Renowned Cypriot journalist Sevgul Uludag has died at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to uncovering the truth about Cyprus’ missing persons. Throughout her career, which spanned over four and a half decades, Uludag was a steadfast advocate for the families of more than 2,000 individuals who remain unaccounted for since the intercommunal violence of the 1960s and the events surrounding the Turkish invasion in 1974.
Her work was marked by a meticulous approach, often revealing detailed accounts of the lives and fates of those missing. These poignant stories were published in both Turkish and Greek, primarily through the pages of Yeniduzen and Politis newspapers, ensuring that the voices of the unaccounted were heard across communities.
Uludag garnered international acclaim for her relentless pursuit of justice, becoming the first Cypriot to receive the International Courage in Journalism Award in 2008. Her efforts were further recognised with the European Citizen’s Prize in 2014, and she was notably nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019.
Turkish Cypriot ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel reflected on her significant contributions, stating, “She made invaluable contributions to the Turkish Cypriot press and the collective memory of our country.” He emphasised her principled commitment to tracing the whereabouts of missing individuals and her role in illuminating human stories that resonate beyond borders.
Fikri Toros, a representative of the Turkish Cypriot opposition party CTP, described Uludag as more than just a journalist, labelling her a courageous investigative reporter, peace activist, and a powerful writer. “Sevgul was an exemplary Cypriot who dedicated her life to being the voice of truth, conscience, and humanity,” he noted, highlighting how her tireless efforts helped countless families uncover the truths they had long sought.
Yeniduzen’s managing editor Mert Ozdag shared heartfelt reflections on Uludag’s dedication, saying, “She devoted her life to the pursuit of truth, considered sharing sorrow a human duty, and believed throughout her life that peace was possible.” He emphasized her unique approach to journalism, which transcended mere news reporting. Uludag listened intently to the silence that often surrounded the stories of the missing, walking the land in search of answers and documenting pains that many were afraid to confront.
Ozdag poignantly remarked that Uludag etched into the collective memory of Cyprus the agonising stories of waiting mothers, unanswered questions posed by fathers, and the nameless graves that had long been forgotten. “She taught us that journalism is not just about writing what happened; it is about relentlessly pursuing the truth, reminding us of what has been forgotten, giving a voice to the silenced, and, most importantly, remaining human,” he stated.
Sevgul Uludag’s passing marks not only a loss for the Cypriot press but also for the countless individuals and families who found solace and truth in her work. Her legacy will endure through the stories she shared and the lives she touched, continuing to inspire future generations of journalists and advocates for peace.
