The Cyprus Evkaf Administration is celebrating its 453rd anniversary of establishment and the 68th anniversary of the transfer of the foundations from the British to the Turkish Cypriot community on April 15, 1956.
The first ceremony to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the transfer of the foundations from the British to the Turkish Cypriot community was realized this morning at the Cyprus Evkaf Administration building in Lefkoşa.
An award ceremony for an essay competition was organised by the Evkaf and the Ministry of National Education for secondary schools under the theme “Foundation and Solidarity.”
The competition was sponsored by the Tangül Ünal Çağıner Foundation.
Addressing the ceremony, the General Director of the Evkaf Administration Prof. Dr Mustafa Tümer said that charitable foundations were based on a 975-year-old philosophy which were passed down from generation to generation.
“Everyone needs to remember and preserve our values as well as to learn about them,” he said.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of National Education said that he was proud to be celebrating the 68th anniversary of the transfer of the Evkaf’s administration to Turkish Cypriots.
He said that foundations were an important of part of daily life, not only in the past but the present as well.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu said that the Evkaf Administration played an important role in preserving traditions and values.
Parliamentary Speaker Zorlu Töre in his speech said that the Evkaf had played a crucial role in the Turkish Cypriot people’s existence on the island.
“Today we have the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and our motherland Türkiye. The Turkish Cypriot people’s greatest assurance, the Turkish Armed Forces are here. We will continue on our path with our own national values,” he added.
Delivering the final speech at the event, President Ersin Tatar said that the Evkaf Administration was the standing testament of Turkish existence on the island that dated back 500 years.
He said that he was experiencing the pride of witnessing how charitable foundations, administered by the Evkaf, have survived to this day and continue to carry out an important function in society.
“There are two separate peoples and two separate states in Cyprus. Any agreement to be reached in Cyprus must and will be based on sovereignty. The exchange of property will be arranged accordingly,” Tatar added.
Following the speeches, students who won the essay competition were awarded their prizes.
A separate wreath laying ceremony on behalf of the Cyprus Evkaf Administration was realized at the mausoleum of Dr. Fazıl Küçük, the leader of the Turkish Cypriot people’s struggle for existence and freedom, at Anıttepe.
Earlier in a statement Evkaf said that it was striving to increase social unity among citizens in need by supporting them in all areas from education to healthcare, food and shelter.
It was stated that Evkaf also reaches large masses through its Goodness Volunteers which consists of hundreds of young volunteers who provide various charity services.