Turkish Cypriot leader promised to help the professor

Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman stated that he has taken steps to resolve the situation regarding the entry ban to Turkey for Cypriot art professor Senih Çavuşoğlu. He announced this on Friday via social media, noting that he learned about the problem the previous evening and personally contacted the academic.

Erhürman emphasized the special significance of relations between Turkey and Turkish Cypriots. According to him, many citizens of Northern Cyprus studied in Turkey, have friends there, and close personal ties, so they have the right to receive explanations regarding entry restrictions and demand the correction of possible errors.

The politician admitted he was saddened by what happened, but added that his task as a leader is not only to express regret but also to seek solutions. He recalled that he has repeatedly raised this issue in meetings with Turkish authorities and intends to continue working to eliminate such cases.

Earlier, Çavuşoğlu reported that he was denied entry through Antalya airport due to being included in the so-called N-82 list. According to available data, about 15 Turkish Cypriots are on the N-82 and G-82 lists. The first requires prior entry permission through the embassy, while the second implies a full ban.

The lists are not public, and people usually find out they are included only when attempting to enter the country. Turkish authorities characterize N-82 status as a restriction on the right of free entry, while G-82 is applied to individuals suspected of threatening national security.

Former Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı also spoke out in defense of Çavuşoğlu.