ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Ziya Öztürkler: A Turkish Cypriot Politician and Current Speaker of Northern Cyprus Assembly

Ziya Öztürkler, born in 1978 in Güzelyurt, is a prominent Turkish Cypriot politician who has been serving as the current Assembly Speaker of Northern Cyprus since October 2024. His journey to this position began with his education at Near East University, where he graduated from the Department of Public Science Education and later received his PhD education in the same field.

Öztürkler's academic background is complemented by a Management and Leadership Certificate Program completed at Yıldız Technical University. This foundation in leadership has been instrumental in his career progression. He began teaching at Lefke Gazi High School, Martyr Turgut Middle School, and Bülent Ecevit Anatolian High School from 2001 to 2014.

In the following years, Öztürkler's professional trajectory took a significant turn when he was appointed as Director of the Department of Higher Education and Foreign Relations at the Ministry of National Education. This appointment marked an important milestone in his career, preceding his election into the National Union Party in January 2022. He won the general elections on May 2, 2022, becoming a member of the KKTC Republic Assembly.

As part of this new role, Öztürkler was appointed as Minister of Interiors of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and began his mission. His tenure at this position culminated in October 2024 when he was elected Speaker of the Northern Cyprus Assembly following multiple rounds of voting, including a decisive victory with 26 votes for him and 23 against.

Öztürkler's personal life is marked by marriage and fatherhood to two children. Despite his busy political schedule, family remains an essential aspect of his life.