Eastern Mediterranean University Atatürk Research and Application Center (EMU-ATAUM) Chair Assist. Prof. Dr. Turgay Bülent Göktürk released a statement on the occasion of the 21-25 December National Struggle and Martyrs' Week. Assist. Prof. Dr. Turgay Bülent Göktürk’s statement reads as follows:
"The date of December 21-25 has a special place in the Struggle for Existence of the Turkish Cypriot nation. The Greek Cypriots, on the pretext of changing the Constitution, put into action the Akritas Plan, which they prepared in order to unite Cyprus with Greece at gunpoint, on 21 December, 1963. Thus, brutal attacks mentioned in history as "Bloody Christmas" started. However, the attackers who faced the resistance of the Turkish Cypriots could not succeed in their plans to destroy the Turkish Cypriots within 24 hours.
Certainly, our aim is not to create hostility. The geography we live in requires living as neighbors with the Greek Cypriots. However, this situation cannot be a reason to forget what has been done to us in the past. Likewise, this necessity cannot be a reason for us not to see the ambitions of the Greek Cypriot administration on our land even today. We have to be aware of what has been done in the past so that we can better understand the value of freedom and claim it stronger today. For this, we must explain what happened in the past to our youth at every opportunity. Let's not forget: "The boundaries of those who do not know their history are drawn by others."
Honourable martyrs: You have been the strongest pillar of the Turkish Cypriot Community's Struggle for Existence. You have reached the level of martyrdom, without blinking your eyes, for the sake of making these lands your homeland, for the sake of duty, flag and independence. In these lands that you watered with your blood and under the shadow of our glorious flag that you raised with your souls, we live today with our heads high, in safety and peace. Sleep in comfort, as we will not forget you. We bow before your holy memory with gratitude and respect. May your souls be blessed. "
