The 97th anniversary of Türkiye’s right to engage in maritime trade and adapt its coasts and ports according to maritime law, known as “Maritime and Cabotage Day,” was celebrated with ceremonies in Gazimağusa and Girne.
In Gazimağusa, the ceremony commenced with the laying of wreaths at the Zafer Monument, followed by a moment of silence and the raising of flags accompanied by the national anthem.
Speaking at the event, Acting President and Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Zorlu Töre highlighted the crucial role of maritime activities in the Blue Homeland.
Töre stressed the importance of asserting dominance at sea and expressed his belief that maritime activities would become even stronger in both commercial and military aspects in the future. He also paid tribute to all sailors who have lost their lives.
Lieutenant Atilla Abdurrahim Çavuşoğlu emphasized that today is a celebration for those devoted to maritime endeavors.
He recalled that the Cabotage Law, which came into effect on July 1, 1926, was a victory of the Independence War at sea, securing an unchanging place for Turkish maritime activities in the economy and freeing the seas from foreign monopolies.
He noted that this law significantly accelerated the development process of the maritime sector.
In Girne, the celebrations took place at Ramadan Cemil Square in front of the Atatürk Bust, beginning with the laying of wreaths, a moment of silence, and the national anthem.
Lieutenant İbrahim Çengel from the Coast Guard Command delivered a speech emphasizing the Cabotage Law as a maritime victory of the Independence War.
Çengel expressed pride in Turkish sailors protecting the nation’s rights in the Blue Homeland, flying the flags of Turkey and the TRNC in international waters and ports, and contributing to the economy, industry, and national defense.
The ceremony concluded with a recitation of the poem “1 July Maritime Day” by Önder Alp Yalçıntaş, a student from Oğuz Veli Middle School.
Meanwhile, as part of ongoing celebrations, Turkish naval ships docked at Girne and Gazimağusa are open for public visits.
According to the Cyprus Security Forces Command Press Office, the TCG Tarsus patrol ship docked at the Girne Tourism Port, and the TCG Beykoz patrol ship docked at Gazimağusa Port are open to the public daily between 10am-5pm.