The Turkish Cypriots’ struggle for freedom

Cyprus International University (CIU), Faculty of Education faculty member Asst. Prof. Dr. Cahit Nuri stated that the August 1 is a date for three meaningful historical events "however, we can express that the August 1 is a struggle for peace and freedom".

Reminding that the August 1 is the 449th anniversary of the conquest of Cyprus, it is also the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT) and the 44th anniversary of the Command of the Security Forces. Thus, it symbolizes the freedom efforts of Turkish Cypriots' social resistance.

It was stated that the island of Cyprus was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1571 and remained under the Ottoman rule for centuries, and the island was rented by Britain from the Ottoman Empire during the Ottoman-Russian War on the condition that they will leave the island, however, they did not leave Cyprus until the end of the World War II.

The active establishment of TMT
It was pointed out that efforts were made for a joint administration between the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots, however, there was no success because the Greek Cypriots considered the Turks as a minority.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuri emphasized that Turkish Cypriots organized and started a struggle agaianst the treatment of the Greeks and said, "For this reason, TMT was established on the night of July 31/August 1 in 1958".

It was stated that the Turkish Cypriots reinforced their social unity with the success they have shown in the struggle for historical existence, and that the foundations of the rightful pride and honor lived as a society were laid in this process.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuri wished that Atatürk's principles and revolutions were followed in accordance with the international human rights within a democratic and constitutional state understanding based on freedom, equality, and trust considering the struggles of the Turkish Cypriot people throughout the history.