Imamoğlu Responds to Criticism About Makarios Statue
April 5, 2026
Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu denies accusations that he ordered a statue of Makarios, claiming that the statue relates to Cyprus and was chosen by the Denktas family. He asserts that these accusations are distorted and aim to defame him. Imamoğlu explains that the monument symbolizes the peace operation in Cyprus, and these claims have been made before. He also states that the judicial proceedings against him have political motivations, particularly regarding the upcoming presidential elections. Lastly, he affirms that the work is not solely about Makarios but reflects the history of Cyprus as a whole.