The nation honoured the third anniversary of Rauf Denktaş death last week as his biographer Yvonne Çerkez was getting set for the London launch of her book Rauf Denktaş A Private Portrait.
The event at Tottenham’s Regency Banqueting Suite, is being held tonight at 7.30pm.
Organisers, headed by Fevzi Hüssein, include the Association of Limassolians, North London Turkish Islamic Trust and FH Events.
The signing of Rauf Denktaş A Private Portrait will be followed by prayers of remembrance – or mevlit – for TRNC founding President Denktaş, who died January 13, 2012 and Turkish Cypriot leader and first Vice–President of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Fazıl Küçük, who died on January 15, 1984.
Ms Çerkez said: “I felt quite sad on Tuesday and spent a day of reflection at home as I have so many lovely recollections of Mr Denktaş who became a friend.
“Although he was quite a private person, I often used to pop in for a cup of tea.
”One thing I learned from him was the importance of identity, about which he was passionate.
”I developed the utmost admiration and respect for him although I realise that his views were not shared by everyone. I have to say that one reason I decided to write the book was because once someone asked me, ‘Denktaş who?’”
She added: “The biography was always intended to be a portrait of the man but I do wish now that I had explored more of the criticism of him. I am sure that although he promoted a federation, ‘Taksim’, or separation, was always in his heart.
“He was always passionate about the need for Turkish Cypriot identity and once told me off the record that Turkish Cypriot blood as being diluted.”
Although the book includes details of the pre- and post-Annan Plan period, it is very condensed and is mostly about Mr Denktaş’s family and his rise to power including his years in England and Turkey and his relationship with Dr Küçük.
Nevertheless, it is a very good read, especially for non-Turkish speakers worldwide who do not even know his name.
The author added that her UK trip would double as a honeymoon after she married Osman Safetoğlu last week.
Source: Cyprus Today
