A memorial ceremony was held in Lefkoş to mark the 86th anniversary of the death of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. Dignitaries, members of the military, students and citizens gathered at the Atatürk Cultural Center to honor his contribution to the country. The event began with a minute of silence and the playing of the anthem.
President Ersin Tatar, National Education Minister Nazım Çavuşoğlu and other officials delivered speeches. President Tatar emphasized that Turkish Cypriots gratefully follow Ataturk’s precepts in defending the independence and freedom of the TRNC and recalled how the great leader strived for the development and protection of Turkey on a global level.
Minister Cavusoglu noted that Atatürk has earned a place in history not only as a national hero but also as a leader who inspired the whole world with his values. He added that the main task of the Republic of Turkey remains to educate the youth in the spirit of Atatürk’s legacy of science, freedom and independence.