President Ersin Tatar issued a message on the 60th anniversary of the Erenköy Resistance.
“The resistance of our university students together with the local people in Erenköy will always be remembered in our struggle history” President Tatar said.
President Ersin Tatar who issued a message to mark the 60th anniversary of the Erenköy Resistance stated that the 60th anniversary of the Erenköy Resistance, which the Turkish Cypriots refer to as their ‘Çanakkale Epic,’ was being proudly celebrated with a sense of responsibility to history.
Noting that hundreds of Turkish Cypriot youth, who left their education midway to defend their homeland and pursue an honourable life, resisted to the death against the Greek attacks reinforced by the Greek Regiment, which were initiated with the goal of ENOSIS, Tatar stressed that a great victory was achieved at Erenköy.
He also added that the students first organized actions within student societies abroad to draw attention to what was happening in Cyprus, and then they fought for the honour and freedom of the people.
The President said that the epic written by the students, alongside the local people in Erenköy through great sacrifices, ensured an honourable life in security on these lands.
“The spark ignited by the Erenköy fighters, who took freedom and independence as their guide, is among the beginning of the sacred journey that led to the Peace Operation on July 20 and the declaration of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)” Tatar stressed.
Reminding that under the attack of the Greek Cypriots and in full view of the UN, the struggle was carried out with great determination, and that motherland Türkiye came to the rescue, he noted that Erenköy was prevented from falling into enemy hands and that what happened in Erenköy was just one of the examples showing that Türkiye’s guarantee cannot be abandoned.
“Together with motherland Türkiye, in complete unity of thought and action, we will always protect our rights and interests both in the Cyprus issue and in the Blue Homeland, inspired by our revered martyrs, empowered by our people, and guided by the lessons of history. We will move forward with hope for the future” Tatar stressed.
“The Turkish Cypriot people will not bow to any fait accompli that would destroy our future, existence, and achievements. We will always preserve and develop the status we have reached through the struggle and sacrifices made for the sake of living freely, despite the heavy costs. This is our greatest duty to future generations” he added.
Noting that certain people risked various dangers, risking their lives to connect with Anatolia and bring weapons with their boats so that the Turkish Cypriot people could resist Greek Cypriot attacks, the President stressed that the resistance demonstrated by young university students, together with the local people, will always be remembered in the struggle history of the Turkish Cypriot people.
Reminding that Pilot Lieutenant Cengiz Topel, who was hit during air raids and parachuted to safety, was captured by the Greek Cypriots and brutally tortured to death, he said, “The Turkish Cypriot people have not forgotten, will never forget, and will forever keep in their hearts Martyr Pilot Lieutenant Cengiz Topel. May his soul rest in peace.”
Tatar also stressed the commendable resistance of the student fighters and the local people in the Erenköy region, who fought heroically under the most difficult conditions and upheld the honour and dignity of the Turkish nation.
“Erenköy Resistance, which stands as a great heroism epic in our struggle history, is the greatest proof and symbol that the Turkish Cypriot people will uphold their freedom, sovereignty, and national values under all conditions with determination and resolve” the President stressed.
“Even if centuries pass, this resistance will not be forgotten. Its spirit and determination will continue to guide us in our struggle. Our people will not abandon their state, sovereignty, or freedom, and will not become a minority to the Greek Cypriots” he added.
“Our people will not forget the 13 martyrs resting at the Erenköy Martyrs’ Cemetery, and will not allow their legacies to be trampled on” Tatar said.
“On the 60th anniversary of the Erenköy Resistance, while commemorating our dear martyrs and Martyr Pilot Lieutenant Cengiz Topel with gratitude and reverence, I wish God’s mercy on all our martyrs and salute our veterans with respect. The country is grateful to you” Tatar concluded his message.