126 Turkish Cypriots from Muratağa –Sandallar and Atlılar that had been martyred as a result of the massacre on 14 August 1974 were commemorated with services.
In his speech, emphasizing that Turkish Cypriot community lived peacefully and without war until today since the Peace Operation, the Head of Muratağa-Sandallar and Atlılar Martyrs Memorial Association Ahmet Aşır said that “We do not want to lose these peaceful days.”
Stressing that Turkish army is the guarantee of peace in the island Aşır said: “We do not want to go back from here.”
Taşkent Martyrs were also commemorated with services on the 41st anniversary of their massacre.
Services started with laying wreaths to the monument, standing in silence and singing of the Turkish National Anthem and ended with the speech of Headmen of Yukarı Taşkent Durmuş Aşandır, poetry reading and visiting the Martyrs Museum.
In his speech Headmen of Yukarı Taşkent Durmuş Aşandır emphasized that on 14 August 1974 Greeks massacred 84 of their brothers and sisters from Taşkent and Terazi villages. Stating that 42 of the martyrs were buried in the village Aşandır asked the rest of the martyrs’ DNA tests to be completed soon and those to be buried at that martyrdom.
Martyrs were also commemorated with services on the 41st anniversary of liberation of Lefke.