The Cyprus Turkish History, Culture, and National Struggle Museum was inaugurated with a ceremony on Wednesday.

President Ersin Tatar, during the opening, emphasized the importance of knowing history in shaping the future.

The museum was inaugurated by President Ersin Tatar and the Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz who was in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to attend the Republic Day celebrations.

Among the 51 sculptures, including those of prominent politicians and freedom fighters, the opening of the museum began with a moment of silence and the national anthem.

Later, a brief presentation was held on the museum.

Enver Demirel, the Mayor of Ankara Etimesgut Municipality, in his speech at the opening, explained that the museum, narrating the history of Cyprus, was designed upon the proposal of President Ersin Tatar, who had visited the Turkish History Museum opened in Ankara Etimesgut in 2021 and proposed for the creation of a similar museum in Lefkoşa.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment, Fikri Ataoğlu, expressed the excitement and joy of inaugurating the Cyprus Turkish History and National Struggle Museum, which portrays the struggle for existence of the Turkish Cypriots in a contemporary manner and lays the foundations of the Republic.

“This museum, which will enable future generations to walk more confidently into the future by learning the struggle given by their ancestors correctly, in addition to reflecting the national struggle history of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, will also be the clearest expression of its existence in the fields of science and art,” he said.

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz emphasized that history is not only the memory of a nation but also records that shed light on its future, inspire, and guide.

“Societies without knowledge of history cannot know where they are going. The event we call historical consciousness is one of our foremost duties to pass on to future generations,” he said.

Yılmaz stated that while the museum tells the rightful struggle of the Turkish Cypriot people to international visitors, it also reminds children and young people how this homeland was established under what conditions and with what struggles.

President Ersin Tatar in his speech indicated that the museum was designed with the support of the National Archive and emphasized that witnessing history is possible through the artefacts in the museum.

He added that history was important in shaping the future.