Today marks the solemn anniversary of the passing of Rauf Raif Denktaş, the founding President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and an enduring symbol of resilience, leadership, and justice for Turkish Cypriots.

On this day, we pause to honor the life of a statesman whose dedication to the rights, security, and future of Turkish Cypriots remains unparalleled—a leader who fought not only for his people’s survival but for their dignity and rightful place in the world.

 From a Struggle for Survival to the Founding of a Nation

Born on January 27, 1924, in Baf (Paphos), Rauf Denktaş emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the most formidable figures in the history of Cyprus. His early life was shaped by the struggles of the Turkish Cypriot community under British colonial rule and the simmering tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Witnessing the injustices faced by his people, Denktaş dedicated himself to their cause, studying law in the United Kingdom before returning to Cyprus to take up the mantle of leadership.

In the 1950s, as the Greek Cypriot paramilitary group EOKA launched a violent campaign to unite Cyprus with Greece (Enosis), Denktaş became a key figure in the Turkish Cypriot resistance. Working alongside Dr. Fazıl Küçük, he championed the establishment of the Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT), which safeguarded Turkish Cypriots from ethnic cleansing attempts. His unyielding stance during these harrowing years solidified his reputation as a defender of his people.

Architect of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

The events following the 1960 independence of Cyprus, marred by the Greek Cypriot coup of 1974 and Türkiye's subsequent peace operation under the Treaty of Guarantee, led to the partitioning of the island. While many sought to restore the status quo, Denktaş recognized the need for a lasting solution that ensured Turkish Cypriot sovereignty and security.

On November 15, 1983, under his leadership, the TRNC declared its independence, affirming the Turkish Cypriot right to self-determination. As the first President of the TRNC, a position he held until 2005, Denktaş tirelessly advocated for international recognition and equality for his people.

Despite facing relentless diplomatic and economic embargoes, he remained steadfast, declaring:
"The Turkish Cypriot people are not a minority on this island. We are equal partners, and our freedom is not negotiable."

A Legacy Rooted in Justice

Denktaş's leadership extended beyond politics. He was a prolific writer, a keen photographer, and a deeply principled man who valued education and cultural preservation. His unwavering commitment to his people inspired generations of Turkish Cypriots to take pride in their identity and fight for their rightful place on the world stage.

While critics often labeled him as uncompromising, his firm stance was born out of necessity—a response to decades of Greek Cypriot attempts to sideline Turkish Cypriots in their own homeland. Denktaş understood that any compromise that jeopardized Turkish Cypriot sovereignty would mean a return to the dark days of violence and subjugation.

The Turkish Cypriot People's Eternal Debt

As Turkish Cypriots reflect on his passing, they remember not only a leader but a guardian. His vision continues to shape the TRNC’s aspirations for international recognition and peaceful coexistence. In the words of Turkish Cypriot citizen Ali Yılmaz, "Rauf Denktaş was more than a president. He was a father figure who shielded us from harm and gave us hope for a better future."

Turkish Cypriots also recall his close collaboration with Türkiye, a relationship he cherished and nurtured as the bedrock of their security and development.

A Commemoration of Endurance

Today, ceremonies across the TRNC will honor Denktaş’s memory. From Mağusa to Girne, the people will lay wreaths, hold prayer vigils, and recount his achievements. The Denktaş Mausoleum in Lefkoşa will see throngs of citizens and dignitaries paying their respects, a testament to his enduring impact.

TCE Conclusion

Rauf Denktaş was not just a leader of Turkish Cypriots—he was their voice, shield, and hope in the face of adversity. His legacy endures in every school built, every policy enacted, and every flag raised over the TRNC. As the Turkish Cypriot community remembers its founding father, it recommits to his vision of equality, sovereignty, and peace.

Denktaş’s dream of a recognized and respected TRNC remains alive, carried forward by the indomitable spirit of his people. Let tomorrow be not only a day of remembrance but a call to action to continue his work and ensure the world recognizes the truths he fought so valiantly to uphold.

References:

- Wikipedia entry on Rauf Denktaş.
- Historical accounts of the Cyprus conflict.
- Speeches and writings of Rauf Denktaş.
- Personal testimonies from Turkish Cypriots.
- Archival materials from the TRNC government records.