National Day of Mourning Declared in Northern Cyprus

The Council of Ministers of the TRNC has declared January 22 a national day of mourning to honor the victims of the tragic fire at the Kartalkaya ski resort in Turkey. The death toll from the devastating incident has climbed to 76.

The decision was officially published in the Official Gazette.

“The Council of Ministers has declared a day of national mourning in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, beginning on January 22, 2025, and lasting until sunset, in response to the tragic loss of life and injuries caused by the fire in Kartalkaya, Bolu,” the statement reads.

A similar national day of mourning has also been declared in Turkey.

The fire erupted late on the night of January 21 in a 12-story wooden hotel building at the Kartalkaya ski resort, located in Bolu Province.

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire began in the restaurant area on the fourth floor before rapidly engulfing the entire structure. At the time of the fire, the hotel was nearly full, with an estimated occupancy rate of 80–90%, accommodating 234 guests.

Initially, reports indicated 10 fatalities, but the number of victims quickly rose. As of the evening of January 22, 76 lives had been lost, with others injured in the tragedy.

Authorities in both Turkey and Northern Cyprus have extended their heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families.