Farewell to National Hero Birkan Uzun
Birkan Uzun, who lost her life in a ski accident in the USA, was buried today with a funeral ceremony prepared by the Presidency.
NORTH CYPRUS
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Turkish Cypriot mountaineer Birkan Uzun, who waved the TRNC flag on the highest point of the 5 continents of the world including summit of Mount Vinson in Antarctica, and died at the age of 28 as a result of an unfortunate accident in the USA, was buried today with tears.
Within the framework of the funeral program prepared by the Presidency for Birkan Uzun, whose body was brought to the country yesterday evening, a ceremony was held today at 10:45 in front of the Güzelyurt District Governorship; Then, the funeral prayer was held in Güzelyurt Fatih Mosque. Later, Uzun’s body was brought to the Nicosia Cemetery and buried here.
The funeral ceremony held in front of the Güzelyurt District Governor’s Office started when Uzun’s body was taken from Cengiz Topel Hospital, carried to the ceremony area by national athletes and put on a katafalka.
In addition to Uzun’s family and loved ones, President Ersin Tatar, Prime Minister Faiz Sucuoğlu, Cyprus Turkish Peace Forces Commander Major General Sezai Öztürk, Security Forces Major General Zorlu Topaloğlu, many ministers, deputies and bureaucrats attended the ceremony.
In the ceremony, Uzun’s photograph of him waving the TRNC flag on the Antarctic summit is used , his supporters left flowers on the coffin in tears. Afterwards, Birkan Uzun’s father Cengiz Topel Uzun and President Ersin Tatar gave speeches, respectively.
CENGİZ TOPEL UZUN: “THE MILLIONS OF TURKS ARE PROUD WITH HIS ACHIEVEMENTS”
In his speech at the funeral, the father of the deceased Birkan Uzun, Cengiz Topel Uzun, wished that no one would have to speak at their kid’s funeral.
Stating that his son achieved great successes in his 28-year life that made his family, supporters and all Turks proud, Uzun talked about Birkan Uzun’s achievements in the field of academics and sports.
Uzun also said that his son graduated from Turk Maarif College with an average of 10.0, achieved high scores in the American universities entrance exam and became the first Turkish Cypriot to be elected to MIT, received a job offer from the giant technology company Amazon while he was still in his third year, and said that he had many opportunities in this field. He explained that he has a mark in many application.
Noting that, in addition to his academic achievements, Birkan was a very successful athlete, Uzun said that he has set his mind on the plan of reaching 7 summits in 7 continents, and that he has reached many summits in the world with his own efforts, and that made everyone proud.
Lastly, father Uzun, stating that Birkan gave strong lessons to everyone living in this society and to the world from the summit in Antarctica, while waving the TRNC flag here and giving a message to the Turkish Cypriots “Birkan has led to a widespread happiness that unites all kinds of people. Unfortunately, he united us not only with his success, but also with his death. He gave a message of inspiration to the youth and a message like a slap to the world.”
Stating that Birkan Uzun’s sentence “I don’t want anyone to ignore us” should be given more importance, the father added. “All the sensitiveness of the Turkish Cypriots is hidden under this sentence. The whole world can interpret this as they wish,” he said.
“YOU HAVE BEEN OUR PRIDE, YOU HAVE BEEN OUR LIGHT, NOW LET THOSE LIGHTS BE YOUR COMPANY”
Cengiz Topel Uzun said, “My son, you did your duty. You have been a source of pride for us and your country in your short life, you have been a light. Now let those lights be your company,” he ended his speech and thanked everyone who contributed to the realization of the funeral and supported the family during this process.
Cengiz Topel Uzun, who stated also Matrona Company, one of the leading investment companies in America, where Birkan Uzun was working, never cut off contact with the family for a week and paid all the funeral expenses, he also thanked the Matrona Company and CEO Tim Porter.
TATAR: “OUR HEART HAS BEEN TORNED SINCE 1 JANUARY”
In his speech at the funeral, President Ersin Tatar stated that Birkan Uzun’s death was a great loss and he expressed his condolences to the bereaved family, loved ones, friends and the entire community.
Underlining that Birkan Uzun was a source of pride and inspiration for Turkish Cypriots with his courage, talent, virtuous stance and love of homeland, Tatar said, “Since January 1, our hearts are broken. Birkan contributed a lot to the TRNC in his 28-year life. In addition to his academic success, he has been an exemplary person in business life by working in world organizations. He has made us and his family proud with his achievements as an athlete.”
Turkish Cypriot mountaineer Birkan Uzun, who waved the TRNC flag on the highest point of the 5 continents of the
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