**Tributes Pour in for Late Journalist Sevgul Uludag**
Cyprus is mourning the loss of renowned journalist Sevgul Uludag, who passed away at the age of 67 on Sunday. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders and colleagues, reflecting on her significant contributions to journalism and her unwavering dedication to humanitarian issues, particularly concerning the missing persons from the island's turbulent history.
President Nikos Christodoulides expressed his condolences, highlighting Uludag's sensitivity and dedication in addressing the humanitarian plight of missing persons resulting from the Cyprus tragedy. He noted her consistent efforts toward fostering peaceful coexistence between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in a homeland free from occupation.
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman also paid tribute, stating, “We will never forget you, your efforts, your superhuman dedication.” Former Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci acknowledged the circumstances surrounding Uludag’s passing, revealing that few were aware of the severity of her illness. He remarked on the significant void left by her departure, emphasizing that no other journalist matched her persistence in investigating the issue of missing persons, a deep-seated wound for Cyprus.
Meral Eroglu, the wife of former Turkish Cypriot leader Dervish Eroglu, expressed her personal loss, stating, “I have lost a very courageous person who stood by me during the most difficult times of my life.” She noted that many others shared in this loss, reflecting Uludag's impact on numerous lives.
The Democratic Rally (Disy) party recognized Uludag’s lifelong commitment to uncovering the fates of the missing and her courageous stance against various threats. They commended her efforts in promoting coexistence between the two communities, stating, “She truly believed in reconciliation.”
The left-wing Progressive Party of Working People (Akel) described Uludag as a “fighter for peace in Cyprus and for reconciliation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.” They acknowledged her significant contributions to clarifying the fates of many missing individuals from both communities and praised her humanitarian approach to the issue, which sought to heal the wounds of relatives and the broader society. Akel noted that Uludag faced threats from extremist groups but remained steadfast in her mission to reveal the historical truths surrounding the Cypriot tragedy.
The Republican Turkish Party (CTP), of which Uludag was a member, expressed deep sorrow at her passing. Party leader Sila Usar Incirli praised her bravery in pursuing the truth and her respectful approach to the families of the missing, helping them find closure after years of uncertainty.
Uludag’s journalistic career spanned over 45 years, during which she dedicated herself to the cause of Cyprus' missing persons. More than 2,000 individuals remain unaccounted for following intercommunal violence in the 1960s and the Turkish invasion in 1974. Her meticulous investigations often uncovered poignant accounts of the lives and deaths of the missing, which she published in both Turkish and Greek in the Yeniduzen and Politis newspapers.
Her work garnered international recognition, making her the first Cypriot to receive the International Courage in Journalism Award in 2008. Additionally, she was awarded the European Citizen's Prize in 2014 and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, underscoring her impact and commitment to journalism and humanitarian issues.
Sevgul Uludag's legacy is marked by her relentless pursuit of truth and justice for the missing persons of Cyprus, and her efforts will be remembered as a significant contribution to the island's history and the ongoing quest for reconciliation between its communities.