About Cengiz Topel
Who is Cengiz Topel?
Cengiz Topel was born in Izmit in 1934 and was a heroic pilot with a successful career in the Turkish Air Force. He participated in the Korean War and won many awards and medals for his outstanding achievements. However, his real heroic story took place during the Cyprus Peace Operation in 1964.
Journey to the Past
What is the Genghis Topel Incident?
Cengiz Topel incident took place during the Cyprus Peace Operation in 1964. The incident has gone down in the history of war and aviation as a black stain. At that time, Turks in Cyprus were being persecuted under Greek Cypriot attacks. Turkey took action to protect the Turkish Cypriots and to ensure peace on the island.
Cengiz Topel was one of the most successful pilots of the Turkish Air Force during this operation. On August 8, 1964, Topel took off to prevent the attacks on Erenköy and provided aerial support with his F-100 Super Sabre aircraft. However, his plane was shot down by Greek anti-aircraft fire during his mission.
Although his plane went out of control, Topel managed to jump with a parachute by maintaining his composure. However, since he landed on enemy territory, he was captured by Greek soldiers. Topel, who did not break his honorable and upright stance even when he was captured, was subjected to various tortures by the Greeks.
Unfortunately, Cengiz Topel’s captivity did not last long. Severely wounded as a result of torture, Topel lost his life on August 12, 1964. However, this heroic pilot, who sacrificed his life for his homeland, continues to live in the hearts of the Turkish nation like other martyrs.
The death of Cengiz Topel caused great sadness and anger among the Turkish people. At the same time, it further united the Turkish Cypriots in their struggle for independence. Topel’s heroism and sacrifice changed the course of the Cyprus Peace Operation and the Turkish Armed Forces took action with a much better understanding of the gravity of the situation on the island.
Cengiz Topel Monument symbolizes the Turkish Cypriot people’s struggle for independence.
Monument Details
What is at Cengiz Topel Memorial?
The Cengiz Topel Memorial is not only a memorial that brings back memories, but also an open-air museum that stirs the most sincere emotions of its visitors. In the center of the monument, the bronze statue of Cengiz Topel, standing tall in his pilot’s suit, reflects the courage and determination of the heroic pilot. The Turkish Air Force Monument, located next to the statue, honors the force to which Topel belonged.
The aircraft parts displayed around the monument revive the painful memory of the plane shot down during the 1964 Cyprus Peace Operation. These pieces remind the visitors of the reality and impact of the event and provide a better understanding of the heroic struggle of Cengiz Topel and the people of Cyprus.
Information boards in Turkish and English at the memorial site provide comprehensive information about Cengiz Topel’s life, his military career, his role in the Cyprus Peace Operation and the history of the memorial. Thanks to these panels, visitors can learn about Topel’s personal story and learn about the historical events of that period.
Location
Where is Cengiz Topel Monument?
The monument is located in a quiet location on the coastal promenade near Cengizköy in Lefke. Located east of Lefke city center, it offers one of the most beautiful views of the city’s coastline. Also near the monument is the Cengin Topel Hospital of the same name.
Transportation
How to get to Cengiz Topel Memorial?
If you are traveling from Nicosia, you can reach the monument via the Nicosia – Güzelyurt highway, and if you are traveling from Kyrenia, you can reach the monument by taking the Nicosia – Kyrenia highway to Güzelyurt highway. Cengiz Topel Monument is located on the coastline of this road.
If you have not yet entered Cyprus, you should first land at Nicosia Ercan Airport. Flights from Turkey to TRNC take approximately 1 hour. In addition, if you prefer sea route instead of airway, there are reciprocal ferry services from Kyrenia harbor to Anamur and Mersin.
The journey to the monument takes approximately 1 hour from Nicosia and Kyrenia and approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Famagusta. You can use intercity buses or your own vehicle for transportation to the region. Apart from these, you can also consider car rental options.
Visit Information
Cengiz Topel Monument Visiting Hours and Fees
Cengiz Topel Monument is open to visitors every day of the week and admission is free of charge. Guided tours are organized for the museum section accompanied by certain staff.
Cengiz Topel Monument Photos
Plan your Lefke Travel Route
Places to visit in Lefke
Historical aqueducts, fountains, monuments and ancient cities await you in Lefke. There are many places you can visit in Lefke, full of historical buildings from the Ottoman and Venetian periods and the wonders of Cypriot nature.
