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Ömer Eşki Explained Cyprus to Students

17 June 2025

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki gave a lecture to 12th-grade and graduate students enrolled at BELGEM, focusing on recent history and specifically the Cyprus Peace Operation. The lesson took place at KKTC Park, a site built by Bornova Municipality in Atatürk Neighborhood, which is deeply connected to the history of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Mayor Eşki provided a detailed account of the violent policies of the Greek Cypriot administration, the resistance efforts of Turkish Cypriots, and the events of the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation. He emphasized, “Even though the world may not recognize the two-state structure in Cyprus, we will continue to ensure the safety and security of the Turkish population there.”

A Park Filled with Historical Meaning

Located at the intersection of Hürriyet, Barbaros, and Türkay Streets, KKTC Park was inaugurated on the 101st birthday of Rauf Denktaş, with the participation of his son Serdar Denktaş and granddaughter Gizem Bahri Soydan. The park features a bust of Rauf Denktaş, a rock monument engraved with a peace message from Bülent Ecevit, a poem by Cypriot poet Osman Türkay, and three Mediterranean cypress trees symbolizing the Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT). It also includes a special memorial area dedicated to the "Champion Angels" who lost their lives in the February 6 earthquakes, and a café named “N’apan” that reflects Cypriot culture.

Mayor Eşki: “Young People Should Learn History in Context”

Addressing the students, Mayor Ömer Eşki said, “I believe that young people should learn history not just from books, but through experiences that integrate places and storytelling. The Cyprus Peace Operation is not merely a military campaign—it is a struggle for existence. Likewise, this park is not just a green space; it is a memory site symbolizing peace, resistance, and brotherhood. Having our BELGEM students attend lessons in such places will help shape them into more academically and socially aware individuals.”

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