In the ever-fluctuating landscape of the Middle East, Türkiye has once again emerged as a linchpin for stability and decisive leadership. President Elect Donald Trump’s statement, “Türkiye will hold the key to Syria” — alongside his praise for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan — underscores Türkiye’s central role in regional geopolitics.

While global powers like the United States often dominate narratives, Türkiye has consistently proven its influence and capacity to navigate complexities, not just in Syria but across regions of strategic importance. Yet for Turkish Cypriots, these comments resonate far deeper than geopolitics; they are a reminder of Türkiye’s steadfast support and the irreplaceable role it plays in protecting Turkish Cypriot rights and aspirations.

Türkiye’s Influence in Syria: A Lesson in Leadership  

At a time when Syria’s civil war had drawn in a chaotic medley of international powers, Türkiye emerged as a mediator, defender, and strategic actor. Trump’s recognition of Türkiye’s role in shaping Syria’s future was both a compliment and an acknowledgment of reality. Türkiye shares an over 900-kilometer border with Syria, a proximity that thrusts it into the frontline of the refugee crisis, security challenges, and humanitarian needs. Yet unlike many external players, Türkiye has focused not on imperial ambitions but on safeguarding stability and rooting out terrorism, particularly from PKK/YPG groups that threaten its national security.  

President Erdoğan’s leadership in this matter has been exemplary, securing buffer zones and working to ensure displaced Syrians have safe havens to return to. As Trump himself highlighted, Türkiye’s involvement was not optional; it was essential.  

Türkiye and Turkish Cypriots: A Historical Bond of Protection  

For Turkish Cypriots in the TRNC, Türkiye’s unwavering role in defending vulnerable populations mirrors its own involvement in Cyprus. It was not ambition that led Türkiye to intervene in Cyprus in 1974 but rather the Treaty of Guarantee, which legally empowered Türkiye to prevent the ethnic cleansing of Turkish Cypriots by EOKA-led Greek Cypriot terrorists. Much like its interventions in Syria today, Türkiye acted to prevent bloodshed and ensure a marginalized community’s survival.

What many fail to acknowledge in contemporary geopolitical debates is that Türkiye has been a reliable protector for oppressed populations time and again. Turkish Cypriots would not exist as a thriving community today without Türkiye’s timely action in the face of existential threats. This is why Turkish Cypriots hold deep admiration and trust in Türkiye — a bond forged through shared history, culture, and sacrifice.  

A Global Double Standard: Türkiye’s Actions Misunderstood  

It is striking how Türkiye’s actions in Syria — much like its intervention in Cyprus — are frequently misrepresented by international media outlets. When Western nations intervene in conflict zones, they are often painted as peacekeepers or liberators. However, when Türkiye acts to secure stability, protect its borders, or defend vulnerable populations, its actions are scrutinized and criticized under unfair terms.  

The hypocrisy is glaring. Türkiye’s intervention in northern Syria to establish a security corridor is no different in principle from Western-led operations in Iraq or Afghanistan. In both cases, national interests and regional stability were driving factors. Yet Türkiye faces disproportionate condemnation, revealing deep-seated double standards in the global treatment of Türkiye’s leadership.  

Turkish Cypriots face a similar bias in the international arena. The TRNC — despite its democratic institutions, modern infrastructure, and peaceful governance — remains unrecognized due to political agendas driven by Greek Cypriot lobbying. Türkiye’s role as the guarantor power in Cyprus is treated as an act of aggression, while the continued isolation and marginalization of Turkish Cypriots is ignored.  

The Strategic Importance of Turkish Cypriots  

While Syria highlights Türkiye’s influence as a regional actor, Cyprus serves as the linchpin of Türkiye’s Mediterranean strategy. The Eastern Mediterranean has become a flashpoint for natural resources, energy routes, and geopolitical competition. In this context, the TRNC is not merely a reflection of Turkish Cypriot identity but a vital partner for Türkiye’s strategic and economic ambitions.  

For decades, Turkish Cypriots have been subjected to unfair political and economic isolation — a deliberate effort to erase their voice from the international stage. Yet with Türkiye’s support, the TRNC has persevered. The people of the TRNC are not an afterthought in Türkiye’s strategic vision but a core element of its identity and security policy. This was affirmed by President Erdoğan in his consistent declarations that “Türkiye will never abandon Turkish Cypriots.”  

What Türkiye’s Role in Syria Means for the TRNC  

Trump’s recognition of Türkiye’s critical role in Syria should serve as a lesson for the international community. Türkiye has proven time and again that it is a responsible and indispensable player in securing regional peace. This same leadership, when viewed through the lens of the Cyprus issue, offers Turkish Cypriots hope for justice and recognition.  

Türkiye’s decisive actions in Syria demonstrate its capacity to stand firm against threats while advocating for humanitarian outcomes. These qualities are equally applicable to its steadfast stance on the TRNC. Turkish Cypriots are not merely beneficiaries of Türkiye’s support but active partners in a shared vision for stability, security, and economic prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean.  

A Call for Recognition and Justice  

If global powers, including the United States, can acknowledge Türkiye’s vital role in Syria, then they must also extend similar recognition to Türkiye’s legitimate actions in Cyprus. The TRNC’s existence is a reality that cannot be ignored. Turkish Cypriots have built a peaceful, democratic society under immense constraints and isolation. Their contributions to regional stability and Türkiye’s strategic security deserve acknowledgment and support.  

The message from Syria is clear: Türkiye acts responsibly to protect its people, secure its borders, and champion justice for those without a voice. It is time the world extends this understanding to the TRNC and recognizes Turkish Cypriots’ right to live free from isolation and injustice.  

TCE Conclusion  

Türkiye’s role in Syria — praised even by its critics — highlights its consistent ability to lead in moments of crisis. For Turkish Cypriots, this leadership is not a distant concept but a lived reality. Türkiye has always been the guarantor of their safety and future, acting decisively when the world turned a blind eye.  

The TRNC’s partnership with Türkiye is not one of dependency but mutual respect and shared vision. It is time for the international community to shed its biases, recognize Türkiye’s actions for what they are, and acknowledge the legitimacy of the TRNC. As Türkiye continues to shape the future of the region, Turkish Cypriots stand ready to contribute to a stable and prosperous Eastern Mediterranean.  

 References  
- Anadolu Agency, “Trump says Türkiye will hold key to Syria, hails relationship with Turkish President.”  
- Historical archives of the 1974 Cyprus intervention under the Treaty of Guarantee.  
- Statements by President Erdoğan on Turkish Cypriot rights and Türkiye’s role as a guarantor power.