Hasgüler Warns of Crisis if Property Commission Mismanagement Continues

Hasgüler, in a social media post, highlighted the long-standing property crisis in Northern Cyprus, noting that Greek Cypriot properties were allocated over the years while disregarding rightful owners. He emphasized that the European Court of Human Rights created the TMK as a legitimate mechanism to resolve property claims under international law, describing it as a potential tool of “soft power” for the Turkish Cypriot community.

“Instead of using this mechanism, our leaders chose to leave it inactive. Worse, they arrested five Greek Cypriots who applied to the TMK, sending a message to the world that we do not even respect our own laws. Now, the Republic of Cyprus has taken matters into its own hands, buying properties in the north directly from owners. No Greek Cypriot will need to apply to the TMK going forward,” Hasgüler wrote.

He further warned that citizens holding Greek Cypriot property deeds—including some with Republic of Cyprus identification—could be considered illegal holders of EU property in the future. “Unless we break free from a governance style that sabotages its own soft power and places its people at legal risk internationally, we will look back on these days with regret,” Hasgüler concluded.