On January 27-28, 1957, we solemnly remember the martyrs who gave their lives in the fight for freedom and justice in Cyprus.

The poignant images in the old newspaper clipping, bearing the faces of Şerife Mehmet, Sermet Kanatlı, Mustafa Ahmet, Fuat Yusuf, İbrahim Ali, Saffet Muharrem, Ulus Ufuk, İsmail Beyoğlu, Kubilay Altıay, and Mustafa Ertan, serve as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by the Turkish Cypriot community.

The Context of Struggle

The late 1950s and early 1960s were tumultuous times for Cyprus. The island, historically a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, saw increasing tensions between its Greek and Turkish communities. The Turkish Cypriots, striving for their right to self-determination and protection from aggression, found themselves at the heart of a violent struggle. This period, marked by ethnic cleansing and genocide against the Turkish Cypriot community, is a significant chapter in their history.

The January Martyrs

The events of January 27-28, 1957, are particularly significant. During these days, Turkish Cypriots protested against British colonial rule and demanded the partition of the island, a concept known as "taksim" in Turkish. These protests were driven by fears that the end of British rule might lead to Cyprus being united with Greece, a move strongly opposed by the Turkish Cypriot community.

The British authorities responded to the demonstrations with force, leading to the deaths of seven Turkish Cypriots: Şerife Mehmet, Sermet Kanatlı, Mustafa Ahmet, Fuat Yusuf, İbrahim Ali, Saffet Muharrem, and Mustafa Ertan. These individuals are commemorated in the newspaper article from 1958, their faces serving as a poignant reminder of the high price paid for their community's aspirations.

The text accompanying their images reads: "HÜRRİYET UĞRUNA SİLAHA KARŞI TAŞLA ÇARPIŞAN, SÜNGEYE KARŞI GÖĞSÜNÜ GEREN, ERKEĞİ, KADINI, GENÇİ, İHTİYARI HEP BU YOLDA CANLARINI VERMEYE HAZIR BİR MİLLETİ HİÇ BİR KUVVET ESİR YAŞATAMAZ. KIBRIS TÜRK'Ü HİÇ BİR ZAMAN ZİNCİRE VURULAMAZ." This translates to: "No force can enslave a nation ready to give their lives for freedom, fighting with stones against guns, and with their chests against bayonets. The Turkish Cypriots will never be chained."

Historical Impact

The protests and the subsequent crackdown by British authorities highlighted the Turkish Cypriot community's resolve to resist both British rule and the possibility of Enosis (union with Greece). These events significantly contributed to the Zurich and London Agreements of 1959, which established the Republic of Cyprus as an independent state with guarantees for both Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities​.

The 27-28 January 1957 events were a pivotal moment in the Turkish Cypriot struggle, reinforcing their determination to achieve equality and recognition. As we reflect on these sacrifices, we must continue to honor their legacy by striving for a peaceful and just resolution to the Cyprus issue, ensuring that the ideals they fought for remain at the forefront of our efforts.

The Legacy of Sacrifice

The martyrs' legacy is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Turkish Cypriot community. Despite the numerous challenges and adversities faced over the decades, the community's commitment to their identity and freedom remains unshaken. The tragic events of January 27-28 of 1957 are not just a historical footnote but a crucial reminder of the cost of liberty and the importance of unity in the face of oppression.

Modern Relevance

Today, the situation in Cyprus remains complex. The island is still divided, with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) being a self-declared state recognized only by Türkiye. Efforts for a comprehensive solution have been ongoing for decades, with varying degrees of success. However, the memory of those who laid down their lives continues to inspire the Turkish Cypriot community in their pursuit of a just and equitable resolution.

As we commemorate the martyrs, it is essential to acknowledge the broader context of their sacrifice. The fight for Turkish Cypriot rights is not merely a historical struggle but a continuing journey towards recognition and peace. The principles of self-determination and mutual respect, which the martyrs fought for, remain central to any lasting solution in Cyprus.

TCE Conclusion

The images of the January martyrs, preserved in the aged newspaper, are more than just photographs. They are symbols of courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to freedom. As we honor their memory, let us also reaffirm our dedication to the ideals they stood for. Their sacrifices must continue to guide us in our quest for justice and peace for the Turkish Cypriot community.

In the words of Rauf Denktaş, the founding President of the TRNC, "The martyrs did not die in vain; their legacy is the free and sovereign Turkish Cypriot state." This sentiment captures the essence of the martyrs' enduring impact on the Turkish Cypriot struggle for self-determination and justice.