On Monday, a ceremony was held in front of the Topçuköy Martyrs’ Monument to honor the nine individuals from Topçuköy who were martyred during the National Struggle and the 1974 Peace Operation.

President Ersin Tatar who attended the ceremony emphasized that the struggle of the Turkish Cypriot people to protect their rights, laws, and independence in these lands is respected worldwide.

He added that the notion of a federal settlement in Cyprus was no longer viable.

The ceremony commenced with the laying of wreaths at the monument, followed by a moment of silence and a salute. The flags were then raised accompanied by the National Anthem.

İskele Mayor Hasan Sadıkoğlu spoke at the ceremony, recalling the oppression and inhumane treatment suffered by the Turkish Cypriot people from 1878 to 1974, asserting that such events will never be forgotten. He expressed his determination that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) will continue to advance confidently and powerfully, wishing peace under the Turkish star-and-crescent flag for all.

President Tatar paid tribute to the Topçuköy martyrs, recalling the suffering and sacrifices before 1974.

He highlighted the global respect for the Turkish Cypriot people’s struggle for their rights and independence.

Emphasizing President Erdoğan’s remarks made during his recent visit to the TRNC, he declared that the notion of a federal settlement in Cyprus was no longer viable and that any agreement must be based on the principle of two sovereign states.

Tatar asserted that a return to the pre-1974 situation would be suicidal and a betrayal to the martyrs.

The president reaffirmed the significance of Turkish military guarantees, asserting, “No matter what the world says, we will never give up Türkiye’s guarantee.”

He underscored that the Turkish military remains the guarantor of peace and security on the island.

The commemoration concluded with prayers for the martyrs.