Turkish Cypriot President Ersin tatar commemorated the 67th anniversary of the January 27-28, 1958 uprising against the British Colonial Governance, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of the Turkish Cypriot people in their fight for freedom, independence, and sovereignty.In a heartfelt message, Tatar reflected on the historical importance of the resistance, which saw Turkish Cypriots stand firm against British forces and Greek leadership, refusing to bow to external pressures.The uprising,which took place in Nicosia and Famagusta,was a pivotal moment in the Turkish Cypriot struggle for self-determination. Tatar emphasized that the resistance demonstrated the Turkish Cypriots’ unwavering commitment to their rights, even in the face of violence and oppression. “Our people showed the world that they will defend their right to determine their own future, even at the cost of death,” he stated.
The two-day resistance resulted in the loss of seven martyrs and numerous injuries, but it also solidified the Turkish Cypriots’ resolve to live freely and independently. Tatar paid tribute to the martyrs, including Mehmet Ahmet, Şerif Mehmet, Mustafa Ahmet, İbrahim Ali, Sermet Kanatlı, Fuat Yusuf, and Safa Muharrem, expressing his gratitude and reverence for their sacrifice.
The President also highlighted the broader implications of the resistance, noting that it proved the Turkish Cypriots were not a minority to be dominated by the Greek Cypriots. Instead, it underscored the existence of two distinct peoples in Cyprus, each with their own aspirations and rights. “The January 27-28 Resistance showed the world that the Turkish Cypriots are not a minority, that they will not be a pawn for the Greek Cypriots,” Tatar affirmed.This historic event remains a cornerstone of Turkish Cypriot identity, symbolizing their enduring fight for sovereignty and self-determination. As Tatar concluded his message, he called on future generations to remember the sacrifices made and to continue upholding the values of freedom and independence.
Key Points of the January 27-28, 1958 Resistance
Table of Contents
| aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Date | January 27-28, 1958 |
| Location | Nicosia and Famagusta |
| Opposing Forces | British Colonial Administration and Greek leadership |
| Outcome | 7 martyrs, numerous wounded, but resistance solidified Turkish Cypriot resolve |
| Significance | Demonstrated Turkish Cypriots’ commitment to self-determination and sovereignty |
| Martyrs Honored | Mehmet Ahmet, Şerif Mehmet, Mustafa Ahmet, İbrahim Ali, Sermet Kanatlı, Fuat Yusuf, Safa Muharrem |
The legacy of the January 27-28 resistance continues to inspire the Turkish Cypriot community, serving as a reminder of their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. As President Tatar aptly stated, “We remember with great pride and honor.”
Commemorating the 67th Anniversary of the January 27-28, 1958 Turkish Cypriot Resistance
On the 67th anniversary of the January 27-28, 1958 uprising, Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar reflected on the bravery and sacrifice of the Turkish Cypriot people in their fight for freedom, independence, and sovereignty. This pivotal moment in history, marked by a two-day resistance against British colonial rule and greek leadership, continues to inspire the Turkish Cypriot community. In this interview, Dr. ayşe Yılmaz, a historian specializing in Turkish Cypriot history, joins us to delve deeper into the importance and legacy of this historic event.
The Ancient Context of the January 27-28 Resistance
Senior editor: Dr. Yılmaz, can you provide some context about the events leading up to the January 27-28, 1958 resistance?
Dr. Ayşe Yılmaz: Certainly. The January 27-28, 1958 resistance was a direct response to years of British colonial governance and increasing pressure from the Greek Cypriot leadership, wich sought to dominate the island. Turkish Cypriots, who had long been marginalized, rose up in Nicosia and Famagusta to assert their right to self-determination. This uprising was not just a reaction to immediate threats but a culmination of decades of struggle for freedom and sovereignty.
the Significance of the Resistance
Senior Editor: What makes this event so notable in the history of Turkish Cypriots?
Dr. Ayşe Yılmaz: The resistance was a defining moment in the Turkish Cypriot struggle for self-determination. It demonstrated their unwavering resolve to live freely and independently, even in the face of violence and oppression. President Tatar rightly emphasized that this event proved the Turkish Cypriots were not a minority to be dominated but a distinct people with their own aspirations and rights. It was a powerful message to the world that they would not be pawns for the Greek Cypriots.
The Martyrs and Their Legacy
Senior Editor: The resistance resulted in the loss of seven martyrs. Could you tell us more about their legacy?
Dr. Ayşe Yılmaz: The martyrs—Mehmet Ahmet, Şerif Mehmet, Mustafa Ahmet, İbrahim Ali, Sermet Kanatlı, Fuat Yusuf, and Safa Muharrem—embodied the spirit of courage and sacrifice. Their legacy lives on as a reminder of the cost of freedom. President Tatar’s tribute to them underscores the reverence and gratitude felt by the Turkish Cypriot community. Their sacrifice solidified the resolve of the Turkish Cypriots to continue their fight for sovereignty.
The Broader Implications of the Resistance
Senior editor: How did this event impact the broader political landscape of Cyprus?
Dr. Ayşe Yılmaz: The resistance highlighted the existence of two distinct peoples in Cyprus, each with their own aspirations. It challenged the notion that the island could be governed as a single entity under Greek Cypriot dominance. This event laid the groundwork for the eventual recognition of the Turkish Cypriots as equal stakeholders in the island’s future. It also reinforced their commitment to their rights and identity,shaping the political discourse in Cyprus for decades to come.
Conclusion: A legacy of Resilience and Determination
senior Editor: Dr. Yılmaz, as we conclude, what would you say is the enduring legacy of the January 27-28 resistance?
Dr. ayşe Yılmaz: The legacy of this resistance is one of resilience and determination.It serves as a poignant reminder that the Turkish Cypriot people will defend their right to self-determination, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.As President Tatar aptly stated,“We remember with great pride and honor.” This event remains a cornerstone of Turkish Cypriot identity, inspiring future generations to uphold the values of freedom and independence.
