ANKARA – The rich and vibrant Turkish Cypriot culture was prominently showcased in Ankara at a special ‘Turkish Cypriot Culture Promotion Program’ hosted by the Ankara City Council. The event, held yesterday, January 30, 2026, aimed to raise awareness and foster appreciation for the unique heritage of Turkish Cypriots within the Turkish capital.
Prominent Figures Emphasize Cultural Diplomacy
The program saw the participation of several distinguished guests, including Halil İbrahim Yılmaz, President of the Ankara City Council, and Nilden Bektaş Erhüman, wife of the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Tufan Erhürman. During the event, speakers emphasized the critical importance of ‘Cultural Diplomacy’ and ‘Cultural Passport’ concepts in preserving and promoting cultural identity.
Halil İbrahim Yılmaz: Cyprus is a Symbol of Resilience
In his address, Halil İbrahim Yılmaz passionately articulated the significance of Cyprus. “Cyprus is not just an island. Cyprus is the patience of a nation, the faith of a nation, the resistance of a nation. Cyprus is the honorable flag of Turkish identity waving in the heart of the Mediterranean. The Turkish Cypriot is the name of silent heroism, dignified stance, honor, language, faith, and unwavering brotherhood,” he stated. Yılmaz further highlighted the intrinsic values embedded within the culture: “This culture carries patience in its folk songs, sharing in its cuisine, labor in its handicrafts, and freedom and solidarity in its folk dances. Today, we know that this cultural richness will also be one of the strongest sources for tourism, gastronomy, and creative industries.” He concluded by emphasizing that the Turkish Cypriot people, with patience in their traditions, elegance in their language, and patriotism in their hearts, are symbols of resistance, loyalty, and brotherhood. “We know very well that passing these values on to future generations is not only a responsibility but also a debt of loyalty, a debt to the homeland,” Yılmaz added.
Nilden Bektaş Erhüman: Preserving Identity for Future Generations
Nilden Bektaş Erhüman, wife of the TRNC President, spoke about the arduous struggle for existence that has shaped the Turkish Cypriot people. “It is very valuable for us to talk about our culture with you today. In this struggle for existence, much pain has accumulated from the past to the present,” she remarked. Erhüman stressed that the goal of cultural promotion extends beyond merely recounting history. “We want to pass on our culture not only to commemorate the past but also to instill a sense of belonging in the new generation; because the Turkish Cypriot people have always been a people who tried to express themselves. They have always tried to exist, to feel they belong. We feel we belong to our lands. We want our youth to feel this belonging as well,” she explained. She underscored the role of culture in achieving this goal: “Of course, we know very well that we will do this through culture. Just as we feel we belong to our culture, we want our youth and our children to belong to this culture in the future, and we attach importance to this.”
The event served as a powerful platform to introduce the rich tapestry of Turkish Cypriot traditions, cuisine, arts, and history to a broader audience in Ankara, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for this resilient culture.
