A special photo exhibition celebrating the 20th of July Peace and Freedom Day was inaugurated at Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU).
The exhibition, organized under the auspices of the EMU Rectorate in collaboration with the Atatürk Research and Application Center and the Faculty of Communication, with contributions from the Turkish News Agency Cyprus (TAK) and the Information Department, was opened at the Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Palace.
The exhibition, which is free to the public until August 22, was officially opened by President Ersin Tatar on Monday.
Marking the 50th anniversary of the Peace Operation, the exhibition features nearly 100 photographs documenting the events from 1974 to 2023.
During the opening ceremony, President Ersin Tatar emphasized the strong message of unity and solidarity conveyed to the world through the participation of Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and high-level officials in the anniversary celebrations.
Tatar recalled the heavy price paid by the Turkish Cypriot community before 1974 and the ensuing 50 years of peace on the island. He stressed the ongoing demands of the Turkish Cypriot people to maintain peace.
Highlighting Türkiye’s proposal for a two-state solution, Tatar underscored its significance for the future. He asserted the importance of the TRNC having its own territory, sea, and airspace, and expressed a firm commitment to advancing the country with these principles in mind.
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç also spoke at the event, noting that July 20 marks a pivotal moment for Turkish Cypriots.
He expressed his happiness at organizing such a meaningful exhibition as part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the Peace Operation at EMU.
Following the speeches, commemorative silver plates were presented to the guests.
The photo exhibition, which captures the essence of the 20th of July events over the past five decades, remains open for visitors until August 22, providing a profound look into the history and significance of Peace and Freedom Day.