Erkut Şahali Slams Ortaylı’s Remarks: “We’ve Reached the End of the Road With Those Who Bow to This Arrogance”

Ortaylı’s claim that the 65% of Turkish Cypriots who voted “yes” to the 2004 Annan Plan were both “traitors” and “fools” has stirred outrage, with Şahali also denouncing those who applauded the remarks.

In his statement, Şahali drew a sharp distinction:
“On one side, a brazen professor who calls 65% of his own people ‘traitors’ and ‘fools,’ and those who embraced and applauded him. On the other side, Hasan Hastürer, who stood up and rejected this, and those who supported him with their applause. That’s our story.”

“On One Side, a Struggle for Existence; On the Other, Complicity Through Silence”

Highlighting the long-standing struggle of Turkish Cypriots for dignity and survival, Şahali pointedly criticized those who remain silent for the sake of preserving their positions:
“On one side are those who have dug in their heels and fought for existence on this land under all circumstances; on the other, those who stay silent in the face of every insult while hoping to take root in their seats of power. This was true yesterday, it’s true today… But now, the end of the road has come.”

Şahali’s comments add to the growing backlash against Ortaylı’s remarks, as well as against the perceived failure of high-level officials—particularly President Ersin Tatar—to defend the democratic will and dignity of the Turkish Cypriot people.