The 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is being celebrated with ceremonies and events across the country.
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz is taking part in the celebration this year and a delegation from Azerbaijan has also joining the celebrations.
This morning (Wednesday) President Ersin Tatar received well wishers at the Presidency.
The ceremony at the Lefkoşa Atatürk Monument was realized at 09.30 and the parade on the Dr. Fazıl Küçük Boulevard, the heart of the celebrations, began at 10.00.
The Turkish Stars Aerobatics team will perform in the skies of Girne this afternoon.
Meanwhile the Turkish Naval Forces Command warships are visiting Girne and Gazimağusa ports today.
The TCG Giresun Frigate (F-491), TCG Burakreis Submarine (S-359) and TCG Bartın Corvette (F-504), which are among the combatant elements of the Turkish Naval Forces Command, are open for visits between 10.00am and 5pm.
Within the framework of the celebrations, the opening of the Cyprus Turkish Cypriot History, Culture and National Struggle Museum organized at the Mucahitler Sitesi will also be realized.
In the evening, a Republic Day reception will be held at the Presidency.
At the reception, the “TRNC 40th Anniversary Anthem” will be presented to the public for the first time.
The “TRNC 40th Anniversary Anthem” will be performed by the Presidential Symphony Orchestra and the TRNC Security Forces Command Band.
Ceremonies will be held in all districts.
In the meantime the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the TRNC was also marked in Ankara.
The TRNC Ambassador to Ankara Ismet Korukoğlu visited Anıtkabir, the Mausoleum of the Great Turkish leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Ambassador Korukoğlu will host a reception this evening for the 40th anniversary of the TRNC.