The 49th anniversary of the liberation of the port city of Gazimağusa was celebrated with two separate ceremonies held on Tuesday.
The first ceremony took place at the Victory Monument near the walled city.
The ceremony began with the placement of wreaths at the monument, followed by a moment of silence and the raising of flags to the National Anthem.
A second ceremony was held at the İsmet İnönü Boulevard with an annual military parade followed by the recitation of poems and speeches.
The first speech was delivered by Infantry Second Lieutenant Cem Karadağ from the 4th Infantry Regiment who expressed their honour and happiness in celebrating the 49th anniversary of Gazimağusa’s liberation.
He recalled the great resistance demonstrated by the Turkish Cypriots from the past to the present, noting they had shown a remarkable example of resistance and struggle by not succumbing to oppression, persecution, and inhuman practices.
The Mayor of Gazimağusa Süleyman Uluçay also stressed that the Turkish Cypriot people had not reached this point easily, highlighting that many hardships were overcome through unity and solidarity.
Uluçay underlined that the Turkish Cypriot people would never abandon their freedom and sovereignty and paid respect and tribute to the heroes of the struggle for existence.
Also delivering a speech, President Ersin Tatar stated that after the Turkish Peace Operation, the people acted with a spirit of resistance and achieved freedom and independence, thereby earning the title of “Gazi” (Heroic) for Gazimağusa.
Tatar pointed out that this struggle had led to the coexistence of two separate communities, two separate states, and two separate democracies today.
Stressing the importance of sovereign equality, equal international status, and collaboration between the two states for a lasting solution in Cyprus, President Tatar also emphasized the need to maintain a balance between Turkish and Greek elements on the island.
He mentioned that Gazimağusa gained further value through the Maraş initiative and referred to the resort town as a shining star in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The ceremony concluded with a performance by a folk dance group and a ceremonial procession.