Turkish Cypriot mountaineer Birkan Uzun who died in a freak skiing accident on the first day of the New Year was laid to rest today.

Uzun had become the first Turkish Cypriot to conquer the summit of Mt Vinson in Antarctica as part of his mission to complete the Seven Summits, a mountaineering challenge that includes climbing the highest mountain peaks on each of the seven continents.

His body had arrived at Ercan Airport in a sealed casket which was carried by 10 national athletes to the funeral car.

Among those to greet him at the airport was his family and President Ersin Tatar.

Uzun was laid to rest at main cemetery in Lefkoşa today following noon prayers at the Güzelyurt Fatih Mosque.

A ceremony was held for Uzun in front of the Güzelyurt District Office during which his father and President Ersin Tatar delivered speeches.

The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Faiz Sucuoğlu, state and government officials, politicians, friends and family.

Speaking at the ceremony in Güzelyurt, Birkan Uzun’s father Cengiz Topel Uzun spoke of his son’s academic and social accomplishments, stating that he was a source of pride for his family and admired by his friends.

He said that Uzun’s accomplishments were standing proof of what one could achieve if they set their mind to it.

President Ersin Tatar in his speech said that Birkan Uzun was the pride of the Turkish Cypriot people with his successes, his education, his career and accomplishments.

He said that they will never allow Uzun to be forgotten and will continue to walk in his stead.

The 28-year-old, a native of Güzelyurt who was living and working in Seattle had opened a TRNC flag at the peak of 16,050 feet Mt Vinson just two weeks before his death.

He had previously been to Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount Elbrus in Europe, Mount Aconcagua in South America, and Mount Denali in North America.

His next goals included climbing Mount Everest in Asia and Carstensz Pyramid in Oceania.