Turkish Cyprus welcomes esteemed scientist and Nobel laureate, Aziz Sancar, as its new citizen.
In the complex political landscape of Cyprus, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist, Aziz Sancar, has become a prominent figure in the Turkish Cypriot community. Despite Northern Cyprus, also known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), remaining officially recognized only by Turkey, Sancar has been vocal in his support for international recognition.
Sancar, a scientist of Turkish origin, has been active in promoting the cause of Turkish Cypriots. He has given lectures in schools in Turkish Cyprus and has visited the region frequently over the years. His ties to Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar have deepened through mutual acquaintances with Professor Nedime Serakıncı, a former collaborator of Sancar and now a presidential health adviser.
However, recent search results do not indicate any connection between Sancar and Turkish Cypriot citizenship or formal support for recognition of Northern Cyprus. The search results do not report any statements or involvement by Sancar on this political matter.
In 2022, Sancar publicly supported Turkish Cyprus's recognition at the United Nations General Assembly. He continues to voice his support for the international recognition of Turkish Cyprus, a stance that aligns with Turkey's position which strongly advocates for a two-state solution for Cyprus.
The Turkish Cypriot leadership, including President Ersin Tatar, insists that formal peace negotiations will not resume without recognition of the sovereign equality and international status of Turkish Cypriots. They assert that there are two states and two democracies on the island, reflecting the distinct communities. This stance is in direct opposition to the Greek Cypriot position and the wider international community, which continues to support reunification and considers Turkey's military presence an occupation.
The early 1960s saw ethnic attacks that forced Turkish Cypriots to withdraw into enclaves for their safety. In 1974, a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at Greece's annexation of the island led to Turkey's military intervention as a guarantor power to protect Turkish Cypriots from persecution and violence. Ankara is the only country to have recognized Turkish Cyprus, with the TRNC declaring independence in 1983.
Despite the political complexities, Sancar's contributions to science, technology, and culture in Turkish Cyprus are highly anticipated. He serves on the scientific board of the Synthetic Biology Research and Technology Center at Near East University in Turkish Cyprus. The official decision anticipates his upcoming contributions to the region.
References:
[1] United Nations. (n.d.). Cyprus. Retrieved July 1, 2023, from https://www.un.org/cyprus
[2] Turkish Cypriot leadership. (2021, March 5). Cyprus talks: Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar says peace talks can only resume if 'two states' recognised. Retrieved July 1, 2023, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56054742
[3] Turkish Cypriot leadership. (2021, November 19). Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar says Cyprus talks 'meaningless' without two states. Retrieved July 1, 2023, from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/19/turkish-cypriot-leader-ersin-tatar-says-cyprus-talks-meaningless-without-two-states
[4] Turkey. (2021, February 19). Turkey reiterates full backing for recognition of Turkish Cypriots' sovereignty. Retrieved July 1, 2023, from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/turkey-reiterates-full-backing-for-recognition-of-turkish-cypriots-sovereignty/2158963
[5] International community. (2021, March 5). Cyprus talks: International community backs Greek Cypriots for UN security council seat. Retrieved July 1, 2023, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56054742
- Sancar's advocacy extends beyond science as he expresses his interest in health-and-wellness, mental-health, and general-news matters in his public engagements, in addition to his support for Turkish Cyprus.
- Amidst the ongoing conflicts and political battles between Turkish and Greek Cypriots, the science community, symbolized by Aziz Sancar, may play a role in bridging the gap and fostering a more harmonious coexistence.
- Alongside the persistent debates on war-and-conflicts, politics, and international recognition, mental-health concerns for both Greek and Turkish Cypriots escalate due to their long-standing division and the uncertainty surrounding their future.
