# Death of former Diyarbakır Mayor Mehdi Zana

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-former-diyarbakr-mayor-mehdi-zana
> Updated: 2026-08-29T17:02:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Mehdi Zana, a prominent Kurdish politician and former Mayor of Diyarbakır, was admitted to intensive care in August 2026 due to complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). 

Zana, who served as mayor from 1977 to 1980 before being imprisoned following the September 12 military coup, passed away at the age of 85 while receiving hospital treatment. A memorial ceremony was held at the Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality to honor his political legacy and his role in the region’s social memory.

## Claims

- Mehdi Zana died at age 85 due to COPD. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Mehdi Zana was elected Mayor of Diyarbakır as an independent candidate in 1977. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Zana served as Mayor from 1977 to 1980. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Zana spent approximately 16 years in prison following the September 12 military coup. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Zana joined the Workers' Party of Turkey (TİP) in 1963. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A memorial ceremony for Zana was held in front of the Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-29: Mehdi Zana, former Diyarbakır Mayor, dies at 85

Former Diyarbakır Mayor and Kurdish politician Mehdi Zana has died at age 85 following a battle with COPD. He was a key figure in regional politics and served as mayor from 1977 to 1980.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mehdi-zana-former-diyarbakr-mayor-dies-at-85

### 2026-08-11: Mehdi Zana admitted to intensive care in Diyarbakır

Former Diyarbakır Mayor Mehdi Zana has been hospitalized in intensive care due to worsening COPD and age-related health issues.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mehdi-zana-admitted-to-intensive-care-in-diyarbakr

---
Cite as: Death of former Diyarbakır Mayor Mehdi Zana. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-former-diyarbakr-mayor-mehdi-zana