Akpınar Slams İlber Ortaylı: “He Owes an Apology to the Turkish Cypriot People”

In a written statement issued by the DP, Akpınar said Ortaylı’s remarks during a conference held under the auspices of the TRNC Presidency and the patronage of the Turkish President had caused “great disappointment and deep discomfort” among the Turkish Cypriot public.

According to the statement, Ortaylı referred to Turkish Cypriots who voted “yes” to the Annan Plan as “lacking reason” and even accused them of “treason.” The party described the remarks as “unfortunate” and “entirely devoid of historical accuracy and political propriety.”

“These kinds of statements are incompatible with both the historical context and the Turkish Cypriot people’s struggle for independence,” the statement said.

Emphasising the dignity, identity, and self-determination of the Turkish Cypriot people, the DP noted that the Annan Plan process had been carried out in coordination with guarantor country Turkey, and that the people had made a democratic choice of their own free will. “To belittle that choice is not only an affront to the Turkish Cypriot people, but also disregards all parties who held diplomatic and strategic responsibility at the time,” the statement added.

Akpınar directly addressed Ortaylı, saying:
“Interpreting history is not the same as insulting. Criticism is not the same as denigrating a people. Being an intellectual does not mean looking down on the nation.”

The DP concluded by insisting that Ortaylı must apologise without delay for his remarks. “The Turkish Cypriot people have always stood firm against denial, discrediting, and marginalisation—and they will continue to defend their honour and will with the same determination,” the statement said.