Turanlı: We Gave The Golden Key Of Cyprus To The People

Speaking on Kıbrıs Genç TV, Turanlı said he came to Northern Cyprus 13 years ago with a belief in the project and won the tender for Ercan Airport at a very high cost, arguing that the people of Cyprus have benefited greatly from it. He said: “From the tradespeople of Cyprus to the media and workers, together we have brought such a major structure, the golden key of Cyprus, to the people who deserve it.”

He stated that the symbolic value of Ercan Airport is higher than its financial value, adding that he hears people describe it as a place admired for its architecture, atmosphere and technological infrastructure. Turanlı said there is no company in the world today that transfers 56 percent of turnover including VAT to the state, stressing: “Cyprus has gained from this. The people of Cyprus continue to gain.”

“I have never had fear that I would not succeed”

Speaking on the “Gündem Özel” programme hosted by Mustafa Alkan, Turanlı also shared aspects of his personal journey.

“I grew up and worked in a very difficult geography. But I never had the concern in my life that I would not succeed. Whether we earned little or a lot, I never experienced anxiety. I work towards the goals I set in my life. I have reached some of them and I will continue to reach others as long as my life allows. I continue to do proper and honest work without fraud, producing good projects worthy of humanity,” he said.

Major projects in Northern Cyprus

Turanlı said that as Taşyapı they have launched major projects in Northern Cyprus, including significant investments in Kyrenia, housing projects in Dörtyol for middle-income groups, and other major developments in Famagusta.

He said: “In Kyrenia, we are carrying out the most serious and in-depth project since the Venetians. We are going down 22 metres underground. At minus 7 metres, we are building a shelter. This is something unprecedented in the history of Cyprus. We are not building a place just for shelter, but a place for people to live. I did this for the first time in Turkey as well.”

“Vision Cyprus is a project that will add value”

Turanlı also provided details about the “Vision Cyprus” project, saying it is a necessary initiative that Cyprus should have already implemented.

He said: “I am not saying I will do these projects alone. Turkish Cypriots living abroad and local businesspeople should also do them. These forward-looking investments should be implemented for the future of young people and Northern Cyprus. With carefully prepared feasibility studies, this strategy can provide prosperity to the Turkish Cypriot people while preserving nature and leaving a world-class legacy for future generations.”

He added that he is presenting the project to businesspeople in Turkey through meetings, stating: “The more investors come to Northern Cyprus, the more the country will develop and the people of Cyprus will benefit.”

Clean energy transition call

Turanlı said that with increasing investment, the current energy system would not be sufficient and described the existing system as “dirty energy”.

He said: “Energy production must switch to clean energy, namely gas and solar power. If EL-SEN and the press support this, Cyprus can achieve this energy transition and within two years Northern Cyprus can have clean energy produced by solar and gas.”

He also called for the development of Gemikonağı port, saying it could be completed without state expenditure, and suggested further investments in agriculture, education, tourism, and transport infrastructure, including a light metro system.

He added: “I am ready to implement all these projects. Either they give them to us or to someone else. Let a tender be held, whoever wins should do it, and Cyprus should benefit.”

“My partner lost all court cases”

Commenting on legal disputes and claims regarding tax matters, Turanlı said he has never made negative remarks about his business partner but criticised statements made against him.

He said claims about tax amnesties were false and insisted there was no VAT exemption granted to him. He added that delays in land allocation for Ercan Airport increased project costs and that legal action has been ongoing since 2016.

He also stated that he has not yet been fully allocated all required land for the airport project, claiming this has affected construction progress and costs.

Airport operations and tenants

Turanlı said he has three tenants at Ercan Airport and claimed that rental agreements were adjusted under state direction. He also said he has supported businesses operating at the airport.

Traffic issues at Ercan

He noted ongoing traffic problems at Ercan Airport, saying discussions are underway with the relevant municipality and that a solution is being sought.

“I love Cyprus and its people”

Despite difficulties, Turanlı said he has no intention of leaving Cyprus.

“I love Cyprus. I have a house in Kyrenia. I relieve stress by going into the sea. I will never leave Cyprus. Even if you try to force me, I will not go. I love the people of Cyprus. I am a successful person. I will continue to succeed and deliver projects both in Turkey and in my country,” he said.