TRNC Commemorates Founding President Rauf Raif Denktaş

Northern Cyprus is marking the 13th anniversary of the passing of its founding president, Rauf Raif Denktaş, with a series of remembrance events on Monday, January 13. Messages honoring this significant day have been shared by many of the nation’s leaders.

The first ceremony will be held at the late president’s mausoleum, starting at 10:08 AM. The program will feature a wreath-laying, a moment of silence, and the singing of the national anthem. Speeches will be delivered by Serdar Denktaş, the son of the founding president, and Ersin Tatar, the current president of the TRNC. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sign a special memorial book to conclude the ceremony.

Commemorations will continue at 10:45 AM at the Atatürk Cultural Center. The program will again include a moment of silence and the national anthem, followed by speeches from Serdar Denktaş and President Ersin Tatar.

A special oratory performance by students from Yesin Leman Secondary School will bring the ceremony to a close.

In addition, at 2:00 PM, the newly constructed Rauf Raif Denktaş Vocational High School will officially open. The school, built near the Metehan – Çetinkaya Sports Club, stands as a tribute to the memory of the founding president.

Nearly all prominent TRNC political figures, including the president, prime minister, and many ministers and deputies, have shared messages to honor Rauf Raif Denktaş on this solemn occasion.

• “We will never forget our founding president, Rauf Raif Denktaş, who will forever live in the hearts of the Turkish Cypriot people. On this 13th anniversary of his passing, we honor his memory with deep respect, longing, and gratitude. It is our greatest and most sacred duty,” said TRNC President Ersin Tatar in his message.

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