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Turkish Man Dies While Praying at Konya Airport Before Umrah Flight

November 6, 2026

Abdullah Özkan, a 68-year-old retired imam, collapsed while leading a prayer at Konya Airport, hours before flying to Makkah for Umrah.

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A 68-year-old Turkish man died after collapsing while leading prayers at Konya Airport in central Türkiye. He was about to fly to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, Turkish media said on Friday.

Abdullah Özkan was a retired imam from the Beyşehir district of Konya. He also worked as a local representative for a Hajj and Umrah travel company.

What Happened at Konya Airport

Özkan was wearing ihram, the white garments worn by male pilgrims. He was travelling with a group of around 180 people.

A Turkish man passes away while performing a farewell prayer before departing for Umrah in Makkah.

Retired imam Abdullah Özkan was dressed in Ihram and in prostration at Konya Airport when he suddenly collapsed.

His final words were the Shahadah. pic.twitter.com/9WEN3HRo0x
— The Islamic Information (@IslamicInfoOff) November 6, 2026

Turkish news agency Anadolu said the group gathered at the airport at about 2am after finishing their travel formalities. Özkan led a farewell prayer. He then recited the declaration of faith, the Talbiyah, and blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Witnesses said his voice suddenly failed and he collapsed during the final blessings. A fellow pilgrim filmed him leading the prayer and then falling. People nearby rushed to help him.

Airport medical staff gave first aid and performed CPR straight away. Emergency services took him to Selçuk University Medical Faculty Hospital, where he was pronounced dead despite efforts to save him.

Turkish media said he suffered a heart attack. The exact medical cause of death has not been officially established.

Colleague Says There Were No Warning Signs

İsmail Gümüş worked with Özkan for about 15 years and was at the airport. He said Özkan showed no signs of illness before the incident.

Gümüş said Özkan had finished the prayer and was reciting blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ when his voice weakened and he fell forward.

Enes Aktaş, the mufti of Beyşehir, paid tribute to Özkan as a respected religious figure who served the community for many years.

Funeral prayers were held at the district’s Çarşı Mosque on Friday. Özkan was buried at Beyşehir Cemetery, and his family, fellow religious officials and local residents attended.

Maisah

Maisah is a Muslimah and journalist for The Islamic Information based in Indonesia. Studying Law at Maritime University of Raja Ali Haji. She believes in the power of words and hopes that her articles will positively impact all of her readers.