The late leader of the Turkish Cypriot people’s struggle for existence and freedom, Dr. Fazıl Küçük, will be commemorated today (15th January), on the 34th anniversary of his death.
The first ceremony will be held at Dr. Küçük’s mausoleum at Anıttepe, where wreaths will be laid by President Mustafa Akıncı. A minute’s silence will be observed, and flags will be lowered to half-mast with the reciting of the national anthem. This will be followed by the signing of the special book of commemoration. The ceremony will end with a speech by President Mustafa Akıncı.
Today the Dr. Fazıl Küçük Memorial Program will also take place at the Atatürk Cultural Centre.
Prime Minister Hüseyin Özgürgün delivered a speech, paying tribute to Küçük’s leadership of Turkish Cypriot society at a time when Turkish Cypriots were facing daily oppression and their very existence on the island of Cyprus was threatened with annihilation.
Özgürgün described how Dr. Küçük took on the duty of leadership with patriotism, courage, and determination, with great personal sacrifice. Özgürgün stated that Dr. Küçük’s efforts in his struggle for the Turkish Cypriots national cause without the expectation of anything in return should be remembered with great pride.
The Prime Minister concluded in his speech that, “Dr. Küçük, who struggled with the burden and the difficulties of those times, has been a source of morality and strength to his people. Küçük was welcomed with great respect and affection by all sections of society. He was always modest, helpful, and full of benevolence and humanity. He has been a source of strength, confidence, and resistance for the Turkish Cypriot people. He served the Turkish Cypriot people well, and fought for the national struggle fearlessly”.
Source: TRNC Public Information Office.
