Veterans of the legendary Erenköy struggle, are calling for the creation of a documentary to ensure their heroic story is passed down to future generations.
A delegation from the Erenköy Freedom Fighters Association, led by Chairman Ahmet Yıldırım, visited Bayrak Radio Television Corporation (BRT) on Monday to seek support for this endeavor.
During the meeting with BRT Director Meryem Özkurt and BRT Board Chairman Özdemir Tokel, the President of the Erenköy Freedom Fighters Association Yıldırım emphasized the historical significance of Erenköy, describing it as “the Çanakkale or Galipoli of Turkish Cypriots and the cornerstone of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.”
He underlined the need for a detailed portrayal of the Erenköy struggle, stating, “A significant gap exists due to the lack of a proper documentary. It is vital for future generations to know about the great sacrifices made during that time and to understand our journey.”
Director Özkurt assured the veterans of BRT’s commitment to the project, recalling past efforts to document the heroism of Erenköy.
However, she emphasized the necessity of a more comprehensive and dramatized production to fully convey the gravity of the events.
“We’ve previously attempted such a project but couldn’t complete it. With renewed determination and the right support, we hope to bring this vision to life this year,” she said.
Board Chairman Tokel highlighted the collaborative efforts already underway to realize the project.
He noted that BRT has initiated discussions with TRT’s documentary production departments, leveraging connections in Ankara and Istanbul.
“This is a significant project requiring substantial financing. By working closely with TRT and drawing on the firsthand accounts of those who experienced the events, we are determined to produce a documentary that accurately reflects the realities of the Turkish Cypriot people,” Tokel stated.
The meeting concluded with members of the Erenköy Fighters Association sharing their ideas for the documentary, emphasizing the importance of capturing the essence of the struggle. All parties expressed hope for a successful collaboration to ensure the legacy of Erenköy is preserved for future generations.