President Ersin Tatar issued a message on Sunday on the 453rd anniversary of the establishment of the Cyprus Vakıflar or Foundations Administration also known as the Evkaf as well as the 68th anniversary of its transfer to the Turkish Cypriot people from British Colonial rule.

In his message issued on Sunday, President Ersin Tatar said, “With the establishment of the Cyprus Vakıflar Administration shortly after the conquest of Cyprus in 1571, the seal of Turkishness was stamped on Cyprus, and the first steps were taken towards the development, consolidation, and institutionalization of goodness, solidarity, and cooperation in the social and economic fields of our people. As our ancestors endowed their properties, the Cyprus Vakıflar Administration has further strengthened and reached these days.”

Referring to the unjust and illegal transfer of the most valuable Evkaf properties to Greek Cypriots during the British colonial rule and the seizure of its management in 1914, Tatar emphasized that following a long and hard struggle initiated under the leadership of Dr. Fazıl Küçük, the administration of the charitable foundations was transferred to the Turkish Cypriot people on April 15, 1956.

“Today, we also celebrate the 68th anniversary of this great victory,” he said, adding that preserving and perpetuating the Administration, which is the greatest legacy of our ancestors, was one of their greatest duties.

“I would like to reiterate my sensitivity on this matter. While celebrating the 453rd anniversary of the establishment of the Cyprus Vakıflar Administration and the 68th anniversary of its transfer to the Turkish Cypriot people, I respectfully commemorate those who made sacrifices and provided services in its establishment and transfer to our people,” said Tatar.