Cemeteries Directorate. Image Credit: AP

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Copy of Turkey_Cemeteries_Photo_Gallery_86226.jpg-0d8f6-1589611966125 — Despite its high rate of coronavirus infections, Turkey's death toll is relatively low and morgues have not been overwhelmed, unlike in other hotspots such as Italy or Spain. Still, concerns over the safe handling of COVID-19 victims' bodies are high. Image Credit: AP

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Copy of Turkey_Cemeteries_Photo_Gallery_46708.jpg-a3c20~1-1589611949102 — At Zincirlikuyu, one of Istanbul's main morgues, officials who wash and prepare bodies for burial according to Islamic tradition wear hazmat suits and other protective equipment. Image Credit: AP

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Copy of Turkey_Cemeteries_Photo_Gallery_45979.jpg-5e3e6~1-1589611952374 — "We have always followed strict guidelines but overalls, goggles and face shields have now been added," Cevirme said. "Our personnel are among those under the highest risk of infection, after health workers." Image Credit: AP

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Copy of Turkey_Cemeteries_Photo_Gallery_57058.jpg-16bfe~1-1589611945773 — A number of morgue workers and burial officials in Istanbul were infected but all have recovered, he said, adding that all personnel are offered psychological support to cope with the strain. Image Credit: AP

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Copy of Turkey_Cemeteries_Photo_Gallery_83413.jpg-3a895-1589611934966 — Female morgue workers prepare the body of a woman who died of COVID-19, at the Zincirlikuyu morgue in Istanbul. Image Credit: AP

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Copy of Turkey_Cemeteries_Photo_Gallery_88000.jpg-ad27b-1589611962690 — Freshly dug graves are seen at a special section of Baklaci cemetery in Istanbul, that is dedicated for COVID-19 victims. Image Credit: AP

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Copy of Turkey_Cemeteries_Photo_Gallery_10287.jpg-524e0~1-1589611928142 — A morgue worker adjusts a flag on the coffin of a woman, who died of COVID-19 on a hearse truck, at the Zincirlikuyu morgue in Istanbul. Image Credit: AP

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