Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Atatürk Research and Application Center (EMU-ATAUM) and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Martyrs’ Families and Disabled Veterans Association collaboratively organised the ‘December 21 – 25 National Struggle and Martyrs Memorial Panel’. The panel, held as part of the December 21 – 25 National Struggle and Martyrs’ Week, took place on December 21, 2018, Friday at Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center.
After the moment of silence and the National Anthem, TRNC Martyrs’ Families and Disabled Veterans Association President Gürsel Benan gave a speech. He emphasised that the Turkish Nation is a noble and great nation that has maintained its freedom and independence throughout its history; and that today, they respectfully remembered the martyrs who sacrificed their lives and veterans who struggled in honour of the homeland and the Turkish flag. Benan continued with the following: “One who is ignorant of the past cannot presume to see their future. Our homeland is entrusted to us by our forefathers. It is the duty of those who live here to protect this land. Our martyrs have a special place in our hearts and we keep safe the land they entrusted”.
During his opening speech, EMU-ATAUM President Assist. Prof. Dr. Turgay Bülent Göktürk thanked everyone for their participation and stated their respect for those who gave their lives in honour of their homeland. After the opening speeches, Retired Combatants Commander Ahmet Sevinç, Reyhan Kişmir (daughter of a martyr during the 1963 events) and Yaşar Gevrek (a disabled veteran of the 1974 Peace Operation) shared their memories.
Turkish Military Forces in Northern Cyprus Major General Yılmaz Yıldırım, Civil Defence Organisation President Necmi Karakoş, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam, EMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Cem Tanova, many academicians and students were present at the keenly participated panel. At the end of the event, Prof. Dr. Osam presented the participants with platelets of gratitude.
