The 41st anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is being celebrated with ceremonies and events held across the country.
The 41st anniversary celebrations of the establishment of the TRNC reached a climax with the official ceremony of the day at the Dr. Fazıl Küçük Boulevard.
Important messages were given by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and President Ersin Tatar during the ceremony.
Various ceremonies and events are being held across the country to 41st anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
As part of the Republic Day celebrations, President Ersin Tatar received well wishes at the Presidential Palace at 9am on Friday.
The first ceremony in the capital, Lefkoşa, took place at the Atatürk Monument at 9:30am.
The Official Parade on Dr. Fazıl Küçük Boulevard began at 10am with the National Anthem, inspection of the ceremonial units, and the celebration of the holiday with the public.
After the exchange of messages, flags brought from Lefke and Erenköy were presented to President Ersin Tatar.
Delivering the first speech Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz said that the TRNC was today the only legitimate state on the island of Cyprus.
He highlighted that the Turkish Cypriots had taken a significant step toward independence by establishing their own state and rejected the outdated, failed federative models proposed by the UN.
Yılmaz criticized the stance of the Greek Cypriots, stating that despite all efforts for negotiation, they have shown an unyielding attitude towards a fair and lasting solution. He further reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for the TRNC, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the sovereignty and equality of the Turkish Cypriots.
The Turkish Vice President also stressed that the Turkish Cypriots, despite facing countless challenges and injustices, had maintained their cultural identity and continued to be an integral part of the island. Yılmaz stated that the two-state solution was the only viable option for Cyprus and urged the international community to recognize the TRNC, as there was no room for outdated federation models. He also mentioned the ongoing efforts of Türkiye to bring peace to the region and reiterated Türkiye’s unwavering support for the TRNC’s prosperity and security.
In closing, Yılmaz celebrated the 41st anniversary of the TRNC’s foundation, reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to the future and well-being of the Turkish Cypriot people.
Also speaking at the ceremony, President Ersin Tatar highlighted the the Turkish Cypriot people’s struggles, including migrations and genocides, but emphasized their resilience. He recalled that 41 years ago, under Rauf Raif Denktaş, the TRNC was declared as an independent state, reflecting the legitimate desires of the Turkish Cypriot people.
Tatar stressed that the Turkish Cypriot people, with Turkey’s support, have endured hardship and built their own state.
He reaffirmed that their sovereignty is non-negotiable and that they will only negotiate if equal sovereignty and international status are recognized. He praised Turkish President Erdoğan for voicing this stance globally.
Tatar thanked Türkiye’s ambassadors for supporting the Turkish Cypriot cause in international forums and criticized the Greek Cypriot side’s recent actions against the TRNC.
He emphasized that the TRNC will not compromise on its rights and principles.
He mentioned that, during an informal dinner in October, UN Secretary-General António Guterres had acknowledged the need to lift isolations, but criticized the Greek Cypriot side for their actions against the TRNC in sectors like tourism, education, and real estate.
Tatar warned that these efforts were futile and reiterated the TRNC’s commitment to its rightful cause and principles.
The President also noted that discussions were underway for a broader meeting involving both motherlands, the UN, and the UK.
He emphasized that a two-state model in Cyprus was now non-negotiable and pointed out that it is the Greek Cypriot side that refuses to share the island’s wealth and resources.