Erdil Nami, a prominent Turkish Cypriot businessman and father of former 'foreign minister' and negotiator Özdil Nami, died on Tuesday.
Nami was a graduate of the English School in Nicosia. He later began studies at the Faculty of Political Sciences at Ankara University but interrupted his education to take part in the intercommunal clashes in Kokkina in 1964.
Career in business and industry
After completing his education, he devoted himself to the private sector, participating in major projects in industry, trade and investment in the north of Cyprus.
Through his company, Erdil ve Oğulları Ltd., he focused on the trade of building materials and consultancy services for foreign investment. He was a founding member of the Turkish Cypriot business association and served as chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce.
Civic engagement and bicommunal dialogue
Beyond his business activities, Nami played an active role in civil society organisations. He served as president of SOS Children's Villages in the north and worked to promote dialogue and cooperation between the island’s two communities.
He is remembered as a leading figure in the Turkish Cypriot business community and a long-standing advocate of civic engagement.