London, 21 December 2024 – The annual “Bloody Christmas Candlelight Rememberance” took place outside the Greek Cypriot High Commission in London, marking 61 years since the horrific massacres of December 1963 that claimed the lives of hundreds of Turkish Cypriots.
Organised by the British Turkish Cypriot Association (BTCA), Embargoed!, and Young Turkish Cypriots (Y.T.C), the vigil brought together community leaders, activists, and supporters to honour the victims and demand justice. Leading figures such as Kenan Yaman (Chair of BTCA), Azize Solmaz (Chair of Embargoed!), and Eren Ramadan (Chair of Y.T.C) stood united alongside attendees in a solemn act of remembrance.
The event paid particular tribute to the İlhan family, whose brutal murder in their bathtub remains one of the most haunting images of the Bloody Christmas atrocities. The tragic loss of Mürüvet İlhan and her three children continues to symbolise the pain and injustice endured by Turkish Cypriots.
A Challenging Start Met with Respectful Resolution
While the vigil began with challenges—police initially attempted to confine attendees to a restricted pen on the opposite side of the road, falsely claiming prior agreement with the organisers—the persistence and calm resolve of the attendees ensured a peaceful resolution.
As the evening progressed, the police treated the group with respect and cooperation. In a rare and meaningful gesture, officers permitted representatives to deliver a letter directly under the door of the High Commission building—a first in the history of the annual vigil.
The community’s warm spirit shone through when the police were even offered “zeytinli” (olive bread) lovingly prepared by one of the vigil’s regular attendees, symbolising hospitality and shared humanity amidst the solemn occasion.
Education Through Awareness
This year, the candlelit bathtub installation—a powerful recreation symbolising the tragedy endured by the İlhan family—drew significant attention from passers-by. Many stopped to ask about its meaning, providing an opportunity for volunteers to distribute educational leaflets explaining the Bloody Christmas Massacre and the ongoing injustices faced by the Turkish Cypriot community.
This spontaneous engagement turned into a meaningful dialogue, spreading awareness to people who may not have been familiar with this chapter of history.
Why We Gather
The Bloody Christmas Massacres marked the violent collapse of Cyprus as a partnership state and the beginning of over a decade of suffering for Turkish Cypriots. Over 25,000 Turkish Cypriots were forcibly displaced, and entire villages were wiped out in a campaign of ethnic cleansing.
This vigil serves as both an act of remembrance and a call for justice, recognition, and accountability. It highlights the continued refusal of the Greek Cypriot administration to acknowledge the atrocities committed and the ongoing isolation Turkish Cypriots face on the world stage.
A Step Forward in Advocacy
This year’s vigil was not only a solemn tribute to the past but also a small yet significant step forward in the advocacy for Turkish Cypriot rights. The ability to peacefully deliver a letter directly to the High Commission symbolises the collective strength and determination of the community.
Nejla Clements, Secretary of Embargoed!, stated:
“Every year, we gather here not only to remember those we’ve lost but to remind the world of the injustices Turkish Cypriots still face. This vigil is a testament to our resilience and our refusal to let history be rewritten.”
Looking Ahead
As the vigil concluded, candles continued to flicker outside the High Commission building—a quiet yet powerful reminder of the lives lost, the injustice endured, and the unwavering spirit of a community that refuses to be silenced.
We will return next year, standing once again in remembrance and solidarity. We hope our readers will join us, helping to grow our presence and amplify our message for justice, recognition, and equality.
Justice for Turkish Cypriots is not a request, but a necessity.
For updates and more information about our ongoing advocacy, follow Embargoed! online and join us in continuing the fight for truth, justice, and recognition.
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