The founder of the Republic of Türkiye, the great leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was commemorated in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on the 86th anniversary of his passing.
At 09:05, the time of Atatürk’s death, a moment of silence was observed nationwide, accompanied by sirens, and flags were lowered to half-mast.
In the capital, Lefkoşa, a ceremony was held in front of the Atatürk Monument, and a Commemoration Program took place at the Atatürk Cultural Centre to honour him.
During the ceremony, President Ersin Tatar stated that the great leader Atatürk was a visionary statesman who continues to guide the future, and that the path he laid out will continue to be followed.
The founder of the Republic of Türkiye, the great leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was commemorated on the 86th anniversary of his death with ceremonies and events not only in Türkiye but also in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
At 09:05, the time of Atatürk’s passing, a nationwide moment of silence was observed with the accompaniment of sirens, and flags were lowered to half-mast.
Commemorative ceremonies were held in all districts and towns, with the main event taking place in the capital, Lefkoşa, in front of the Atatürk Monument.
The ceremony was attended by President Ersin Tatar, the Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Ziya Öztürkler, Chief Justice Bertan Özerdağ, former President Mehmet Ali Talat, Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Yasin Ekrem Serim, Commander of the Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces Command Major General Sebahattin Kılınç, Commander of the Security Forces Command Major General İlker Görgülü, Main Opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Tufan Erhürman, several ministers, deputies, representatives of institutions, organizations, associations, military personnel, and students.
The ceremony began with the laying of wreaths at the monument in accordance with protocol, followed by a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem, during which flags were raised and then lowered to half-mast.
During the ceremony, President Ersin Tatar, Turkish Ambassador Yasin Ekrem Serim, and Commander of the Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces Major General Sebahattin Kılınç signed the Monument’s Special Book.
Following the ceremony at the Atatürk Monument, a commemoration program was held at the Atatürk Cultural Centre.
The program started with a moment of silence and the National Anthem.
The first speech was given on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces Command by Infantry Lieutenant Emren Yılmaz, who stressed that Atatürk was a great genius who could find a way out even in the most difficult circumstances.
Stating that, thanks to Atatürk’s exceptional leadership, he paved the way for the Turkish nation and led his people to freedom and independence, Yılmaz described Atatürk as an eternal Commander-in-Chief, born in 1881 but with no date of death.
Speaking on behalf of the Turkish Embassy in Lefkoşa, Third Secretary Ahmet Ege Aka expressed that the great leader Atatürk was remembered with an unwavering sense of longing.
Stating that the works Atatürk bestowed upon the Turkish nation were a legacy for future generations, Aka noted that Atatürk’s motto, “Peace at home, peace in the world,” had been guiding Turkish foreign policy for exactly 101 years and remained its cornerstone.
“Honouring Atatürk’s cherished memory is a steadfast duty for both Türkiye and the Turkish Cypriots” he added.
The Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu underscored the commitment to Atatürk’s lofty ideals as the pioneer of the independence struggle.
“The greatest legacy he left us is the Republic,” Çavuşoğlu said, stressing that they were working with all their strength to uphold the responsibility of this legacy.
He also added that knowledge was the path to an enlightened society, and that they will continue to walk the path of learning shown by the Great Leader Atatürk.
Stressing the need to uphold Atatürk’s legacy and to pursue the goals he set with determination, Çavuşoğlu said, “Remaining faithful to Atatürk’s reforms is our duty. We will advance the Republic by following in his footsteps.”
In his speech, President Ersin Tatar described Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as a visionary statesman who illuminated the future.
Noting that Atatürk was always protective of Cyprus, issuing directives to ensure it would not fall into enemy hands, the President that if the Turkish presence continued in Cyprus today, it is due to the implementation of his orders.
Stating that the existence of the TRNC in the Eastern Mediterranean was a result of adherence to Atatürk’s principles, Tatar reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot people would continue to follow his path.
The ceremony concluded with a theatrical performance presented by the Lefkoşa Anatolian Fine Arts High School.
Ceremonies were also held in other districts and towns to commemorate Atatürk.