Tatar: "This Gate Can Restore Akıncılar to Its Former Glory"

During the meeting, Tatar was accompanied by Değirmenlik-Akıncılar Mayor Ali Karavezirler and Presidential Special Representative Güneş Onar. Before the meeting, Tatar also inspected the Akıncılar Gate.

Tatar: "This Gate Can Restore Akıncılar to Its Former Glory"

In his speech, President Ersin Tatar emphasized the historical, national, and cultural significance of the Akıncılar/Luricina village, mentioning that he has encountered Luricinalılar abroad and listened to their stories. He recalled that during his tenure as Prime Minister, a demonstration was held to open the Akıncılar Gate, and he supported the demonstration by participating in it.

Tatar explained that during the process of opening the Yeşilırmak, Aplıç, and Bostancı gates, Turkish Cypriots made concessions but received nothing in return. After consultations, a request was sent to the Greek Cypriot side through the UN to open the Akıncılar Gate.

President Tatar noted that the number of crossings increased annually, reaching 8 million in 2024, which is approximately five times the population of Cyprus. He stated that the majority of crossings were made through the Metehan Gate. With the opening of the Presidential Complex and the foundation-laying ceremony of the High Court building attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, traffic in the Metehan area is expected to increase. Tatar emphasized that the opening of gates in Haspolat and Akıncılar would reduce congestion, especially in terms of trade and airport transportation.

Tatar mentioned that he brought up this issue during an informal dinner in New York and that an eight-point proposal was made in exchange for opening the gate, including a request for transit passage, which he stated was absolutely impossible.

"This gate can restore Akıncılar to its former glory," said President Tatar, calling on Greek Cypriot Leader Nikos Hristodoulidis to be reasonable on this matter.

Karavezirler: "Believing is Half the Battle"

Değirmenlik-Akıncılar Mayor Ali Karavezirler expressed hope that the Akıncılar Gate would be opened, mentioning the possibility of it opening around August or September. He stated that they had embarked on a journey and would see it through to the end, emphasizing the importance of the Akıncılar Gate for them and their readiness to do their part.

Karavezirler thanked President Ersin Tatar, saying, "Believing is half the battle."

Following the speeches, Tatar and Karavezirler answered questions from local mukhtars and residents and listened to their views.

The meeting concluded with a group photo.