The event "Following the Footsteps of Moncada: The Present and Future of the Cuban Revolution" was held at Seyran Semt Evi, organized by the Cuba–Türkiye Friendship Association "José Martí." The gathering also commemorated the 95th anniversary of Army General Raúl Castro Ruz and the centenary of the birth of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz.
The opening remarks were delivered by Aslıhan Çakaloğlu Ilgaz, Secretary General of the Cuba–Türkiye Friendship Association "José Martí." She referred to the difficult situation currently facing Cuba as a result of the U.S. oil blockade against the Cuban people and the prolonged power outages affecting the country. She also introduced the solidarity campaign "Sun for Cuba," aimed at raising funds to purchase solar energy systems to be donated to three hospitals in the province of Villa Clara, helping to ensure the continuity of essential services amid the country's energy crisis. She also highlighted the historical significance of the Assault on the Moncada Barracks.
The Ambassador of Cuba to Türkiye, Alejandro Francisco Díaz Palacios, then underscored the historical importance of the assaults on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks as the beginning of the final stage of the revolutionary struggle that led to the triumph of the Cuban Revolution. He also addressed the country's main challenges, including the tightening of the economic and oil blockade imposed by the Donald Trump administration, the importance of international solidarity, and the determination of the Cuban people to defend their independence and sovereignty. In addition, he emphasized the significance of the Moncada, Santiago de Cuba's contribution to the victory of the Cuban Revolution, and its status as the Hero City.
The event was also attended by Oscar Redondo Ramos, Counselor of the Embassy of Cuba in Türkiye.