By proposing a shift in terminology from the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC) to the "Turkish Republic of Cyprus," Hulusi Akar, Chairman of the Turkish Parliamentary Defence Committee and former Chief of Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces, has reignited the debate on the island's divided sovereignty. This bold statement challenges long-standing narratives and carries profound legal, political, and diplomatic implications.

The Shift in Terminology: Breaking the North-South Divide  

In his recent address in Bursa, Akar declared:  
"There is no Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, but a Turkish Republic of Cyprus."  

This assertion, framed in a broader call for equality, reflects Türkiye's evolving stance on Cyprus. By positioning the TRNC as the "Turkish Republic of Cyprus," Akar disrupts the idea that the Turkish Cypriot administration merely represents the northern part of the island. Instead, the statement suggests a sovereign entity with equal standing to the Greek-administered south.  

For decades, the TRNC has been internationally unrecognized, seen by many as a protectorate of Türkiye. A new name, however, reframes the debate, presenting the Turkish Cypriot state as a sovereign partner rather than a separatist region.  

Legal Implications: Could a Name Change Alter Recognition?  

Under international law, state recognition is not merely a question of semantics; it involves meeting the criteria of sovereignty outlined in the Montevideo Convention of 1933. These include:  

1. A defined territory.  
2. A permanent population.  
3. A government.  
4. The capacity to enter into relations with other states.  

The TRNC meets these criteria but is still blocked from recognition due to geopolitical realities and the influence of the Republic of Cyprus. A name change to the "Turkish Republic of Cyprus" could, however, challenge this status quo.  

Dr. Derya Mansur, an international law expert, explains:  
"Changing the name to reflect a broader national identity might strengthen the TRNC's claims to equal sovereignty. It disrupts the narrative that Turkish Cypriots are confined to a northern enclave and positions them as co-owners of the island's future."  

By shedding the regional "northern" designation, the Turkish Cypriots could argue for greater parity under existing treaties, such as the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, which enshrines the equality of the island's Turkish and Greek communities.  

The Diplomatic Ripple Effect  

A name change could also have significant diplomatic ramifications. Currently, the TRNC is recognized only by Türkiye. However, adopting the term "Turkish Republic of Cyprus" might encourage other states to reevaluate their positions.  

Professor Ahmed Günay, a political scientist, remarks:  
"This shift could pressure the international community to confront the failures of the existing system. For decades, negotiations have ignored Turkish Cypriot demands for equal sovereignty. A new name might force a reset."  

Such a move could also challenge the Republic of Cyprus's exclusive claim to represent the entire island, particularly in forums like the European Union and the United Nations.  

Akar's Critique of Negotiations: "It Is Over Now"  

Akar was uncompromising in his critique of failed peace talks, stating:  
"The most important issue in Cyprus is that the south sees the north as a parasite, sees it as a second-class place. No, we say 'equal' and we mean equal. But in the end, we say no conclusion has been reached in negotiations for 50 or 60 years. It is over now."  

His words reflect growing frustration with the stalemate, where Turkish Cypriot calls for a two-state solution are dismissed in favor of the unrealistic goal of reunification under Greek Cypriot hegemony.  

Türkiye’s Role as a Guarantor: Rights and Responsibilities  

Akar reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to its role as a guarantor power under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, stating:  
"We have rights and laws within the framework of the treaty of guarantee and other agreements there. No matter what other countries, the United Kingdom and Greece do, we are the guarantor there according to the agreements. We have fulfilled our duties and responsibilities as a guarantor to date and we will continue to do so."  

This underscores Türkiye's view that its military presence and support for the TRNC are both legal and necessary for safeguarding Turkish Cypriots' rights.  

TCE Conclusion: A New Chapter for Cyprus?  

The proposal to rename the TRNC as the "Turkish Republic of Cyprus" marks a potential turning point. It shifts the narrative from territorial division to sovereign equality and raises important questions about international law, diplomacy, and justice.  

As Akar put it, the era of stalled negotiations is over. The question now is whether the international community will accept the Turkish Cypriot state as an equal partner in shaping the future of Cyprus—or continue to deny its legitimacy.  

References:  
- Cyprus Mail, December 28, 2024.  
- Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States, 1933.  
- Treaty of Guarantee, 1960.  
- Statements by Hulusi Akar, Bursa, December 2024.  
- Interviews with Dr. Derya Mansur and Professor Ahmed Günay, December 2024.