President Erdoğan to visit north Cyprus for the 51st anniversary of Cyprus peace operation

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to pay a visit to north Cyprus on Sunday, to mark the 51 years anniversary of the 20 July Cyprus peace operation in Cyprus in 1974 celebrated as the Peace and Freedom Day.

Announcing Erdogan’s visit, North Cyprus president Ersin Tatar’s communication director Burhanettin Duran, said Erdogan would meet Tatar and attend the inauguration of some projects which had been implemented with the financial support of Turkey.

Erdogan was most recently in north Cyprus in May when he opened the new ‘presidential palace’.

The 20 July 1974 military intervention by Türkiye is commemorated annually as the day Turkish Cypriots were brought to freedom and security. This year’s celebrations mark the 51st anniversary, with events beginning on July 19 and continuing through July 20.

According to a program released by Asu Muhtaroğlu, Head of the National Days Celebration Committee and Director of Protocol, the celebrations will officially begin at 12:00 PM on July 20 with a 21-gun salute and an address by TRNC President Ersin Tatar, broadcast live on BRTK.

The first official ceremony will take place today at 6:00 PM at the Boğaz Martyrs' Cemetery, with wreath-laying, a moment of silence, and the national anthem. President Tatar will also sign the official memorial book.

On Sunday, July 20, the first ceremony starts at 8:00 AM at Yavuz Landing Beach, featuring wreath-laying at sea, a symbolic flag handover by the Cyprus Turkish Sailing Federation, and a 21-gun salute.

The traditional military parade will take place at 6:30 PM on Dr. Fazıl Küçük Boulevard in Nicosia, featuring:

-Flag hoisting and inspection of the troops.

-Delivery of symbolic flags from Yavuz Beach to President Tatar.

-Speeches by President Tatar and President Erdoğan.

-Official parade of military and civil groups.

A state reception will be held at 8:00 PM at the Presidential Residence, hosted by President Ersin Tatar and First Lady Sibel Tatar.

In celebration of the Peace and Freedom Day, Turkish Naval Forces will open select warships for public visits:

-TCG I. İnönü Submarine (S-360) and TCG İmbat Fast Attack Craft (P-335) at Kyrenia Tourism Port.

-TCG Bandırma Patrol Ship (F-502) anchored off Kyrenia and accessible via sea transport from the Kyrenia Old Harbour.

The ships will be open to the public from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on July 20.