Grateful as a nation to our martyrs who opened the horizons of a new future

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Education Academic Staff Assist. Prof. Dr. Yurdal Cihangir, speaking within the scope of the National Struggle and Martyrs Week on 21st December stated, “In order for us to live as a nation on this land with our heads held up high and with honor, by making the biggest sacrifice possible by giving their lives, who have enabled us to look to the future with more hope, and ensured equality, independence and security, as a nation we are grateful to martyrs have opened the horizons to a new future”.

Stating that the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960 was viewed as a springboard by the Greek Cypriots as an easy route of transition to Enosis, Assist. Prof. Dr. Cihangir said, "They did not see the need to wait long to realize their Megalo ideas and the implementation of the Akritas Plan as soon as possible”.

Reminding that the Greek Cypriots put the Akritas Plan into effect on 21st December 1963, Cihangir advised that their aim was to destroy the Turkish Cypriots and connect the island to Greece.

Cihangir elaborated that with the implementation of the Akritas Plan, Turks residing in 103 different villages were forced to migrate and take shelter in only 3% of the island, with these Turkish Cypriots living under heavy siege and embargoes for eleven years.

Stating that in the face of the Greek attacks the Turkish Cypriot Community recovered within a short time and took a defensive position, Cihangir went on to say, "The Turkish Cypriot community maintained this situation for 11 years with selfless resistance."

Assist. Prof. Dr. Cihangir pointed out that the Turkish Cypriots have no other goal than to live in peace upon these lands as an equal and free society, and continued, "This society, as they have done so for centuries while living on this land, will protect this homeland and will live in freedom forever."