President Ersin Tatar has emphasized the importance of the Turkish Cypriot press in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is technologically advancing and increasing its physical and human capabilities, to guide itself by the principles of impartial, accurate reporting and press ethics while enlightening the public.
In a message issued to mark 11 July Press Day, President Tatar said that Turkish intellectuals in Cyprus, influenced by the newspapers that began to emerge during the reform and modernization movements in the Ottoman Empire, started publishing newspapers in Cyprus and that the first Turkish newspaper named Saded was published in Ottoman Turkish by a Turkish individual in 1889.
Referring to the celebration of July 11 in commemoration of Saded’s establishment, President Tatar said, “This special day provides us with an opportunity to remember the historical responsibility assumed by our press organizations in the country’s press history, to examine the progress made by the press institution and the achievements it has attained throughout the historical process, as well as the ethical and structural problems it faces.”
He emphasized that it is well known that the Turkish Cypriot press, overcoming various difficulties, has reached a respected position in serving the public.
Tatar pointed out that the Turkish Cypriot press fell silent on the island from 1914 to 1919 as a result of the unilateral annexation of Cyprus by Great Britain but later re-emerged from its ashes.
While many newspapers operating under British rule faced censorship and pressure from the British administration after the 1931 Rebellion, President Tatar stated that the press was the voice of the Turkish Cypriots against Enosis or Union with Greece.
“From those days until today, the Turkish Cypriot press has made great progress both quantitatively and qualitatively, and it has become a visual perception for the blind, a hearing perception for the deaf, and a voice for those who cannot speak, contributing to the development of democracy, pluralism, and all kinds of thoughts,” he said.
Tatar also said that the Turkish Cypriot press, thanks to technological advancements, now has a greater capacity to shape the country’s politics with media channels such as “news portals” and “websites” in quantitative terms relative to the population.
He highlighted the great importance of the technologically advancing Turkish Cypriot press, which is enhancing its physical and human capabilities, to also adhere to the principles of unbiased, accurate journalism, and press ethics while enlightening the public.
Tatar also emphasized the necessity for the press to have self-regulation in terms of ethics, being a manifestation of an understanding that considers telling the truth as art without destroying objective reality.
“Journalists or columnists should refrain from launching attacks with offensive and hostile attitudes, using a demeaning language that violates the honour of individuals, institutions, or thoughts, under the guise of freedom of expression,” he said. President Tatar concluded his message by congratulating and expressing his heartfelt respect to everyone who has contributed to the Turkish Cypriot press, which has been the voice of the Turkish Cypriot people throughout the years, reflecting their politics, perspectives, and stance to the world, as well as their undeniable contribution to the struggle for social existence. He also paid tribute to those who are no longer with us.
President Tatar extended his warmest wishes and greetings to all media professionals on Press Day, celebrating July 11 with utmost sincerity.