Berk Can Dereci
President Ersin Tatar of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) participated as a speaker in a conference titled "The Strategic Importance of TRNC in the Turkic World," held at Ondokuz Mayıs University’s Atatürk Congress and Culture Center (AKM).
During his day of engagements in Samsun, President Tatar, invited by Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), addressed attendees at the AKM on the strategic role of TRNC within the Turkic world. Following the conference, he accepted an honorary doctorate from OMU, expressing that this title was a profound honor for him.
Organized with the support of OMU’s Youth Society, the event was attended by prominent figures, including Governor Orhan Tavlı, Samsun MP Murat Çan, Mayor Halit Doğan, OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın, Samsun University Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmut Aydın, Coast Guard Black Sea Regional Commander Rear Admiral Ahmet Bahadır, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten, Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, and Prof. Dr. Ayşe Pınar Sumer, University Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erhan Burak, Samsun protocol members, Cyprus veterans, Samsun Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Salih Zeki Murzioğlu, OMU Senate members, academics, and many students.
In his speech, President Ersin Tatar made significant remarks, stating that the founding of the Republic of Türkiye and the sacrifices made by the Turkish people in the name of independence, even under the most challenging conditions, have served as an inspiration for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
President Tatar: "We have fought greatly to preserve our national consciousness."
Emphasizing the intense efforts made to preserve their national consciousness, Tatar stated, “Thankfully, our nation has always been by our side. In the early years of the Republic of Türkiye, teachers were sent from here [Türkiye] to there [Cyprus]. Commanders and standard-bearers were sent to organize the military and political structures. Many efforts were made everywhere to ensure the presence and security of the Turkish Cypriot community and to establish the Turkish Resistance Organization.”
Pointing out that these efforts are accurate reflections of national strategy, Tatar continued:
“The Battle of Manzikert in 1071, the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, and the conquest of Cyprus in 1571 established our presence in this region, stretching from Southeastern Anatolia to beyond Tekirdağ and Istanbul. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, as the independent Turkish state in the southernmost region, is an indispensable part of the Turkic World. With its roots, lineage, national unity, values, spirituality, culture, and the bond of unity stemming from history, it connects us to Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, the Caucasus, and Anatolia, forming the foundational elements of the great Turkic world, including the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the Mediterranean. Yes, we discuss these matters, and it may seem easy to discuss them. Yet, these achievements result from great struggles spanning thousands of years.”
“The Importance of Linguistic Unity for a Stronger Turkic World”
Emphasizing the significance of linguistic unity for strengthening the Turkic world, Tatar noted that the consensus reached on the Common Turkic Alphabet project at the Joint Alphabet Commission Meeting, organized by the Turkish Academy and Turkish Language Association last September in Baku, was a historic step. “With the addition of five new letters, linguistic unity becomes crucial for bolstering our national unity and solidifying our shared potential power,” Tatar stated.
“The Turkish Nation Has a Tradition Spanning Thousands of Years”
Tatar highlighted the Turkish nation's thousands of years of tradition, emphasizing that the Turkish people have maintained their presence with their deep-rooted national heritage, traditions, values, and spirituality. He remarked on the noble lineage that has sustained itself in various traditions and values, extending as far as Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean, where they maintained an uninterrupted presence under the rule of the Ottoman Empire for 350 years.
“In the Second Century of the Republic of Türkiye, the Youth Will Serve Their Nation with the Education They Have Received”
Tatar expressed his belief that in Türkiye's second century, the education received by the younger generation would enable them to make significant contributions to their nation. He stated, “I am pleased to address the youth who will lead Türkiye into a more prosperous future. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is an inseparable and enduring part of us all. As we advance into the future together to uphold our national presence in this region, I hope the connections between you, our young people, will strengthen even further in this digital age. We are united as one, and together, we grow stronger. We have come this far because of the values rooted in thousands of years of history."
Governor Tavlı: “We Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Operation That Brought Freedom to the Turkish Cypriot People with Honor, Pride, and Joy”
In his opening remarks, Governor Orhan Tavlı said, “Honorable President, it is a privilege, honor, and joy to welcome you to our city of Samsun, where the first steps of the National Struggle were taken, as we commemorate with pride the 50th anniversary of the Peace Operation, which secured freedom for the Turkish Cypriot people. Welcome to Samsun, the jewel of the Black Sea. In the Peace Operation that brought freedom to the Turkish Cypriot people, we remember with reverence and gratitude our martyrs and those who pioneered this cause: former Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit, Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Dr. Necmettin Erbakan, the lifelong advocate for the Cyprus cause Alparslan Türkeş, the leader of the Turkish Cypriots’ sovereignty and freedom movement, Dr. Fazıl Küçük, Founding President Rauf Denktaş, and other notable leaders and veterans who have passed on.”
