On the third anniversary of the February 6 earthquake, “Şampiyon Melekler” were honored with white balloons

On the third anniversary of the February 6 earthquake in Northern Cyprus, the memory of the TRNC’s Şampiyon Melekler who died at the İsias Hotel was honored. Relatives and loved ones released white balloons into the sky as a symbol of remembrance and mourning.

As part of the commemorative program 6 Şubat Şampiyon Melekler Anma Programı, white balloons with the message «Adalet ile Sonsuz Sevgi» (“Justice and Eternal Love”) were released into the sky from the burial sites of Şampiyon Melekler.

The ceremony at the Gazimağusa cemetery was attended by TRNC President Tufan Erhürman, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, leader of the main opposition party Republican Turkish Party Sıla Usar İncilirli, as well as ministers, deputies, and mayors. Participants expressed support for the families of the deceased and laid flowers at the graves.

The ceremony drew a large crowd. First, a prayer was read in memory of Şampiyon Melekler, after which white balloons were released into the sky.

Rüşen Yücesoylu Karakaya — mother of Selin Karakaya — gave a brief speech, saying: “There are no more words. Şampiyon Melekler, we love you very much. We release these white balloons for justice and love — for our champions.”

In addition to Famagusta, memorial ceremonies for Şampiyon Melekler were simultaneously held at cemeteries in Yeniboğaziçi, Vadili, Dörtyol, and Ulukışla.

At 15:30, a mevlid was also read in the Polatpaşa Mosque in Famagusta in memory of Şampiyon Melekler.