THE Turkish Cypriot Youth and Family Association (KTGAB) shared a messaged for National Struggle and Martyrs Week on 21-25 December.
Remembering Martyrs from the Bloody Cyprus (Kanlı Noel) KTGAB said: ‘‘December 21, 1963 was one of the darkest days for Northern Cyprus. Colonel Grivas and his gang carried out bloody attacks to wipe the Turkish Cypriots off the island and realize the ideal of Enosis.
“The three children of Medical Officer Nihat İlhan and his wife shot in a bathtub became the most tragic symbol of these attacks, in which hundreds of innocent civilians were killed. The events that went down in history as Bloody Christmas was not forgotten in their 57th year and will not be forgotten.
“Our martyrs gave their lives by making the greatest sacrifice that could have been made so that we can live as an honourable society with our heads held high. We will continue to walk in the light of Atatürk’s principle of “Peace at home, peace in the world”. However, we will build the future by drawing lessons from the pain of the past. With these thoughts, we bow with respect in your spiritual peace. May the souls of all our martyrs be blessed.”