H. Çiğdem Yorgancıoğlu, who continues her academic research in fields such as the Cyprus Issue, Eastern Mediterranean Hydrocarbon Resources, Eastern Mediterranean Energy Diplomacy, Negotiation Techniques, Conflict Resolution and Mediation, especially on issues of Continental Shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone, International Law and Maritime Law, Mediterranean Marine Life and Pollution, Blue Energy, Sustainable Energy Policies, Blue Homeland Doctrine, and Collective Bargaining Agreements in Free Ports, and publishes articles on climate, energy, and environmental sustainability at Cyprus International University and in peer-reviewed journals. She also takes Chi Ci Talks academic discussions with university faculty deans to TV broadcasts, while being an Energy Contracts Specialist and Trainer (Judicial Expert) providing training on contracts and negotiations in Turkey and abroad. As a world-traveling economist and a representative of our country in sports, arts, and academic fields across 5 continents, she was the diplomatic guest at the TRNC event in Feshane.
Yorgancıoğlu Celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Operation at the KTKD Reception
Yorgancıoğlu attended a reception organized by the Cyprus Turkish Cultural Association (KTKD) Istanbul Branch, under the auspices of the TRNC Istanbul Consulate, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Peace Operation. She used a brief motto to express the significance and importance of the event: “TRNC, LONG LIVE THE BEAUTY IN THE FOAM OF THE MEDITERRANEAN! OUR BEAUTY.” She explained with a smile that these expressions refer to both the mythological beauty of Aphrodite’s birth from the foam in Cyprus and the energy field named after Aphrodite. “From any perspective, the Mediterranean is our beauty. Listen, there’s a song playing here. We used to listen to this song by Yasemin Kumral in our childhood. The song says, ‘My race has joy in the Mediterranean, my homeland has an extension beyond Mersin.’ The Mediterranean is our precious one. It is valuable not only spiritually but also economically, militarily, and from a national security standpoint. Today, the Eastern Mediterranean is a complete arena of power struggle. Cyprus is also quite valuable in terms of energy geopolitics. Look, the issue of establishing military bases is on the hot agenda. Every move in the region has economic, political, and security consequences. Essentially, every event and phenomenon is interconnected, but let’s save the energy issue for another day. On such a beautiful day, especially with Feshane being adorned with Cyprus, we cannot make the tension or energy resource issues in the Eastern Mediterranean a topic of enlightening brief conversations. However, a new article is on the way.”
The reception, held at Artistanbul Feshane, was attended by Cyprus President Ersin Tatar and his wife Sibel Tatar, Istanbul TRNC Consul Fatma Demirel, Istanbul Deputy Governor Cengiz Karabulut, First Army Commander General Ali Sivri, Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Kazakhstan Consul Yerzhan Uaiis, Ahi Bektaş Turkish World Turkistan President Anara Baizhanova, high-ranking officers, soldiers, veterans, martyrs’ families, media, and many other guests.
Çiğdem Yorgancıoğlu’s First Trip to Cyprus and Historical Research
During interactive sessions, Çiğdem Yorgancıoğlu mentioned that she was registered on her family passport during her first trip to Cyprus in 1983. She noted that her experiences at Girne Acapulco Dome Hotel and Dorana Hotel became a continuous journey. In recent years, Yorgancıoğlu visited the island to conduct historical and documentary research on Cypriot history, island history, and the Peace Operation at the Cyprus Historical National Archive Museum in Girne, publishing the first part of her research on July 26, 2010.
In November 2023, Çiğdem Yorgancıoğlu attended the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Republic of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, hosted by the Istanbul Consulate at Conrad Bosphorus Hotel’s Ballroom, as she does every year. She also conducted a short interview on her Chi Ci Talks program with Cypriot Energy Minister Olgun Amcaoğlu. Later, she presented her articles on energy, which are available in Energy Gazetesi and Academia.
Çiğdem Yorgancıoğlu and Anara Baizhanova also met at an event hosted by Maltepe Municipality and organized by the Istanbul Harman Culture-Festival Organization Youth and Sports Club. The event was part of the XXIV Istanbul Harmanfolk Culture Festival and included the first International Maltepe Folklore Festival. The festival’s opening dance featured theatrical dance performances by Çiğdem Yorgancıoğlu’s MIM CHI 360.
