The Documentary “Gol Atan Cepheye” Premiered in the TRNC

The documentary Gol Atan Cepheye, which focuses on the story of the resistance and struggle of the Turkish Cypriots through football clubs from 1955 and 1974, premiered in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) with the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).

The premiere, held in Near East University in Nicosia, the capital of the TRNC, was attended by Ersin Tatar, President of the TRNC; Zorlu Töre, Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly; Ünal Üstel, Prime Minister of the TRNC; Fikri Ataoğlu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment of the TRNC; ministers and members of the parliament of the TRNC; Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye; Ali Murat Başçeri, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Nicosia; Serkan Kayalar, President of TİKA; Erdal Hoş, the director of the documentary; and representatives of other institutions and organizations.

In his speech, President Tatar reminded that he produced a similar movie, Geçmişin İzleri, while he was working for a private TV channel in Türkiye 30 years ago. He thanked those who contributed to the production of the documentary Gol Atan Cepheye. Tatar said, “I would like to thank the director of the documentary and those who contributed to its production through TİKA. We will be happy to once again share the importance of football clubs in the struggle of the Turkish Cypriots.”

Tatar added that legends such as Hüseyin Mevlüt (Coach), Erol Kazım (Andaç), (Mustafa) Defteralı, and Mete Adanır should not be forgotten. He noted that these people, who dedicated their lives to football, ensured that young people can now look to the future with confidence.

“The Turkish Cypriots continued their struggle in football, which is a popular sport”

Tatar wished health to retired football players who are still alive and Allah’s mercy on those who died. He reminded that Turkish Cypriot football clubs were excluded from football as their names included the word “Turkish,” and that the Cyprus Turkish Football Association was established as a result. President Tatar said, “The Turkish Cypriots continued their struggle in football, which is a popular sport, in order to create a future for our young people and survive in this land.”

Tatar stated that the Turkish Cypriots will unite and will not be discouraged despite all these problems and wrongful obstacles, and that young Turkish Cypriots will eventually open up to the world through certain initiatives. He reminded that the Turkish Cypriots, who faced the risk of annihilation, now have a Republican state.

“Standing in solidarity with the Turkish Cypriots requires accurate knowledge of the past”

Minister Ersoy stated that the documentary, which focused on the role of football and football clubs in the struggle for survival of the Turkish Cypriots, is of great importance for informing younger generations about the Cyprus dispute. Ersoy congratulated TİKA, which produced the document Gol Atan Cepheye, and those who contributed to it. He said,

“Standing in solidarity with the Turkish Cypriots today requires accurate knowledge of the past. It is important for our current and future status to remember the past, describe the events in full detail today, and have a good memory of the Cyprus dispute. The Turkish Cypriots faced great difficulty in the past. They were subjected to terrorist attacks and oppression incompatible with human dignity. Their houses were set on fire. They sacrificed their lives for their homeland, when necessary, but they have never compromised on their freedom and independent stance.”

Ersoy noted that they will always keep alive the stories of those who have contributed to this great cause to maintain the strong ties between the past and the present, as well as those between the present and the future. He said, “We will continue to introduce the leading figures who encouraged people with their uncompromising stance and resolute and determined struggle, in the TRNC, in Türkiye, and in various parts of the world.”

It is aimed to hold international screenings of the movie

Ersoy stated that many legendary football players were interviewed for the documentary. He added that among these players, Ahmet Sakallı and Mazlum Mercan have passed away recently. He wished Allah’s mercy on them and patience to their loved ones. Ersoy stressed that the document referred to the testimonies of people from several clubs in the TRNC, such as Küçük Kaymaklı, Çetinkaya Spor, Mağusa Türk Gücü, and Lefke, who were knowledgeable about the events at the time. He said they aimed to hold international screenings of the documentary Gol Atan Cepheye.

Director Hoş thanked those who contributed to the production of the documentary. He said, “We did nothing but to make your stories into a movie.”

The documentary focuses on stories from the difficult years between 1955 and 1974 and the experiences of iconic figures who made their mark on the Turkish Cypriot football and struggle.

After the screening of the documentary; special guests, other guests, and those who contributed to the movie gathered for a group photo.