Today marks the third anniversary of the Kahramanmaraş-centred earthquakes of magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 that struck 11 provinces in Türkiye on 6 February 2023, a tragedy widely described as the “disaster of the century.”
Among the victims were the Champion Angels, members of the Gazimağusa Turkish Maarif College delegation who had travelled to Adıyaman to take part in a volleyball tournament. The group was staying at the Grand İsias Hotel, which collapsed during the earthquake, claiming the lives of 72 people.
The Champion Angels included 35 Turkish Cypriot athletes, teachers and family members. They lost their lives after being trapped under the rubble of the hotel, which later became a symbol of negligence linked to the disaster.
The delegation had travelled to Adıyaman with excitement and pride to represent their country, but their journey ended tragically at the Grand İsias Hotel.
Following the disaster, families of the victims came together under the Champion Angels Association and have continued their collective efforts to seek justice.
Commemoration ceremonies for those who lost their lives at the İsias Hotel will be held today at 2.00 pm. Simultaneous ceremonies are scheduled to take place in Gazimağusa ( Famagusta), Yeniboğaziçi ( Agios Sergios) Atlılar ( Aloda), Dörtyol ( Prastio)and Ulukışla (Maratovunos).
As part of the commemorations, families will release white balloons symbolising justice and eternal love. Prayers will also be held at the Polatpaşa Mosque at 3.30 pm.