A Summary of the Speeches at the Event
During the Cyprus event at Feshane, Cyprus President Ersin Tatar highlighted in his speech that 50 years ago, on July 20, Turkey conducted a military operation using its guarantor rights to protect the Turkish Cypriot people from ethnic cleansing and genocide. Tatar stated, “Our fighters wrote a heroic tale. Thanks to this epic, there is peace, tranquility, and security in Cyprus today.” He emphasized that a settlement based on sovereign equality is essential for future generations on the beautiful island of Cyprus to live in peace and security. Tatar also mentioned the crucial deterrent role of the military on the island and drew attention to the situation in Gaza. He recalled that the international community was silent about the suffering of Turkish Cypriots before 1974, just as it is silent about Gaza today. Tatar expressed confidence in Turkey’s commitment to and efforts for the development of the TRNC, stating, “Because we are an inseparable and indissoluble part of the same nation. The Turkish Cypriot people will not be left alone. This is also a matter of honor for Turkey.” He noted the increasing status of the TRNC in the Turkic world, stating, “It is fitting for us to maintain our presence there in a way that befits our nation. We are experiencing the joy of achieving this. It is a duty for all of us.” Tatar also acknowledged the significant role of Istanbul in the development of the TRNC, emphasizing that the economic, social, and cultural ties between Istanbul and the TRNC are growing stronger every day and need to be further strengthened. He extended heartfelt thanks to the participants and supporters of the reception, honored the martyrs, and wished health and well-being to the surviving veterans.
Istanbul Deputy Governor Cengiz Karabulut expressed his sincere congratulations on the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation and July 20 Peace and Freedom Day, honoring all the statesmen who led the process and the martyrs. Karabulut reminded that 50 years had passed since the operation aimed at ending the oppression of their kin in Cyprus, saying, “Our heroic army, with its intervention on July 20, 1974, thwarted regional and global plans with a single sweep of its hand, just as it does today.” He described July 20 as the liberation day of the Turkish Cypriots, who resisted all forms of pain and tyranny, and as the glorious day of their struggle for existence. He noted that the TRNC is the starting point of Anatolia’s security and the key to the Eastern Mediterranean. Karabulut affirmed that Turkey will continue to be the guarantor of peace and stability in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean, stating, “Our brotherhood will continue forever.”
Ekrem İmamoğlu’s Message of Solidarity with Turkish Cypriots
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) President Ekrem İmamoğlu expressed his pleasure at hosting and being together at the reception held at Artistanbul Feshane. He highlighted the great importance Turkey places on its connections with Turkish Cypriots, concerning the past, present, and future. İmamoğlu stated, “The Cyprus issue is one of the most important items on Turkey’s foreign policy agenda today. It is too vital and important to be used as fodder for polarization. It is a common cause for all of us,” emphasizing the need to continue the fight shoulder to shoulder in this just cause. He noted that in light of global events, unity and solidarity have become even more crucial. While always prioritizing peace, İmamoğlu asserted their determination to stand firm against oppression and threats, as seen in Cyprus. He paid tribute to Dr. Fazıl Küçük and Rauf Raif Denktaş, who played significant roles in the struggle for existence of Turkish Cypriots, and offered condolences to the martyrs. İmamoğlu mentioned that he spent part of his education in the TRNC and that it holds a special place for him, recalling the Cyprus and Rauf Denktaş monument he had constructed during his time as Beylikdüzü Mayor. He added, “I would like to state here that I am a fan and supporter of the Turkish Ocağı team.”
Regarding his work with local governments in the TRNC, İmamoğlu indicated that discussions on contributions and cooperation would continue in the future.
İmamoğlu concluded with, “The Republic of Turkey will always stand by its brother, the TRNC, and it will continue to do so.”
Consul General Fatma Demirel: The Struggle for Existence of Turkish Cypriots
Consul General Fatma Demirel noted that the gathering at the reception was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of July 20, the day Cyprus and its people achieved peace and freedom. She expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event.
Consul General Demirel emphasized that reaching this point was not easy. In her speech, she referenced the events experienced by Turkish Cypriots following the Ottoman Empire’s departure from the island. Demirel highlighted the perseverance of Turkish Cypriots who, despite enduring great suffering, losing loved ones, and being displaced from their homes and jobs, never gave up their struggle for existence after the dissolution of the Republic of Cyprus in 1963. She stated that the arrival of Turkish troops on July 20 halted the ethnic cleansing of Turkish Cypriots and created a safe environment for them to live. Demirel paid tribute to the martyrs and expressed her gratitude to the veterans. She emphasized that they have inherited the flag from leaders who dedicated their lives to the people’s struggle and vowed to continue with the same determination and courage.
In November 2023, Fatma Demirel and Çiğdem Yorgancıoğlu had also come together at Conrad Hotel for the 40th anniversary celebration of the TRNC Independence Day.
KTKD Istanbul Branch President Zehra Bilge Eray highlighted the suffering endured by the Turkish Cypriot people until 1974. She noted that the lightning operation by the Turkish Armed Forces on July 20, 1974, prevented genocide and brought freedom to the Turkish Cypriots. Eray expressed eternal gratitude to the motherland Turkey, stating that the flag would never be lowered, Northern Cyprus would not be annexed to the South, and the TRNC would live forever.
Later in the evening, the traveling artist and enthusiast of two significant hobbies, Çiğdem Yorgancıoğlu, and her veteran friend from the Cyprus operation, Nihat Güngör, shared a tango dance pose, creating a memorable snapshot of the day.
