TRNC marks 82nd anniversary of Atatürk’s death
SIRENS sounded, flags were flown at half mast and ceremonies were held around North Cyprus on Tuesday to mark the 82nd anniversary of the death of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.
Sirens wailed at the exact time Atatürk died, 9.05am. He passed away on November 10, 1938, at the Dolmabahçe Palace in İstanbul.
President Ersin Tatar led the proceedings at the main wreathlaying ceremony at the Atatürk statue in Lefkoşa.
He was joined at the ceremony by Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Ali Murat Başçeri, Cyprus Turkish Peace Forces Commander Major General Sezai Öztürk, Speaker of the Parliament Teberrüken Uluçay, Supreme Court Chief Justice Narin Şefik, second president Mehmet Ali Talat, Security Forces Commander Major General Zorlu Topaloğlu, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kudret Özersay and other
ministers, MPs, and representatives from civil society organisations and schools.
Penning his thoughts in a memorial book at the statue, President Tatar wrote: “Dignified Atatürk, we stand before you with respect on the 82nd anniversary of your death.
“The Turkish Cypriot people, who are taking guidance from your path, are proud to live in their own state. . . Great Atatürk, there has been peace in Cyprus
The main ceremony in Lefkoşa, Below, a soldier salutes at the Atatürk statue. since 1974. This peace is down to the deterrent power of the Turkish Armed Forces.
“The existence of the Turkish Forces on our land is indispensable. Turkish Cypriot people, who fought for their lives under your light, have come to their position through collaboration with the country you founded. The TRNC is never helpless.”
Mr Başçeri wrote in the book: “Great Leader Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, on the 82nd anniversary of your eternal journey I am before your presence as the Turkish Ambassador.
“Your faith and sacrifice in the struggle for existence is an example to all nations of the world which are exposed to unfairness.
“Your leadership is engraved on the Turkish people and brothers and sisters of this island. Your achievements inspired many leaders. Through the responsibility of the history we are . . . protecting the Turkish existence with national unity and stability. We commemorate you with respect, affection and longing.”
Major General Öztürk wrote: “Eternal Chief Commander and founder of our state Atatürk, we stand before you with pride to achieve the protection of the lands and the state that you have entrusted to us.
“The freedom fire you have lit launched a national struggle and resulted in a glorious victory . . . This victory still inspires many countries which are fighting for their freedom. Our nation is constructing a future in unity and brotherhood.
“We continue to develop our relationship with the people of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus . . . We bow before you and commemorate your presence, history and grace.”