Events marking the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Operation, organized by the Cyprus Martyrs Commemoration Platform, is currently ongoing.
As part of this initiative, a ceremony was held in Girne to remember the martyrs and veterans of Cyprus.
Notably, the event also featured a discussion session led by the esteemed Turkish cinema actor, Ediz Hun.
The “Remembering Cyprus Martyrs with Ediz Hun” program, organized by the Cyprus Martyrs Commemoration Platform, Bayrak Radio Television Corporation, and the Development and Economic Cooperation Office of the Turkish Embassy in Lefkoşa (KİA), took place at the Girne American University on Wednesday.
The event was attended by President Ersin Tatar and the Speaker of the Parliament Zorlu Töre, among others.
The opening speech was delivered by Neriman Saygılı, Dean of the Faculty of Communication at Girne American University.
Quoting Atatürk’s famous words “Pay attention to the island of Cyprus,” Saygılı in her speech drew attention to the unrest and conflicts in the Middle East, emphasizing that the dominant powers have not allowed peace to prevail in region.
The Speaker of the Parliament Zorlu Töre emphasized the joint struggle of Turkish Armed Forces and Turkish Cypriot fighters during the 1974 Turkish Peace Operation, leading to the present days.
He stressed the importance of embracing the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), asserting that it is the state of all who proudly declare “I am Turkish.”
Töre adamantly declared, “Neither Greece, nor Britain, nor France, nor America, nor Russia gifted us these lands. Through resistance, sacrifice, and resilience, we have reached these days. The TRNC is the gift of our esteemed martyrs and heroic veterans. We will not leave it to America, the European Union, the Greek-Cypriot duo, or any internal or external enemies.”
President Ersin Tatar underscored the significance of the Peace Operation, highlighting its role in ensuring peace on the island for half a century.
He described it as a pivotal moment in Turkish history.
“As an integral part of the great Turkish nation, the TRNC continues to exist with the support of its motherland, protecting Turkishness in the Eastern Mediterranean. Fifty years after the operation, in the Eastern Mediterranean’s blue homeland and sky, the TRNC remains an actor, an authority, and a state, ready to share the riches of this region,” he said.
Tatar reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot side will not engage in any negotiations regarding Cyprus until the recognition of its sovereignty is acknowledged.
In a subsequent panel discussion titled “Ediz Hun: A Cultural Icon for Youth,” President Tatar emphasized Ediz Hun’s role as an idol and exemplar for the youth, particularly recalling his visit to Cyprus during the operation alongside Turkish actress Türkan Şoray, symbolizing solidarity between soldiers, fighters, and civilians.
Following a presentation titled “July 20 Peace Operation Through Stories” by Hasan Taş, President of the Cyprus Martyrs Commemoration Platform, Ediz Hun engaged in a dialogue reflecting on his personal life, educational journey, snippets from his cinematic career, and fond memories of his initial visit to Cyprus.
Ediz Hun expressed his delight at being back in Cyprus on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Peace Operation, affirming the enduring bond between Türkiye and the TRNC.
The commemorative event not only honoured the sacrifices of the past but also celebrated the resilience and determination that have defined the journey of the Turkish Cypriot people over the past five decades.BRT
