Vedat Demren loving life aboard his boat 'Lady' in 2005.
We arrived at the Mosque with no idea what to expect. Vedat's family were there to wordlessly greet us with a kiss on wet cheeks and a momentary hug. As the weak spring sun nudged clouds aside a young girl pinned a small formal photo of a bright young man to our lapels. 'Vedat Demren 1951-2007'. Too young.
Slowly more and more people joined us until there were hundreds of mourners quietly kissing, hugging and chattering, as doves cooed from the eaves above and horns marked busy Istanbul beyond the railings.
A murmur turned us to see a green pickup weave through the gates and the men of the family, lifting Vedat to their shoulders, followed the Immam though the quiet throng to a plain marble table. Carried on a simple wooden frame and dressed in a bright green cloth adorned with gold lettered verse, Vedat, warmed by the sun was amongst friends.
The Immam left him amongst those that knew him best and we stood for an hour or so as people took turns to move close and bid a last farewell. That a huge flower arrangement from Onur Air arrived late raised a chuckle and perhaps Vedat smiled as well.
Then the Immam rejoined us and as the women put on scarves, the men moved a little closer. For a few minutes prayers were said and recited back by the faithful, whilst a private prayer was thought by us few strangers.
Then, with our cheeks damp again, he was lifted one final time to willing shoulders and carried back through us and away for burial. As Vedat passed me, Selim said "He is on his last journey now", and so I saw him go.
Later, alongside the glittering Bosphurus in one of his favoured restaurants, our small sombre party toasted an absent friend over lunch. Stories were told, wine was poured and for a moment I could have sworn there was a lingering whisper of a fine cigar and a deep chuckle.
Goodbye Vedat.
Rest Well.
Steve
Vedat Demren at his company Holidays 4U in 2006.
