Yigit and Derman Evrensel, conjoined twins born in Antalya, Turkey, will celebrate their second birthday on June 21 next year. After undergoing three surgical procedures at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, the twins were successfully separated on January 28.
The twins have been under close medical supervision and care at the British hospital since their separation. However, they recently returned to Turkey in an air ambulance provided by the Turkish Ministry of Health, capturing media attention upon their arrival at Ankara’s Eseoga airport.
The brothers’ father, Omer Erensel, expressed his joy and gratitude, stating that their eyesight, feeding, and overall well-being are normal. He described the separation as a rebirth, and the family is ready to start anew.
The twins’ mother, Fatma, shared her relief at the successful separation, highlighting the emotional turmoil she experienced while unable to embrace or comfort her children. She tearfully recalled the moment they were separated, expressing immense happiness that their suffering is now over.
Craniopagus, the condition in which the twins were conjoined, is an extremely rare occurrence, happening only once in every 2.5 million births. Most infants affected by this condition do not survive beyond 24 hours. Only sixty separation surgeries have been performed to date.
During their pregnancy, the parents received advice from physicians to consider termination, but they chose to proceed, believing it was a gift from God. They expressed their gratitude for the successful separation and their joy in returning to Turkey with their healthy children.
In December of the previous year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his wife Emine facilitated the twins’ journey to the United Kingdom for medical treatment, as separation surgery was not possible in Turkey. The family expressed their appreciation for the government’s support throughout the process.
Having traveled nearly 3,000 kilometers, the family is excited to begin a new chapter at home in Turkey. They look forward to celebrating the twins’ second birthday with great joy and enthusiasm, grateful for the chance to witness their children grow and thrive like any other children their age.
