My family is from Baf originally. My paternal grandmother and grandfather are from villages in the Baf region.

When the first conflicts started in Cyprus, my father and family had to move from place to place. They first came to the Değirmenlik region. Then they went to Turkey and spent years there. We have family in Istanbul, and we have family in Mersin.

I think it was the late seventies when they returned to Cyprus. They went back and forth many times in between. I was born in the early eighties. I have never been curious about my mother’s side. But from what I heard from conversations, they’re also from the Baf region.

My late father always loved Cyprus madly. He returned to Cyprus every time despite all the hardships. He never looked back.

He had many memories that he would tell. In fact, I regret not listening to him more carefully.

I realized the value of these after he passed away. I always remember this saying “recognize value while it’s alive.”

My father had a very difficult life. He didn’t graduate from any school. He left school to earn money and support his family. He always earned his living with his own labor. He has no inheritance or wealth from anyone.

He had a very strong character and was dominant. He never compromised on his principles. He would stand upright against any injustice. This personality of his sometimes caused him to suffer. But he never changed.

When I was growing up, I had some disagreements with my father. Especially during my teenage years. But when I look back now, I understand him better. He was trying to protect and guide us with his strict discipline.

le my father a lot in character. I’m stubborn like him, I stand upright like him. I can’t compromise on his principles like him. And like him, this sometimes causes me to suffer. But I never change…

My father passed away years ago. But he still lives in my heart with all his aspects. I’m proud to be his daughter…