Businessman Asil Nadir's will revealed: 'Do not attend my final journey'

Renowned Cypriot businessman Asil Nadir has passed away at the age of 83 at the Kolan British Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment since February 4.

The message, which serves as a testament from Asil Nadir—who rose to prominence in the 1990s with his investments in the UK and Turkey and was once among the world's wealthiest businessmen—was released by his wife, Nur Nadir.

MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF CYPRUS: 'PROTECT YOUR LAND'

In his final message to the Turkish Cypriot people, Asil Nadir stated the following:

"My dear Cypriot brothers and sisters, I wanted to support and develop you in your struggle for a dignified life as much as my life and strength allowed. I sacrificed my life, my labor, and all my resources for the struggle and cause of all Cypriots for a dignified life. Those who betrayed us were always among us, but despite everything, I never gave up.

"DO NOT ATTEND MY FINAL JOURNEY"

Please, do not give up either. This country is ours, these lands are ours, and these institutions are ours; first protect each other, and then protect the projects I have left to you.

My dear brothers and sisters, as a Cypriot born and died on these lands, my will to you is to protect these lands despite everything. Those who were around me throughout my life but did not support me in my struggle for a dignified life, and who ate our bread but failed the test of humanity, should not be present at my final journey.

Death is a right. At least let them pause this theater. I have entrusted my devoted wife, Nur Nadir, and my two children, Lisa Nur Nadir and Mertselim Asil Nadir, to your beautiful hearts. I have left my will regarding the upcoming presidential election to my wife, Nur Nadir. These lands are ours. Protect them in unity. Until we meet in a more beautiful world with all beautiful hearts. May you be entrusted to one another."

WHO IS ASIL NADIR?

Born on May 1, 1941, in Lefke, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), businessman Asil Nadir moved to the UK with his family in the early 1960s and entered the textile industry. Nadir, who at one point purchased shares of the British company Polly Peck, operated in the food, electronics, and service sectors through this company.

Asil Nadir, who had investments in electronics and media in Turkey, had also purchased the newspapers Günaydın and Güneş at one time.

While he was the chairman of the global giant Polly Peck and one of the few wealthiest people in the world, Nadir lost his fortune after being sentenced to 10 years in prison in the UK for embezzlement. He also founded the Kıbrıs newspaper, which was once the highest-circulation newspaper in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

HE HAS 6 CHILDREN

Nadir has 6 children from two marriages. Following a ceremony to be held today in front of the Kıbrıs newspaper, which he founded, Nadir will be laid to rest in the family cemetery at the Nicosia Cemetery.