Under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spouses Solidarity Association (DMEDD), a delegation of our members visited the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) between April 24-27, 2024, at the invitation of Oya Ertuğruloğlu, the esteemed wife of the TRNC Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu. On the first day of our visit, we had the opportunity to come together with our friends at the Spring Gathering organized by the DMEDD Executive Board and the Association of Foreign Service Personnel and Spouses of the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DİMED).

As part of our program, we had the privilege of attending gracious invitations extended by TRNC Minister of Foreign Affairs Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, his esteemed spouse Oya Ertuğruloğlu, and T.C. Lefkoşa Ambassador Metin Feyzioğlu, along with his esteemed spouse Birgül Feyzioğlu. We are deeply grateful for their warm hospitality and cherish the memorable moments we shared. Throughout our visit, we embarked on a journey of discovery, immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of Cyprus's historical, cultural, and natural wonders. We were captivated by the historical aura of Girne Castle, followed by a poignant exploration of the Barbarlar Museum, reliving the harrowing tales of that era. Venturing into the heart of the capital, the centuries-old Surlariçi neighbourhourd in city of Lefkoşa, and the melancholic district of Maraş proved to be an indelible experience.

At the St. Barnabas Monastery Museum, we bore witness to Cyprus's captivating narrative, spanning from the Neolithic era to the Roman period. At the Blue Mosque, renowned for its mystique and architectural splendor, our voices echoed in solitude. At Geçitköy Dam, we marveled at the harmonious embrace of emerald and azure, a masterpiece painted by nature's hand. The Peace and Freedom Monument, a poignant testament to the imprints of the Cyprus Peace Operation, left us deeply moved with its architectural grandeur. As we stood amidst the ruins of Salamis Ancient City, we embarked on a journey through time, while the captivating beauty of Bellapais Monastry, a beacon of Gothic architecture, unfolded before our eyes. On this note, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Gülnur Bigalı and Özge Yılmaz, whose dedication and tireless efforts enriched our Cyprus excursion with unparalleled landscapes, historical landmarks, and unforgettable memories.