A Hero's Grave

Ali participated in the defence of Old City in 1974. He died during the fights and he is buried at the War Heroes' Monument at Canbulat Gate. Ali came from Sudan and belonged to a family that lived in one of all the caves in the city wall. He was a refugee and a poor man and he gave his life for the city that was his home: Famagusta. I met Ali on my first journey to Cyprus in 1973. He was just like anyone else with his favours and shortcomings. On an engraving at the Monument some lines read: "For those who died for the country of Northern Cyprus, fighting the aggressor."