“We fulfilled our duty as students, lit a beacon of hope for the people… Our hearts are at peace” – BRTK
The Glorious Erenköy Resistance, where more than 500 students voluntarily put down their pens and took up arms to defend their homeland, has been 60 years since. Despite the hardships and impossibilities, Cypriot youth studying in Turkey and England sacrificed their lives and made a significant mark in the history of the Turkish Cypriot struggle.
Erdil Nami, one of the first group to land in Erenköy on March 31, 1964, shared his Erenköy story with the Turkish Cypriot News Agency (TAK). Originally a final-year student at the Ankara University Faculty of Political Sciences, Nami’s journey began with a letter from his father.
When the first wounded from Cyprus were sent to Ankara Hospital, Nami went to the hospital to check on the injured and also to send his wishes. It was there that he received a short letter from his late father, instructing him to carry on and continue their family line in Cyprus — even amidst the chaos and loss.
After receiving news of the dire situation in Cyprus, Erdil Nami and his fellow students decided to take action. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, they remained steadfast in their determination to defend their land. Their journey led them to the Zir Military Camp, where they received training for three weeks.
Eventually, Erdil Nami and his comrades embarked on a journey to Anamur with military vehicles and ammunition, determined to reach Erenköy. However, challenges arose along the way, including the threat of their boat sinking mid-flight and the need to rely on local knowledge to navigate the terrain upon reaching their destination.
Upon arrival in Erenköy, the young fighters faced intense battles, but their resilience and determination helped them reclaim lost territories and push back enemy forces. Despite facing hardships and loss, they remained committed to their cause, fighting for their land and their people.
As Erdil Nami reminisces about the events of those days, he recalls the sacrifices made, the bonds forged, and the challenges overcome. The Erenköy Resistance may have ended, but its legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who participated, standing as a testament to the courage and spirit of the Turkish Cypriot people in their fight for freedom and justice.
