Kumsal Martyrs commemorated

Kumsal Martyrs were commemorated at a ceremony held at the Museum of Barbarism.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ziya Öztürkler, Speaker of the TRNC Assembly, emphasised the importance of not forgetting the past.

Stating that it is necessary to understand the struggle of the Turkish Cypriot people with Mehmetçik and mujahids and to convey it to future generations, Öztürkler stressed that martyrs were sacrificed so that the Turkish Cypriot people could live freely on their land without losing their language, sentimental values and Turkish identity.

‘Look how beautiful it is that wherever we go, both the flag of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Türkiye fly freely. We continue our lives independently and freely on this land,’ said Öztürkler, adding that reaching this point had not been easy. Öztürkler underlined the need to honor the present and uphold the struggle of the martyrs more than ever.

Reacting to Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides’ statement that ‘EOKA is heroic,’ Öztürkler said, “The Greek Cypriot leader should know this very well. The real heroes are the Turkish Resistance Organisation, the Mehmetçik, the Mujahids, and the brave Turkish Cypriot people. EOKA is a bloodthirsty terrorist organisation. He should know this very well. We will continue to remind him of this.”