Moiz Akkoen in the military

My brother-in-law, Moiz Akkoen did his military service in Adana. This is a photo taken during that time. The others beside him are his friends, but I don’t know any of them. He did his military service as part of the infantry.

Moiz Akkoen was very much affected by the events during 6th-7th September 1955. After his shop in Mahmutpasa [business district in Istanbul] was looted and all his wares were destroyed he collected his family and emigrated to Israel a mere five months after the tragic events. He had a very good life in Israel.

My wife Suzan's brother, Moiz Akkoen, was also born in Kuzguncuk. He grew up there. He married Seli Alfandari. They had two sons, named Seyfi and Avi. He worked at an import company called "Porsemay Glassware", in Tahtakale [a neighborhood], Eminonu [commercial district on the European side] for long years. He became a partner of the firm later on. They used to import porcelain dishware, crystal glassware, and crystal chandeliers from abroad, especially from Czechoslovakia, and Germany. Their life was very pleasurable and happy. During the events of 6th and 7th of September in 1955 [16], their stores were ruined, all their items were broken and looted. This sad event affected Moiz very much. He emigrated to Israel with his family. He opened up a "Faux Bijouterie" [French for "imitation jewelry"] workshop there. Later on, he also exported this jewelry to Europe. He worked at this job for a long time. He retired and closed down his business later on. He has seven grandchildren from his sons. Though they have aged a lot, they are full of life. Seli has been receiving treatment for osteoporosis, for a long time. Moiz has some slight sicknesses, but they manage.