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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan unveiled ambitious plans for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) during a one-day visit on Saturday, emphasizing technology and education as key drivers for the region's future development while inaugurating major infrastructure projects that symbolize Türkiye's ongoing commitment to the self-declared state.
"The Teknofest festival will pave the way for pioneering steps towards making Northern Cyprus an education, science and technology hub in the Mediterranean," Erdogan declared during his visit to the first-ever Teknofest held in the TRNC, which attracted approximately 50,000 young participants from 22 different countries competing in six main categories and 13 subcategories focused on future technologies.
The president emphasized that Teknofest represents far more than a typical exhibition or entertainment event. "Teknofest is not merely a show or an ordinary organization. It is the embodiment of a consciousness, a cause, a climate of awareness," Erdogan stated. "The voice of Anatolian youth has thankfully merged with the voice of Turkish Cypriot youth here."
Erdogan expressed particular optimism about the younger generation's role in Türkiye's technological advancement: "A Türkiye led by Teknofest youth will be far more advanced than today. You can see that determination in the eyes of the children attending Teknofests. You can read in these young people the determination to say, 'I will make better ones'."
The Turkish president referenced a proverb about long-term planning: "There is a saying, 'If you are thinking about 10 years from now, plant a seedling; if you are thinking about 100 years from now, educate people.' With this aim, we have not refrained from investing in young people in every field."
The visit coincided with the inauguration of the newly completed Republic Campus, constructed over three years and spanning 25,210 square meters. The complex houses the presidential building, two conference halls with a 600-person capacity each, a 400-person reception hall, 52 offices, and parking for 109 vehicles.
Adjacent to this, a 20,000-square-meter parliament building features presidential and prime ministerial offices, a 157-seat general assembly hall, 25 parliamentary offices, a ministerial meeting room, a 135-seat conference hall, and a library. The development also includes plans for a 290,000-square-meter public garden and a mosque that will accommodate 2,252 people.
"We are pleased to have brought such a work, befitting the power and prestige of our Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, to our Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters," Erdogan said during the opening ceremony. "I hope the new campus will be a means of goodness."
The final phase of the complex, which will include the Supreme Court and National Library, has already begun construction, with Erdogan noting these would be completed in short order.
Erdogan met with TRNC President Ersin Tatar and the Turkish State Organization Council of Elders gathered on the island, using the opportunity to reaffirm Türkiye's unwavering support for the two-state solution.
"We continue to support with all our strength the two-state solution vision put forward by President Tatar," Erdogan declared.
"The Turkish Cypriot people will sooner or later secure the registration of their sovereign equality and equal international status on the island, of which they are equal partners."
Erdogan referenced the informal meeting held under United Nations auspices in Geneva on March 17-18, pledging that Türkiye would continue to do its part and remain constructive in cooperation areas envisaged between "the two neighboring countries on the island."
The Turkish president also addressed rising tensions, including recent statements from the Greek Orthodox Archbishop targeting Turkish Cypriots and signs of potential extremist activity in Southern Cyprus. "Communities that do not learn from history are doomed to experience similar fates repeatedly," Erdogan warned. "I strongly condemn every statement that disrupts the language of peace in Cyprus and endangers future generations."
He added a direct caution: "Those who resort to terrorism, those who ignore the Turkish Cypriots, should know that they will face a stronger Turkey. Neither Türkiye is the old Türkiye nor is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus the old Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, nor is the world the old world. It would be beneficial for them to know this very well now."
Erdogan highlighted the stark contrast between Türkiye's military capabilities during its 1974 operation in Cyprus and its current technological prowess, particularly in defense industries, which was prominently displayed at Teknofest.
"In 1974, we didn't have serious weapons. We came to this island to bring peace with weapons given to us by others," Erdogan recalled. "Today, there is a Türkiye far beyond those times. Türkiye has become a shining star in the world with its original designs and domestic production in the defense industry."
He emphasized the global significance of Türkiye's indigenous technology development: "Especially our unmanned aerial vehicles, defense systems, and breakthroughs in communications have reached a level that will virtually reshape the history of warfare. We have taken steps that are leagues ahead compared to the past, and we continue to do so."
This technological transformation was visibly evident at Teknofest, where veterans from the 1974 operation were present. Erdogan noted their observations about the dramatic change: "Our 1974 Cyprus veterans were at the event. They say, 'In 1974, we had American weapons in our hands; now, thank God, we have everything'."
The president concluded by expressing his confidence that the Turkish Cypriot people, "an inseparable part of the Turkish world," would eventually attain the position they deserve with Türkiye's continued support as both motherland and guarantor power.
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