Rauf Raif Denktaş

Rauf Raif Denktaş, the founder of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, dedicated his entire life to the freedom and rights of his people. He was not only a politician but also a guiding hero, a writer, and a passionate photographer. His struggle for the equal living conditions of Turkish Cypriots has earned him the title of "Founding President."

Rauf Raif was born on 27 January 1924 in Baf, a picturesque town in Cyprus. His father, Mehmet Raif Bey, was a judge, and Rauf was the youngest child in the family. After losing his mother at an early age, he was raised by his maternal and paternal grandmothers. At just six years old, he was sent to a boarding school in Istanbul to receive his education. While studying in Istanbul, he came to know his ancestral homeland, Türkiye, closely and embraced the principles of Atatürk. After completing middle school, he returned to Cyprus to finish his high school education. Excelling in his studies, Rauf later went to England to pursue legal education and returned to the island as a lawyer in 1947.

^{Rauf Denktaş with a Camera (generated by artificial intelligence)}

Upon returning to the island, Denktaş witnessed efforts to strip Turkish Cypriots of their rights. He met with leader Dr. Fazıl Küçük and began writing articles under the pseudonym "Akın Yılmaz" in newspapers. He worked tirelessly day and night to awaken and inspire his people. Believing that Turkish Cypriots must defend themselves, he co-founded the Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT) in 1957. This organization ensured unity among the people during difficult times. Everyone trusted him, and he became the voice of his people.

Denktaş’s life was sometimes as thrilling as an adventure film. Due to his defense of rights on the island, he was once banned from entering Cyprus and was forced to live in Ankara. However, he could not bear to be separated from his compatriots and in 1964 secretly sailed to Erenköy on a small boat to join the struggle there. On another occasion, while attempting to re-enter the island clandestinely, he was captured and taken prisoner. Thanks to Turkey’s extensive efforts, he was eventually released and returned to Ankara. Thanks to his unwavering determination, he ultimately returned legally to the island and assumed leadership of his people.

His greatest dream was for Turkish Cypriots to live freely in their own state. On 15 November 1983, this dream became reality when the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was proclaimed. The people embraced him with great affection and elected him as the first President of the new state. Denktaş served as President until 2005. Throughout his term, he consistently advocated for peace and justice. He repeatedly reminded the youth that "a state means freedom," emphasizing how precious independence truly was.

Denktaş never let go of his camera. He loved photographing nature, birds, and people, and held exhibitions in many parts of the world. He also wrote more than fifty books and received numerous awards. He spoke English and Greek fluently. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. When he passed away on 13 January 2012, he left behind a free people and an independent state.

Rauf Denktaş, alongside his people, announced to the world the foundation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This date holds the status of a national holiday for Turkish Cypriots.