Today, July 20th, marks Peace and Freedom Day, a significant occasion commemorating the liberation of Turkish Cypriots and the establishment of peace throughout Cyprus.
This year holds special significance as the nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of this historic event with great enthusiasm.
High-level participation from Türkiye underscores the importance of this milestone.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan who arrived in the TRNC today joined the celebrations.
Accompanying him were the Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Numan Kurtulmuş, various cabinet members, political party representatives, and numerous parliamentarians.
Additionally, several delegations from Azerbaijan are in the TRNC to partake in the festivities and engage in various visits.
The day’s events commenced this morning at 9:30 AM with a ceremony at the Atatürk Monument in Lefkoşa, followed by the main parade on the Dr. Fazıl Küçük Boulevard starting just after.
The ceremony began with the national anthem and the hoisting of flags, followed by the inspection of the ceremonial units and greetings to the public.
Flags brought from Yavuz Çıkarma [Landing] Beach were presented to President Ersin Tatar.
The ceremony included speeches by President Ersin Tatar and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a concert by the Turkish Ministry of Defense’s Mehteran Band, a performance by the Turkish Presidential Guard’s Rifle Group, and the official parade.
This year’s military parade also featured Türkiye’s first aircraft carrier, the TCG Anadolu, and several ships.
The Turkish Stars known for their impressive aerial displays and precision flying, will performed over the skies of Girne later this afternoon.
A total of 50 ships of the Turkish navy will also take part at the ceremony, sailing parallel to Girne.
Two Bayraktar AKINCI unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will join the parade.
Several of the frigates and boats docked off the coast of Girne and Gazimağusa are open to public for visits.
Earlier on Friday night, the annual Dawn Vigil, symbolizing the landing of Turkish troops on the island was also held.
The event which lasted until sunrise on Saturday included concerts, shows and a mock demonstration by Türkiye’s Underwater Commandoes team.
Later this evening, President Ersin Tatar and First Lady Sibel Tatar will host a reception at the Presidential Palace to mark the 50th anniversary of Peace and Freedom Day.
A similar ceremony was hosted by the Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Zorlu Töre on Friday night.
Celebrations and events were also held in various districts and other locations across the country, ensuring that the spirit of Peace and Freedom Day is felt throughout the TRNC.