Akçiçek family calls for martyr's name to be honored at new Girne hospital

The family of Martyr Medical Lieutenant Dr. Halil Akçiçek has issued a formal appeal to authorities regarding the naming of a new state hospital in Girne. Dr. Akçiçek, who served in the 28th Infantry Division Medical Battalion during the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation, was the only military medical officer martyred during the operation.

The family expressed deep distress that while the new, modern healthcare facility has been completed, the name of the martyr—which was attached to the old, unused hospital building—has not been transferred to the new site. In a statement addressed to the Presidency, Prime Ministry, and Ministry of Health, the family emphasized that preserving his memory is a matter of societal respect and historical responsibility rather than just a personal family issue.

Kudret Özersay, leader of the People's Party, also criticized the government's decision, questioning why the name of a fallen hero would be left behind in an unused building. He urged officials to avoid such lack of loyalty to national history, though no official response regarding the hospital's formal naming has been released by the authorities.