Events are being held to commemorate the 454th anniversary of the establishment of the foundations and the 69th anniversary of their transfer from British control to the Turkish Cypriot community.

As part of the celebrations, an award ceremony for a composition competition was held at the Foundations Administration building.

Tuesday’s ceremony began with a moment of silence and the national anthem, followed by a speech from the Director General of the Cyprus Foundations Administration, Mustafa Tümer.

He noted that 69 years had passed since the transfer of the foundations’ properties and administration from the British colonial authorities to the Turkish Cypriot people.

Tümer emphasized that foundations are a symbol of civilization, solidarity, sharing, and social responsibility, noting that Ottoman-era foundations in Cyprus historically supported education, healthcare, religious structures, and social welfare.

He also recalled the mismanagement and neglect the foundations endured under British colonial rule.

President Ersin Tatar, who also attended the event, stressed the significance of the Cyprus Foundations Administration, stating that it played a key role in the development of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

“The Foundations Administration has made vital contributions in upholding our national values and preserving our existence, which is both a source of national pride and a reflection of our freedom,” he said.

The event concluded with an award ceremony for the primary school art competition themed “The Contribution of Foundations to Society,” where prizes were given to students and plaques were presented to jury members.