Remembering the Martyrs of Muratağa, Sandallar, and Atlılar – BRTK
Commemoration Ceremony Held for Martyrs of Muratağa, Sandallar, and Atlılar
A solemn ceremony was held to honor the martyrs of Muratağa, Sandallar, and Atlılar. The event began with the laying of wreaths at the martyrs’ cemetery, following protocol. A moment of silence was observed, flags were raised, a salute was given, and the national anthem was played.
The President of the Association for the Survival of the Martyrs of Muratağa, Sandallar, and Atlılar, Ahmet Aşır, delivered the first speech at the ceremony. Aşır highlighted the harrowing experiences faced by the villagers of Muratağa, Atlılar, and Sandallar between 1963 and 1974, emphasizing that the pain of the genocide still lingers, even after 50 years.
Gürsel Benan, Chairman of the Association of Martyrs’ Families and Disabled Veterans, expressed his hope that the Turkish Cypriot people would never have to endure such suffering again. Narin Güler Güldemir, a relative of one of the martyrs, recited a poem titled “50th Year” during the ceremony.
President Ersin Tatar, in his address, denounced the genocide that occurred in Muratağa, Sandallar, and Atlılar, attributing it to the Greek Cypriot administration, police, and military at the time. He lamented the lack of prosecution for the perpetrators of the genocide and emphasized the importance of peace, as demonstrated by the Peace Operation of July 20, 1974.
President Tatar expressed his condolences to the martyrs and announced plans to bury them in separate graves at the Atlılar Martyrdom, following DNA tests. The ceremony concluded with a visit to the martyrs’ cemetery to pay respects to the fallen heroes.
