Monday marked the fourth anniversary of the reopening of certain areas of the fenced-off city of Maraş to visitors.

A ceremony was held to commemorate the anniversary of this significant event, during which a gift was presented to the 2 millionth visitor to the area.

In his speech at the ceremony, President Ersin Tatar expressed the desire to resolve the property issues related to Maraş through the Immovable Property Commission, which is recognized as a domestic legal remedy, and to reintegrate the area into humanity’s service.

An event was held at the entrance of Maraş to mark the fourth anniversary of its gradual reopening.

The event was attended by President Ersin Tatar, the Commander of the Security Forces Command, Major General İlker Görgülü, and the Mayor of Gazimağusa, Süleyman Uluçay.

In his speech, President Tatar stressed that the reopening of Maraş was a significant political development, highlighting the importance of reintegrating the area into humanity’s service.

Noting that 2.2 million people had visited Maraş, Tatar referred to its significant contribution to the city’s appeal, tourism, and economy.

Underlining that their goal was to promote the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the President expressed the government’s extraordinary efforts to strengthen the country through its own dynamics, voicing his belief that the TRNC will become even stronger.

Expressing his sadness over the conflicts in the Middle East, Tatar said, “We once again witness how important peace and tranquillity are here.”

Reiterating his desire for a just, permanent, and sustainable solution in Cyprus, the President stressed that the only way to achieve this was through cooperation between two states.

Tatar noted that his international engagements, including those in New York, were focused on promoting cooperation between the two states.

Regarding Maraş, Tatar said, “Maraş is within the borders of the TRNC. That is a fact.”

Reminding that the Turkish Armed Forces’ intervention in 1974 was a rightful one, he noted that since the Peace Operation, no inter-communal conflict had occurred on the island.

Tatar also stressed that a forced solution was impossible, and as the United Nations has acknowledged, a solution could only be reached if both sides agree.

As the foundation for a solution, Tatar pointed to “sovereign equality and equal international status,” which he referred to as “acquired rights” stemming from international agreements, a stance that was also expressed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the United Nations General Assembly.

The President extended his gratitude to former Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa, Ali Murat Başçeri, former Mayor of Gazimağusa, İsmail Arter, and others for their contributions to the Maraş reopening initiative.

He stressed the hope that the Immovable Property Commission, now part of international law, will resolve all property issues related to Maraş, thereby restoring the area to humanity.

Expressing that it was gratifying to see tourists visiting the region daily, President Tatar thanked the Security Forces Command for their contributions to ensuring the security of the area.

The Mayor of Gazimağusa, Süleyman Uluçay, reminded that Gazimağusa is the third-largest city in the country, stressing that the reopening of fenced-off city of Maraş had made a significant contribution to the city’s tourism.

Following the speeches, a gift was presented to Cahit and Kamile Pehlivan, who entered Maraş at 12pm, the exact time of its reopening.  The event concluded with a tour of Maraş, accompanied by live music performed by the Joker Brass Band, which is part of the Gazimağusa Municipality.