The second anniversary of the devastating February 6, 2023 earthquakes, which struck 11 provinces in Türkiye and claimed the lives of 49 Turkish Cypriot citizens, was marked today with commemorative ceremonies across the TRNC.

The victims, including the Champion Angels moniker being given to the 26 students from Gazimağusa Türk Maarif College, along with their teachers and parents—were honored in ceremonies held under the auspices of the Presidency.

The main remembrance event took place at the Gazimağusa Cemetery – Champion Angels Memorial at 10:30 AM this morning, where prayers were recited, and flowers were laid at the gravesites.

This was followed by a commemorative program at Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center featuring a performance by the TRNC Presidential Symphony Orchestra.

Additionally, a prayer service was also held at the Polatpaşa Mosque in Gazimağusa in the afternoon in memory of the Champion Angels.

Special remembrance ceremonies will also take place for the victims buried in various cemeteries across the TRNC, including Yeniboğaziçi, Atlılar, Dörtyol, Vadili, and Ulukışla, at designated times throughout the afternoon.

The February 6 earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.7 and 7.6, were described as the “disaster of the century” and resulted in significant losses for the TRNC.