An “International Symposium on Turkish Cypriot Foundations from a Legal Perspective”, organized in collaboration with Ankara Social Sciences University’s Northern Cyprus Campus, the Cyprus Foundations Administration, and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) kicked off on Thursday.

The event aims to explore the legal dimensions of the historical and cultural significance of Turkish Cypriot foundations.

Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa, Yasin Ekrem Serim, who delivered an opening speech at the event, expressed his gratitude to all those involved in organizing the event, which aims to deeply explore the legal aspects of Turkish Cypriot foundations.

Ambassador Serim referred to the historical importance of foundations, stating that they were crucial in providing public services during the Ottoman Empire, which were largely facilitated through foundations.

He also noted that the foundation system was a cornerstone of Ottoman civilization, earning it the title of a “foundation civilization” due to its emphasis on charity and social solidarity.

Underlining the historical significance of foundations in Cyprus, particularly following the Ottoman conquest of the island in 1571, when the tradition of establishing foundations was introduced, Serim said, “over 2,220 foundations were established in Cyprus between 1571 and 1974, reflecting the charitable spirit of the Turkish Cypriot community. These foundations have since become one of the most enduring institutions on the island, serving as a concrete testament to the Turkish presence in Cyprus.”

Addressing the legal aspects, Ambassador Serim pointed out that even after the handover of Cyprus to British administration in 1878, the rights of Turkish foundations were recognized in agreements, including the Lausanne Treaty, which ensured the protection of foundations established across former Ottoman territories, including Cyprus.

Touching upon the struggles faced by Turkish Cypriots in reclaiming control over their foundations, he noted, “After years of legal battles, the management of these foundations was restored to the Turkish Cypriots in 1956”

Serim referred to this achievement as one of the early victories in their struggle for existence and freedom on the island.

Noting that despite the recognition of foundation rights in the 1960 Constitution both British and Greek Cypriot administrations had violated the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot foundations, Ambassador Serim called for further legal research into the Laws of Foundations as customary law that should be recognized as a source of international law to protect these rights.

Stressing the ongoing relevance of foundations in supporting the development of the Turkish Cypriot community, Serim stressed the responsibility of preserving and strengthening the legacy of these foundations, which were built with great efforts by their ancestors.

The symposium will conclude on Friday with sessions held at the Lefkoşa Bedesten.