My son born in Ankara has Cypriot citizenship, but not the one born in Kyrenia: Mayor laments

GIRNE – Girne Mayor Murat Şenkul has voiced strong criticism over what he describes as a contradictory and unjust application of the Republic of Cyprus’s citizenship policies, highlighting his own family’s experience as an example of systemic inconsistency.

In a statement shared on social media, Şenkul revealed that while his son born in Ankara, Turkey, was granted Republic of Cyprus citizenship, his other son—born in Girne, in the northern part of the island—was denied the same right, despite both children having the same parents.

“The situation is absurd,” Şenkul said, questioning how such a discrepancy can be justified under current citizenship regulations. “Who can possibly explain such nonsense?” he added.

Şenkul’s remarks came in support of academic and political analyst Mete Hatay’s recent criticisms of the Republic of Cyprus’s approach to citizenship, which has long been a contentious issue, particularly for Turkish Cypriots and residents of the north.

His full statement read:

“Perhaps we are the most interesting example. Same mother, same father. The mother was born in Turkey. My son born in Ankara received citizenship. The one born in Girne did not.

How can anyone explain such absurdity?”

The comments have reignited debate over the Republic’s citizenship laws, which critics say are inconsistently applied and politically motivated. The issue touches on broader concerns about identity, recognition, and the rights of Turkish Cypriots within the broader geopolitical framework of Cyprus.