Rwandans living in Turkey and Cyprus on Saturday, February 6, held late celebrations of the 27th National Heroes Day, joining the rest of their counterparts in Rwanda and all over the world who marked the day earlier on.

Observed annually on February 1, the heroes day is an event organized to pay tribute to the people who exemplified and defended the highest values of patriotism and sacrifice for the wellbeing of Rwanda and its citizens.

Just like it was the case in Rwanda, the celebrations in Turkey and Cyprus were also held virtually due to Covid-19 prevention measures.

The Rwandan Embassy in Turkey in collaboration with the Northern Cyprus and Turkey chapters of Rwandan Community Abroad, organised a zoom event that saw the participation of over 100 Rwandans studying, working and living in Turkey and Northern Cyprus.

During the function, Joel Uwizeye, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Rwandan Embassy in Turkey reminded the Rwandan Community of the history and significance of Rwandan heroes in maintaining and safeguarding Rwandan ideal values and culture.

"Rwanda is now safe, united and developing,” he said, as he pointed to his audience the challenges the country is faced with going forward.

"We are faced with challenges including the pursuit of rapid socio-economic development, and therefore, any research, innovation and other efforts to facilitate the achievement of the above is an example of how to respond to the current day challenges.”

The event also featured the screening of a documentary film describing the categories of Rwandan national heroes, as well as the legacies they left.