The memory of the Şampiyon Melekler (Champion Angels) will be kept alive with the tree planted in London.
The planting event was organized by Euromed, in north London in memory of the Champion Angels, The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)Prime Minister Ünal Üstel who was in London took part in the event.
Prime Minister Unal Ustel and the President of the Champion Angels Association Rusen Karakaya attended a sapling planting event in London to commemorate the Champion Angels.
The event took place at Trent Park and brought together the Turkish Cypriot community in a sombre yet unified atmosphere.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Ünal Üstel and his wife Zerrin Üstel as well as the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye in London Osman Koray Ertas, TRNC London Representative Çimen Keskin, Enfield Leader Ergin Erbil, Barking MP Nesil Caliskan, President of the Champion Angels Association Rusen Karakaya, local councillors, representatives of nongovernmental organizations family of those lost and community members.
In his speech at the event Prime Minister Üstel expressed heartfelt condolences for the lives lost in the earthquake and emphasized his determination to seek justice.
He highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Türkiye in providing aid and rescue operations following the devastating earthquake.
He also mentioned the ongoing legal battle against the owners of the hotel where the tragedy occurred, expressing trust in the justice system.
President Karakaya of the Champion Angels Association for her part emphasized the pain endured by the Turkish Cypriot people and the importance of the fight for justice, while other speakers reiterated the significance of solidarity in the pursuit of justice.
The tree now marks a place where the Turkish Cypriot community will be able to remember the young athletes, children and teachers who travelled from Gazimağusa, Cyprus to Adıyaman, Turkey but tragically lost the lives in the deadly earthquakes which hit the region on February 6, 2023.