The late leader of the Turkish Cypriot People’s struggle for freedom and existence Dr. Fazıl Küçük and Founding President Rauf Raif Denktaş were commemorated with a ceremony held in Mersin, Türkiye.

The program, which was held at the Toroslar Municipality Rauf Raif Denktaş Park and Open Air Museum in cooperation with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’s Consulate General in Mersin, started with a wreath-laying ceremony, a minutes silence followed by the recital of the National Anthem.

During the ceremony prayers were read for the Rauf Raif Denktaş, who passed away on January 13, 2012, and Dr. Fazıl Küçük, who passed away on January 15, 1984.

Speeches delivered during the ceremony noted that Dr. Fazıl Küçük and Rauf Raif Denktaş were the heroes of the Cyprus cause.

Speaking first at the ceremony TRNC Consulate General Zalihe Mendeli said, “The leaders’ statements that the Cyprus issue cannot be solved without Türkiye continue to guide our struggle, and their thoughts and efforts continue to enlighten our path”.

Toroslar Mayor Atsız Afşın Yılmaz for his part stated that Rauf Raif Denktaş and Dr. Fazıl Küçük were the heroes of the Cyprus cause.

“We commemorate the great statesman Rauf Denktaş and Dr. Fazıl Küçük, both who instilled hope and excitement in the Turkish Cypriot people with their passion for independence,” said Yılmaz.