German AfD lawmaker visits Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus

Maximilian Krah, a member of the German Bundestag representing the AfD party, visited the Turkish-occupied areas of northern Cyprus on August 25-26, 2026. The visit, initiated by an invitation from the speaker of the unrecognized assembly, Ziya Ozturkler, included official meetings with Ozturkler, the self-styled foreign minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu, and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot construction contractors association, Cafer Gurcafer.

During these discussions, Krah addressed issues concerning the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community, including travel restrictions and their inability to participate in global events. Krah, who stated that Germany’s parliamentary human rights committee had twice rejected his prior requests for such a trip, advocated for direct dialogue between the two sides of the island. Conversely, Turkish Cypriot officials used the platform to promote their agenda for a two-state solution and "sovereign equality.

The visit has been labeled as provocative by Greek-Cypriot authorities, as it implies potential recognition of the breakaway regime. Krah emphasized that he visited to gain a realistic perspective and intends to bring the grievances of the Turkish Cypriot business sector and political leadership to the attention of German lawmakers. The ongoing controversy stems from the move being viewed as a breach of international law regarding the status of the northern territories.