Protesters chanted slogans such as "We existed, we exist, we will exist," "Independent Cyprus," and "Government resign!". Many held banners with sharp criticisms, including: "Nations are working with artificial intelligence, we're dealing with fools!", "Backward minds, keep your hands off our children" and "We will not allow political Islamists to exploit young girls."
The protests reflect deep resentment toward the perceived imposition of political Islam and Ankara's influence over the TRNC.
Union Leaders and Politicians Speak Out
Union leaders Selma Eylem, Burak Maviş, and Arslan Biçaklı issued statements condemning the government's actions, emphasizing that secularism and Atatürk's principles would not be compromised. They vowed to continue protests and strikes until the regulation is revoked. "Even if the government enacts this regulation into law, we will not stop our actions," the unions declared. They also demanded Minister Erhan Arıklı apologize to the public and warned that President Ersin Tatar, who supported the regulation, would face defeat in the next elections.
Opposition Leaders Stand Firm
Opposition figures such as Tufan Erhürman and Zeki Çeler delivered passionate speeches, emphasizing the unity of the Turkish Cypriot community. Erhürman criticized attempts to divide the community:
"They tried to divide us by our place of birth, but they failed. This country belongs to all of us, regardless of where we were born or what we believe." He affirmed the community's strong commitment to unity and resistance against external interference, adding, "Ankara, take your hands off us!"
Zeki Çeler reminded the crowd of the community's unwavering resilience throughout history, referencing past struggles: "In 1878, we were sold for 90 days' worth of gold. In 1963 and 1974, our families suffered immensely, but we never gave up. We didn't allow the Youth and Sports Coordination Office to open nine years ago, and we won't allow this now." He concluded with a defiant message: "Either this regulation goes, or the government does."
Broader Concerns Over Secularism and Autonomy
Umut Ersoy, Secretary-General of the Independence Path movement, warned of a slippery slope: "If this regulation is implemented today, what's next? It starts with education, but it won't stop there." He criticized the imposition of compulsory religious education centered on one religion, calling for inclusive religious studies encompassing all faiths instead. Ersoy also reiterated the community's demand for Ankara to cease interfering in Turkish Cypriot affairs.
A Fight to Protect Identity
Northern Nicosia Mayor Mehmet Harmancı expressed solidarity with the protesters, acknowledging the challenges of resisting external pressures: "For years, they accused us of not being religious enough, of not thinking like them. But we have our own identity, and we will protect it." He reminded the crowd of the Turkish Cypriot community's history of preserving its identity under British colonial rule during the 1960 Republic and even in prisoner-of-war camps.
Photo: Kıbrıs Postası