TRNC Honors the Memory of Atatürk

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) held solemn events to mark the 86th anniversary of the death of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. On November 10, the day of the Great Leader's passing, Northern Cyprus observed a moment of silence. Flags were lowered across the country, flowers were placed at the Atatürk monument, the national anthems of Turkey and the TRNC were played, and poems were recited in his honor.

Commemorative ceremonies took place across the country, including in Nicosia, Kyrenia, Famagusta, Iskele, Güzelyurt, Lefke, and other regions. A moment of silence began precisely at 9:05 AM—the time when Atatürk passed away on November 10, 1938.

In Nicosia, the ceremony started just before 9:05 AM in front of the Atatürk monument with wreaths being laid. The event featured speeches by TRNC President Ersin Tatar, Turkish Ambassador to Nicosia Yasin Ekrem Serim, and Major General Sebahattin Kılınç, the commander of the Turkish Cypriot Peacekeeping Forces. Afterward, they signed the Special Memorial Book.

In his message marking the 86th anniversary of Atatürk’s passing, the President of Northern Cyprus stated, "Turkish Cypriots have embraced Atatürk’s principles and reforms as their guide, and they have built their own state through a struggle for existence and freedom with the support of the Republic of Turkey."

"Our people will never stray from the path shown by the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and we will never compromise on our sovereignty, independence, or security," emphasized President Ersin Tatar.

In the evening, the Turkish Cypriot leader also participated in a memorial ceremony held at the Atatürk Cultural Center in Nicosia.

It is important to remember that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, one of the greatest military leaders of the 20th century and the founder of the Republic of Turkey, passed away on November 10, 1938, at 9:05 AM in Dolmabahçe Palace, the former residence of the Turkish sultans in Istanbul, at the age of 57.

Atatürk was buried on November 21, 1938, in the grounds of the Ethnography Museum in Ankara. On November 10, 1953, his remains were reburied in the mausoleum built in his honor, "Anıtkabir."