Events marking the anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus have begun in the occupied north, with military ceremonies, official events and naval displays scheduled throughout the day.
A military parade is due to take place at 6 p.m. in the presence of Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is not expected to attend this year’s commemorations.
At the same time, aircraft from the Turkish Air Force’s SoloTürk aerobatic team are scheduled to fly over the so-called “Victory Monument” at the landing beach near Kyrenia.
Focus on diplomatic developments
Turkish Cypriot news website Kıbrıs Postası reported that although Erdoğan will not attend this year’s events, political observers and diplomatic sources believe the anniversary is taking place in a different political climate from previous years.
According to the report, renewed United Nations diplomatic initiatives, developments surrounding energy issues and broader international developments are expected to place greater emphasis on the diplomatic dimension of this year’s commemorations.
Infrastructure inaugurations in Famagusta
Earlier in the afternoon, authorities in the occupied areas are expected to inaugurate the Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Services Centre and the headquarters of the Turkish Cypriot Coast Safety and Rescue Administration in Famagusta.
According to reports from the occupied north, both projects were implemented through financial protocols agreed with Turkey.
Official ceremonies continue
During a ceremony on Saturday at the grave of former Turkish Cypriot leader Fazıl Küçük in occupied Nicosia, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman signed the memorial book, stating that the Turkish Cypriot community would continue to pursue what he described as a future based on peace, prosperity and justice.
Erhürman is also expected to host an official reception at 8.30 p.m. to mark the anniversary.
Turkish naval vessels deployed
As part of the anniversary events, the Turkish Navy submarine TCG İnönü (S-360), the fast attack craft TCG Zıpkın (P-336) and the frigate TCG Gökova (F-496) are expected to anchor in or off the coast of Kyrenia.
The annual commemorations coincide with continued political divisions on the island, 52 years after the events of 1974.
Also read: 1974 testimonies: Atrocities against civilian women during the invasion
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
