Messages of condolences poured in for the late Turkish Cypriot journalist Süleyman Ergüçlü following his sudden death on Monday morning.
State and government officials as well as former colleagues and the press community expressed their shock and sadness over the death of the veteran journalist who passed away at the age of 69 from a heart attack.
President Ersin Tatar expressed his condolences on Monday saying Ergüçlü held important positions in both broadcast and print media for years.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Süleyman Ergüçlü, a distinguished figure in the Turkish Cypriot Press, who held significant roles in both visual and written media for many years. Süleyman Ergüçlü will always live on in our hearts with his strong social relationships and professional achievements. I would like to express my deepest condolences and sympathies to his grieving family as well as the press community,” he said.
The Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Zorlu Töre in his message said, “Ergüçlü provided valuable services to various media institutions, including Bayrak Radio Television Corporation. His contributions to journalism, as well as his work in writing and art, will always serve as an example for young journalists. May Süleyman Ergüçlü rest in peace. My condolences to the press community and our people.”
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel who also issued a message for the late veteran journalist said, “I have learned with great sorrow that Süleyman Ergüçlü, one of our irreplaceable veteran journalists, has passed away. It is with deep sadness that I mourn the loss of Süleyman Ergüçlü, who was a successful voice in the Turkish Cypriot press, an active journalist, and a professional leader in the media industry for many years. I extend my prayers for Süleyman and patience to his grieving family.”
Salih Can Doratlı, Chairman of the BRTK Board of Directors, expressed his deep sadness over Ergüçlü’s passing, noting that his sudden death is a significant loss not only for the institution but also for the entire Turkish Cypriot Press.
Meryem Özkurt, Director of BRTK, also issued a message of condolence for Ergüçlü, highlighting his long years of service at BRTK, from the lowest ranks to the highest levels of the Board of Directors.
The Cyprus Turkish Journalists Association also conveyed its condolences in a message for Süleyman Ergüçlü, emphasizing his significant contributions to the Turkish Cypriot media and his impact as a journalist, author, and photographer.
Özer Kanlı, General Coordinator and Editor-in-Chief of KIBRIS Media Group recalled Ergüçlü’s vital role in the success of Kıbrıs newspaper from its early days and his valuable contributions to BRTK as well as the Cyprus Turkish Journalists Association, noting that his passing is a significant loss for both the Turkish Cypriot media and the people.
Messages of condolences also poured in from various ministers, political parties, and civil society organizations, all expressing their deep sadness over the loss of Süleyman Ergüçlü.