President Ersin Tatar’s visit to Australia marks a significant moment for the Turkish Cypriot community, both in Australia and globally. His presence has sparked joy among Turkish Cypriots, who have long been advocating for recognition and respect for their identity and sovereignty. This visit underscores the enduring ties between the Turkish Cypriot diaspora and their homeland, highlighting the community’s historical presence in Australia since the 1940s.

A Warm Welcome in Canberra

Upon his arrival, President Tatar laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, a gesture that symbolizes the respect and solidarity between the Turkish Cypriot community and their Australian compatriots. This act was not just ceremonial but also a powerful statement of the Turkish Cypriot community’s contribution to and integration within Australian society. 

President Tatar’s message during the visit was clear: the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has been an independent state since its proclamation in 1983, a reality that the international community needs to acknowledge. His visit was a reminder of the injustices faced by Turkish Cypriots, particularly the continuous efforts by Greek Cypriots to deny the existence and rights of the TRNC.

Efforts to Engage with the Community

During his visit, President Tatar made it a point to engage with the Turkish Cypriot community in Australia, which has grown and thrived despite the challenges posed by political isolation. The community’s jubilation was evident, as they saw in Tatar’s visit a recognition of their identity and struggles. Tatar’s efforts to travel across the globe to meet his compatriots is a testament to his commitment to the Turkish Cypriot cause.

Addressing Historical and Political Realities

President Tatar’s visit also served to reiterate historical and political facts often overlooked or misrepresented. He reminded the world that the Cyprus issue did not start in 1983 but has roots in the 1960 Treaty of Establishment, which created a bi-communal partnership Republic of Cyprus. The Turkish Cypriots were forced out of this partnership in 1963, leading to a de facto separation of the island. Tatar emphasized that the Turkish Cypriots have been governing themselves independently since then, and the TRNC’s proclamation in 1983 was a formalization of this reality.

The Greek Cypriots’ persistent refusal to acknowledge the TRNC and their efforts to claim the entire island as a Hellenic entity is a major obstacle to peace. Tatar pointed out that even if the TRNC did not exist, the 1960 agreements ensured a partnership government, not a Greek-dominated state. This historical context is crucial in understanding the current political impasse and the need for a two-state solution, as advocated by Tatar.

Highlighting the Role of Türkiye

Throughout his visit, Tatar highlighted the support of Türkiye (Turkey) in the struggle of the Turkish Cypriots. He underscored the fact that Türkiye, as a guarantor power, intervened in Cyprus in 1974 to prevent further bloodshed and ensure the safety of the Turkish Cypriots. This intervention, often labeled as an invasion by Greek Cypriots, was in fact a peace operation that prevented the annexation of Cyprus by Greece, which was the aim of the Enosis movement supported by the Greek Cypriot leadership at the time.

Turning the Tables on Greek Cypriot Propaganda

President Tatar’s visit was also a strategic move to counter Greek Cypriot propaganda that has long painted the Turkish Cypriots as aggressors. By meeting with Australian diaspora and community leaders, and the media, Tatar presented the Turkish Cypriot narrative that often goes unheard. He detailed the continuous rejections by the Greek Cypriots of numerous peace plans, including the Annan Plan in 2004, which was accepted by Turkish Cypriots but overwhelmingly rejected by Greek Cypriots.

Tatar’s meetings and public engagements in Australia serve to reinforce the message that the Turkish Cypriot people have always been in favor of a peaceful resolution based on equality and mutual respect. His visit is a call to the international community to recognize the realities on the ground and the legitimate aspirations of the Turkish Cypriot people for self-determination and statehood.

President Ersin Tatar’s visit to Australia is a significant milestone for the Turkish Cypriot community. It not only strengthens their resolve but also serves as a powerful reminder of their rightful place in the international arena. The Turkish Cypriot community in Australia, and indeed around the world, stands united with their leader in the pursuit of recognition and justice for the TRNC. 

As President Tatar continues his efforts to advocate for a two-state solution, his visit to Australia will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for Turkish Cypriot sovereignty and equality.