Gürcafer: We Are Trapped in Northern Cyprus

Gürcafer warned that Turkish Cypriot capital is increasingly unable to operate internationally. “We can no longer expand anywhere in the world. We are effectively trapped in Northern Cyprus,” he said. He added that conducting business within the TRNC is also challenging, asking, “If 85% of the land faces the same legal issues, how can investment take place?”

“Facing a Giant ‘Nothing’”
Highlighting long-standing concerns over immovable property issues, Gürcafer said, “It’s been over two years. We have repeatedly explained how this problem should be resolved. Leading lawyers in the country have warned about it, yet the result is a giant ‘nothing.’” He criticized the lack of support for the Immovable Property Commission and the absence of diplomatic efforts to address the issue.

“Turkish Cypriot Capital Is Being Destroyed”
Gürcafer stressed the importance of domestic capital for society, warning, “We are disappearing. Either we resolve this diplomatically, or we cease to exist—there is no other way.” He added that patriotic slogans and rhetoric will not solve the problem, and current developments threaten the survival of Turkish Cypriot business.

Jafari Left “to His Fate”
Addressing Jafari’s detention, Gürcafer criticized the lack of governmental action: “A TRNC citizen was detained. What are we doing? What diplomatic steps have we taken? Nothing. Like Simon Aykut, he is left to his fate.” He warned that weak reactions will not change outcomes, comparing the situation to global crises such as Gaza.

Greek Cypriots Act Secretly
Gürcafer noted that Jafari had voluntarily checked his status with Interpol, which showed no listing, suggesting that Greek Cypriots are handling the matter covertly. He emphasized that Northern Cyprus has yet to establish a table or mechanism to resolve such disputes and warned that similar incidents will continue if the current policies remain unchanged: “For us, there is no alternative outcome.”