TRNC President Delivers Address on the Anniversary of the Türkiye Earthquake

On February 6, Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) mark the second anniversary of the devastating earthquakes that claimed over 50,000 lives. President Ersin Tatar, along with top government officials, addressed the nation with a heartfelt message commemorating the victims.

Tatar described the earthquake that struck two years ago as a tragedy that left a deep and lasting pain in people’s hearts. He reaffirmed that the TRNC "will continue to pursue justice in the legal proceedings regarding the collapse of the Grand Isias Hotel," where members of a youth volleyball team from Famagusta tragically lost their lives.

"The wounds left by this disaster still ache within us. As a nation, we are doing everything we can to heal from this tragedy, which took the lives of over 50,000 people in Türkiye and 49 of our own citizens, including the ‘Champion Angels.’ We will ensure that their names are never forgotten," Tatar stated, offering his condolences to the grieving families and the people of Türkiye.

Other TRNC leaders, including Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, key ministers, members of parliament, and political party leaders, also shared messages of remembrance.

Northern Cyprus will honor the earthquake victims with memorial events today. A remembrance ceremony will take place at the Champion Angels Martyrdom Cemetery in Famagusta and at the Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center to mark the second anniversary of what has been called the "tragedy of the century."

On February 6, 2023, two massive earthquakes struck Türkiye just nine hours apart, followed by thousands of aftershocks. The disaster led to a state of emergency and a seven-day period of national mourning.

Among those who lost their lives was the teenage volleyball team from Famagusta. The bodies of 35 people were recovered from the rubble of the Grand Isias Hotel in Adıyaman. In Northern Cyprus, the young athletes are remembered as the "Champion Angels."