Mustafa Çağatay who served as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ first Prime Minister was remembered on Monday on the 34th anniversary of his death.
A ceremony was held by his graveside at the Karaoğlanoğlu cemetery in Girne.
Monday’s ceremony in remembrance of the TRNC’s first Prime Minister Mustafa Çağatay was attended by President Ersin Tatar, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, the Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Metin Feyzioğlu, the leader of the main opposition Republican Turkish Party Tufan Erhürman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu, state and government officials, military commanders, family and friends.
Addressing the ceremony, President Tatar said that Mustafa Çağatay was a great statesman and lawyer who had given his services to the TRNC.
He added that everyone admired the late Çağatay for his tolerant and democratic character.
Pointing out that Çağatay who was one of the architects of the TRNC desired the existence of the Turkish Cypriot people forever; Tatar said they will continue to work to preserve that goal.
Tatar also said that they will continue to fight against all attempts and circles who try to undermine the existence of the TRNC.
Mustafa Çağatay had served as prime minister of the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus from 1978-1983.
He also served as the founding Prime Minister of the TRNC.
Çağatay died in a traffic accident near his home in Girne on April 3, 1989.