Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan joined Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar on May 3rd to inaugurate the new Republic Campus in the internationally unrecognized "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)." Following an official welcome at the new Presidential Building, both leaders delivered speeches emphasizing the significance of the sprawling complex, construction of which began in 2022.
Photo: Kıbrıs Postası
Tatar hailed the campus, encompassing the Presidency, Parliament, High Court, and a National Park, as a "monument symbolizing our independence and freedom," expressing gratitude for Turkey's contribution. Echoing this sentiment, President Erdoğan described the inauguration as stamping "another seal on these lands" and a testament to the Turkish Cypriot people's determination and the "shared destiny" between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot community. He pledged Ankara's continued, unwavering support, highlighting recent financial aid increases to 21 billion TL and infrastructure projects like the new Ercan Airport and resolving water supply issues while promising future energy solutions. Erdoğa reiterated that any Cyprus solution must be based on "two states" with sovereign equality.
Photo and Video: Özgür Gazete Kıbrıs
However, the high-profile visit also drew dissent. As Erdoğan arrived, police forcefully intervened against a small group attempting to protest peacefully near the venue, holding banners reading "The will is ours" ("İrade bizde"). Six individuals were detained, including prominent figures like former judge Tacan Reynar and author Halil Karapaşaoğlu. Opposition party Republican Turkish Party's (CTP) delegates visited the detainees, noting police were initially unable to specify charges. Human rights experts subsequently condemned the police action as a disproportionate use of force, violating constitutionally protected rights to freedom of expression and assembly.