Mustafa Çağatay who served as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ first Prime Minister was remembered today (Wednesday) on the 35th anniversary of his death.
A ceremony was held by his graveside at the Karaoğlanoğlu cemetery in Girne.
Wednesday’s ceremony in remembrance of the TRNC’s first Prime Minister Mustafa Çağatay was attended by his family and loved ones, along with President Ersin Tatar, Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Zorlu Töre, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, Commander of the Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus Major General Sebahattin Kılınç, Commander of the Cyprus Turkish Security Forces Major General Osman Aytaç, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, and Mayor of Girne Murat Şenkul.
Addressing the ceremony, President Tatar said that Mustafa Çağatay was a great statesman and lawyer who had given his services to the TRNC.
He added that everyone admired the late Çağatay for his tolerant and democratic character.
Pointing out that Çağatay who was one of the architects of the TRNC desired the existence of the Turkish Cypriot people forever; Tatar said they will continue to work to preserve that goal.
Tatar noted that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was one of the two states on the island and emphasized that if there is to be an agreement, it must absolutely be a part of that agreement.
He added that Ankara supported this policy to the end.
Tatar also mentioned Mustafa Çağatay’s significant contributions to the policy of two states, expressing that they will follow the path laid out by dedicated individuals like Çağatay and highlighting that their services will not be forgotten.
Mustafa Çağatay had served as prime minister of the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus from 1978-1983.
He also served as the founding Prime Minister of the TRNC.
Çağatay died in a traffic accident near his home in Girne on April 3, 1989.