Cyprus Veteran Haunted by Memories of Massacre Pit
Cuma Erdem, a 74-year-old Cyprus veteran, shared his memories of the Cyprus Peace Operation, which took place on July 20, 1974, with the goal of preventing the oppression faced by the Greeks in Cyprus and establishing peace on the island. Erdem, who currently serves as the Gaziantep Provincial Chairman of the Turkish War Veterans Association, reflected on his experiences during the operation.
Recalling the events leading up to the operation, Erdem mentioned that he was informed of their deployment to Cyprus while serving in Kahramanmaraş at the age of 22 due to threats against Turkish Cypriots. He described their journey to the island on a passenger ship from Mersin and his participation in two landings as part of the operation.
Erdem vividly recounted the harrowing moments during the operations, including a ceasefire declared by the United Nations following the first operation. Despite the ceasefire, attacks against Turkish soldiers and Cypriots continued, leading to a second operation. He emotionally described the sight of Turkish warplanes bombing Greek positions in the Beşparmak Mountains during the Second Operation.
One particularly poignant experience for Erdem was the discovery of a mass grave site in the villages of Muratağa, Sandallar, and Atlılar, where Greeks had committed atrocities. He vividly remembered unearthing the bodies of martyrs, including a mother and child embraced in a final tragic moment.
Erdem emphasized the importance of upholding moral standards during war, outlining his commanders’ directive to protect civilians, hospitals, and places of worship. He recounted an incident where Turkish soldiers provided aid to a young girl in distress, illustrating their commitment to compassion amidst conflict.
Throughout his recollections, Erdem underscored the bravery and integrity of Turkish soldiers in the face of adversity, highlighting their dedication to protecting and supporting their compatriots. As the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation approaches, Erdem’s reflections serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of peace and justice in Cyprus.
