Former MP, mayor, resistance commander, leader, and sportsman Ziya Rızkı, who made significant contributions to the Turkish Cypriot people’s struggle for existence, was commemorated on Sunday.
Two separate ceremonies were held on the 30th anniversary of Rızkı’s passing.
The first ceremony took place in front of his bust at Ziya Rızkı Square, while the second ceremony was held at his grave in Karaoğlanoğlu Cemetery.
The ceremonies were attended by the former President Mustafa Akıncı, several MPs, the President of the Social Democratic Party (TDP) Zeki Çeler, Girne Mayor Murat Şenkul, the Chairman of the Ziya Rızkı Foundation Board CTP MP Dr. Ceyhun Birinci, members of the foundation, as well as Rızkı’s family and loved ones.
During the first ceremony at Ziya Rızkı Square, wreaths were laid at the bust, followed by a minute of silence.
The second ceremony at Ziya Rızkı’s grave in Karaoğlanoğlu Cemetery featured a speech by former President Mustafa Akıncı, who described Ziya Rızkı as a representative of a set of values.
“He was a man of discipline, a social democrat. Ziya Rızkı was not a dogmatic party member or partisan. He earned the love of people from all parties and was a personality above parties” Akıncı said.
TDP leader Zeki Çeler noted that Rızkı did not separate people by their party affiliations and served the entire public without discrimination.
Girne Mayor Murat Şenkul stressed the importance of introducing symbolic figures like Ziya Rızkı to younger generations and those who consider this country their homeland.
The Chairman of the Ziya Rızkı Foundation Board, CTP MP Dr. Ceyhun Birinci, reminded that Ziya Rızkı dedicated his life to his people and served them throughout his life.
“It was his populist personality that made him a leader, along with being a dignified, honourable, and principled person who stood for justice, law, and honesty” Birinci said.
Dr. Ayten Berkalp and Esat Varoğlu also shared their memories of Ziya Rızkı during the ceremonies.