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Hodi Gurkan, believed to be Türkiye’s oldest woman at 131 years old, died on Monday in the rural Binekli neighborhood of Viransehir, a district in southeastern Türkiye's Sanliurfa.
According to official population records, Gurkan was born on July 1, 1894. She died on Monday afternoon, surrounded by her family in her home village.
Gurkan lived her entire life in Binekli, located about 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) from Viransehir town center.
She had seven children, 110 grandchildren, and many great‑grandchildren.
Her funeral took place at the Binekli Neighborhood Cemetery, attended by family members and local residents.
Hodi Gurkan’s lifespan, which began the Ottoman Empire, through the Turkish War of Independence, and into the modern Turkish Republic, made her a living bridge between multiple chapters of Türkiye’s history.
Her longevity and local presence made her a respected figure in her community.
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