The 2nd International Symposium on the Preservation and Research of Cultural Heritage is being held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), bringing together academics, artists, and institutions committed to safeguarding the island’s shared heritage.
The opening event, hosted at Acapulco Resort Hotel, featured the premiere screening of the documentary “On the Edge of Freedom”, directed by Fevzi Kasap and Gökalp Yamen, along with the launch of the archive-based exhibition “Documents: Cyprus 1925–1984”.
The symposium is organised under the leadership of the Association for the Preservation and Research of Cultural Heritage in collaboration with various government departments, municipalities, and institutions, including Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).
In his opening remarks, President Ersin Tatar praised the initiative and congratulated all contributors to the documentary and exhibition.
He underlined that any future settlement in Cyprus must include the TRNC as an equal party, reiterating that the two-state policy continues with the full support of Türkiye.
He also highlighted the historical significance of the population exchange that occurred during the conflict, noting it solidified the island’s bi-zonal structure and helped form today’s political realities.
President Tatar honoured founding President Rauf Denktaş, who signed the population exchange agreement under difficult circumstances.
He emphasized that this exchange was not only a diplomatic achievement but also a shield against attempts to erase the Turkish Cypriot presence from the island.
The event concluded with a screening of the documentary and the presentation of commemorative plaques to its contributors.