Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent visit to the occupied areas of Cyprus for Turkey’s TEKNOFEST has reignited tensions, following a series of provocative statements that reiterated Turkey’s long-standing position on a two-state solution and sovereign equality. The visit, which coincided with the inauguration of the so-called “new presidential palace,” saw both Erdoğan and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar echoing nationalist rhetoric and challenging internationally recognised narratives on the Cyprus issue.
Erdoğan rejects compromise, demands recognition of the “realities”
Erdoğan reaffirmed Ankara’s uncompromising stance on the Cyprus issue, ruling out any possibility of negotiation that does not involve recognition of two separate states. He explicitly rejected a reported proposal from Nicosia to open Turkish ports in exchange for visa liberalisation for Turkish citizens, declaring: “If a solution is not found that aligns with the realities of the island, we will not allow the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus to use our ports.”
He went on to state that any resolution must be based on “sovereign equality” between the two sides: “If there is to be a solution, it will be between two states based on sovereign equality, not between two communities.” Erdoğan reiterated that this vision is shared by both Turkey and the self-declared “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” which remains internationally unrecognised.
Erdoğan also issued stark warnings against external interference, claiming that “dirty games” were being played to undermine Turkish Cypriot unity and asserting that “if they could, they would expel the Turks from the island.” He underlined Turkey’s unwavering support for the occupied north, describing it as “the pearl of the Mediterranean” and “the fortress of resistance.” According to Erdoğan, the TRNC would continue to succeed with Turkey’s backing, especially in areas such as infrastructure, energy, and water—highlighting recent accomplishments in resolving the water crisis.
Tatar repeats Ottoman legacy claims, floats name change
In parallel, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar used the occasion to revive revisionist narratives about Cyprus’ history, describing the island as an “Ottoman island” and a “natural extension of Anatolia.” Speaking to Turkish nationalist media outlet TRHaber, Tatar argued that Cyprus was “entirely ours” from 1571 until the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, and accused the British of introducing Greek Cypriots to the island during colonial rule.
Tatar also justified Turkey’s presence in Cyprus by pointing to geographical proximity, saying, “We are only 60 kilometres from Turkey; Greece is 1,000 kilometres away.” Referencing comments from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Tatar portrayed the region—including the Caucasus, Anatolia, and the Eastern Mediterranean—as a unified space under Turkish cultural and strategic influence.
When asked about a possible name change for the pseudo-state to the “Turkish Republic of Cyprus,” Tatar downplayed the prospect, calling it a “sensitive, constitutional issue” and remarked, “There is little time for that.”
Christodoulides: “Didn’t expect anything different from Erdoğan and Tatar”
President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, responded to the events and statements with measured criticism, expressing no surprise at the rhetoric from Erdoğan and Tatar. Speaking from Kyperounta, he emphasised that the visit appeared to have been driven more by internal unrest within the Turkish Cypriot community than by diplomatic intent. “What stands out is the strong reaction from our Turkish Cypriot compatriots… I don’t believe the visit will achieve what Mr Erdoğan intended,” he said.
Christodoulides also pushed back on Erdoğan’s reference to “realities,” stating: “The true reality is that Cyprus has been under illegal occupation for 50 years—an occupation no different from the one rightly condemned in Ukraine.” Despite acknowledging that the path ahead remains difficult, the President pointed to recent diplomatic developments as a sign of potential progress. He referenced the UN’s appointment of María Ángela Holguín as envoy, whose term begins on 12 May, as well as a scheduled Cyprus conference at the end of July.
Looking ahead, Christodoulides affirmed Cyprus’ commitment to pursuing peace and reunification: “We must work continuously… with a clear plan and persistence, results will come.”
Greek government faces criticism for its silence
Meanwhile, in Greece, Erdoğan’s remarks and the symbolic significance of his visit to the occupied areas were met with criticism, not only for their content but also for the response—or lack thereof—from the Greek government. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not issue an official statement, opting instead for anonymous diplomatic briefings.
Greek diplomatic sources told the Athens News Agency that “any action aimed at creating faits accomplis in the occupied areas is extremely negative,” particularly amid ongoing UN efforts to resume peace talks. They reaffirmed Greece’s support for the reunification of Cyprus under UN resolutions.
Opposition parties in Greece reacted more forcefully. PASOK, through spokesman Dimitris Mantzios, condemned Turkey’s promotion of partition and recognition of the pseudo-state, calling instead for a lawful, just resolution. SYRIZA criticised the New Democracy government’s passive approach and urged a return to negotiations based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation free from occupation forces, in accordance with international law and UN resolutions. The party also warned that deprioritising the Cyprus issue could harm Greece’s national interests.
Also read: Teknofest in the occupied areas makes Turkish front pages
