As part of the activities commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, a celebration and parade were held in Dereboyu, Lefkoşa on Sunday.
The event, accompanied by the Cyprus Turkish Security Forces Band, was attended by President Ersin Tatar, the Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Zorlu Töre, the Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Metin Feyzioğlu, the Commander of the Cyprus Turkish Security Forces Major General Osman Aytaç, several ministers, and members of parliament, students, and the public
Following the completion of the parade, speeches were delivered.
Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu, in his speech that began by remembering Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, emphasized the importance of “protecting the state” and said, “The Republic means unity. The Republic means prosperity, hard work, enlightenment, and shaping the future. Protecting our state that our martyrs watered with their blood and lives is our primary duty. We are the guardians of this republic, and we will be its guardians forever.”
He also mentioned that just as in the past, they would march forward to the future with the same determination.
The Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa, Metin Feyzioğlu, stated that the Republic is 100 years old today, marking the beginning of a new century for Türkiye. …./2….
He mentioned that they would continue to achieve great things every decade, following Atatürk’s path and that the Turkish nation’s determination and dedication would make the century just as successful as in the past.
He also emphasized that this century would be the century of both Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
“We do not have a ‘Cyprus issue.’ For us, Cyprus is not an issue; for us, Cyprus is a national cause, a cause we sacrificed our lives for. Those who have issues may get tired over time, but those who have a national cause, and set out on an endless journey, never get tired. As the children of the Republic, we will never tire of pursuing this cause. The Republic of Türkiye and the TRNC will endure forever. ‘How happy is he who says, ‘I am a Turk,” Feyzioğlu said.
President Ersin Tatar, who also attended the celebration, extended his greetings, pointing out that the Turkish Cypriot people were celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye with great enthusiasm.
Tatar mentioned that as Türkiye celebrated its 100th year, they were also preparing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
He stressed that no force could sever the bond between them and that their peace and security would continue under the guarantee of Türkiye.
Tatar also referred to the situation in Palestine and emphasized that no one should say that war is impossible, as the Turkish Cypriot people have also experienced similar hardships.
“If there is going to be an agreement in Cyprus, it will be a two-state agreement, not a minority under a federal umbrella. This century will be the century of the Republic of Türkiye and the TRNC. I wish for a more prosperous tomorrow. The Republic will live forever, may it be blessed,” he said.
Following the speeches, the Security Forces Command Band gave a concert. After the concert, there was a folkloric performance by the Gazimağusa Folk Dance Association.
The celebration concluded with a performance by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ Gymnastics Federation.