“The 21st Century Will Be the Century of the Republic of Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”
Wishing long, healthy, and peaceful lives to the statesmen who courageously fought for the existence, rights, and freedom of the Turkish Cypriots, as well as to the heroic veterans who are still with us, Tavlı said, “Mr. President, I extend my gratitude to you for honoring our province with your presence, and I hope that the honorary doctorate bestowed upon you by the Ondokuz Mayıs University Senate will bring good fortune. The 21st century will be the century of the Republic of Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. May Almighty God be our helper and protector. Long live the Republic of Türkiye, long live the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, long live the Turkish Nation!”
Rector Aydın: “The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a homeland, paid for time and again at a great cost for all of us.”
Expressing her honor in hosting the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, at Ondokuz Mayıs University, Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın remarked, “This honor holds an extraordinary meaning for everyone here—from students to faculty, administrative staff to university leadership. They are engaged in a national struggle for the recognition of our Motherland as a sovereign state. Ondokuz Mayıs University is the university of a city where, in 1919, the torch of national struggle was lit, and the first steps toward independence were taken. As the poet said, ‘Flags are made flags by the blood upon them; soil becomes a homeland if there are those who die for it.’ We all firmly believe that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, with its significant historical, economic, political, cultural, and geopolitical importance, is a homeland for all of us, secured at great cost.”
“The Republic of Türkiye has shown the necessary will and determination to take initiative when needed.”
Rector Aydın emphasized that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), located at the junction of three continents, represents a matter of significant prestige for Türkiye. “TRNC is not only a natural and geographic extension of Anatolia, but it also serves as a critical point of security. Considering that Anatolia is the most important gateway from the Turkic world to the world, TRNC’s strategic importance for all Turkish states becomes clear. Moreover, Cyprus serves as a key for the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean for all global powers—from Russia to the United States, and from the United Kingdom to France. In this context, I believe it is important to understand the interest of powers located hundreds, even thousands, of kilometers away in Cyprus, which is only 70 kilometers from Türkiye.”
Continuing her remarks, she said, “Distinguished President, esteemed guests, Cyprus enjoyed its most peaceful period under Ottoman rule. However, the historical trajectory of Cyprus has been marked by numerous plots and schemes orchestrated by the Greek Cypriot side and its supporters. In response, starting with the 1974 Peace Operation, the Republic of Türkiye took necessary actions to prevent the Turkish Cypriots from facing a genocide similar to the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, which we all witness today with deep sorrow, anger, and disbelief. Similarly, Türkiye demonstrated decisive action in the liberation of Karabakh from Armenian occupation. As higher education institutions in the Republic of Türkiye, we will continue to provide any necessary support. This program, which we believe carries significant and special messages, aims to highlight and communicate the strategic importance of TRNC within the Turkic world to the public.”
"It is our primary duty to remain vigilant against shameless attacks and schemes, and to work with dedication for our country."
Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın emphasized that an honorary doctorate would be presented to President Ersin Tatar in recognition of his efforts to bring the just cause of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to the attention of the world. She noted, "Currently, the TRNC holds observer status alongside Hungary and Turkmenistan in the Organization of Turkic States. Our wish is that it will soon gain full membership, recognized globally as a sovereign state, alongside countries like Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan."
Prof. Dr. Aydın continued, “As you may recall, in the 2004 referendum, our compatriots in the TRNC voted in favor of the solution proposals prepared by the United Nations, known publicly as the Annan Plan, with 65% approval. Meanwhile, the Greek Cypriot side rejected it with a 75% 'no' vote, clearly indicating the source of the deadlock on the island. Despite this, the European Union ignored all its pre-referendum promises and accepted the Greek Cypriot side—which had rejected the UN's solution proposals—as a full member. The lesson we must draw from this process is embedded in the lines of our national anthem: 'Friend! Do not let the lowly set foot in my homeland; protect it with your body; let this shameless assault be stopped.' Therefore, it is our primary duty to remain vigilant against shameless attacks and schemes, and to work with all our heart and soul for our country. With these thoughts and feelings, I respectfully honor and remember those who have struggled and sacrificed their lives for our independence and future, from the Motherland to the Sisterland. I extend my sincere greetings to you all."
OMU Youth Community President Turna: "We will continue striving for better together with our young friends."
OMU Youth Community President Aslıhan Turna stated, “Established in 2010, our community has become one of our university's most active student organizations through the events we organize. Even during the pandemic, we maintained our connection through online platforms, never allowing our bond to break. During this time, we had the honor of hosting esteemed figures, including the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar. Having our President’s participation is a great honor for us. With this opportunity, we will continue working together with our young friends to achieve even greater things for our university and our country.”
Honorary Doctorate from OMU to the TRNC Leader
Following the conference, TRNC President Ersin Tatar was presented with an honorary doctorate gown and diploma by OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın. The honorary doctorate title was conferred on President Tatar under the resolution of the OMU Senate, dated 02.10.2024 and numbered 2024/289. The OMU Senate awarded this title to TRNC President Ersin Tatar in recognition of his outstanding contributions to international diplomacy, his commitment to the principle of "sovereign equality of two states" in the Cyprus issue, and his efforts in strengthening the relationship between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Türkiye.
After the well-attended event, President Tatar took photos with participants, especially students. He then visited OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın's office for further discussions.
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