Denktaş commemorated in Istanbul
Founder and first President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Rauf Denktaş, was honored on the 13th anniversary of his passing with a special event held at Beylikdüzü Atatürk Culture and Art Center in Istanbul.
The program, organized by the Cyprus Platform and the Turkish Cypriot Cultural Association in collaboration with Beylikdüzü Municipality, highlighted Denktaş’s unwavering determination in the fight for independence, his visionary leadership, and the sacrifices he made for the Turkish Cypriot people.
The evening was filled with cherished memories shared by esteemed guests such as Türkan Şoray, Ediz Hun, Tamer Levent, and journalist-writer Nur Batur. Renowned television personality Gülgün Feyman Budak moderated the event, while Nur Batur provided insights into Denktaş’s life from her book titled If I Lived Again.
During the event, attendees also had the opportunity to view photographs of Türkan Şoray and Ediz Hun’s visit to Cyprus two months before the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation, where they met with martyred soldiers in the Turkish Cypriot Forces Regiment. The emotional moments of reuniting these soldiers with their families and veterans left a lasting impact on everyone present.
Ediz Hun fondly recalled their trip to Cyprus with Türkan Şoray, praising Denktaş as a remarkable individual known for his humor and unforgettable stories. Türkan Şoray, on the other hand, remembered Denktaş as a valuable statesman who dedicated his life to the Cyprus cause.
Journalist-writer Nur Batur delved into lesser-known aspects of Denktaş’s life, while actor Tamer Levent shared his personal memories with the audience. The event was attended by TRNC Istanbul Consul General Fatma Demirel, Consul Ülkü Alemdar, TRNC Consulate staff, and Turkish Cypriot Cultural Association President Zehra Bilge Eray.
Beylikdüzü Mayor Mehmet Murat Çalık and his wife Zehra Çalık, who hosted the event, emphasized Denktaş’s enduring legacy of determination and perseverance, to be passed down to future generations.
In his closing remarks, organization president and Cyprus Platform President Hasan Taş underscored the importance of Rauf Denktaş for the Turkish Cypriot people, stating that he remains a symbol of their independence spirit. “His legacy continues to inspire us, and we will forever honor and remember him,” he concluded.
