North Cyprus mark 51st anniversary of the 2nd phase of 1974 Turkish Peace Operation in Cyprus

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is marking the 51st anniversary of the second phase of the Cyprus Peace Operation, launched on 14 August 1974 under the code phrase “Ayşe should go on holiday.” 

The second phase followed failed talks in Geneva after the first phase on 20 July and aimed to ensure the safety of the Turkish Cypriot people and establish lasting peace on the island. Ceremonies were held in Gazimağusa, Lefke, and Serdarlı — towns liberated during this stage of the operation.

Two major commemorations took place to honour the 126 Turkish Cypriots killed in the Muratağa, Sandallar, and Atlılar massacre on 14 August 1974. The first was at the Muratağa-Sandallar Martyrs’ Cemetery, beginning with wreath-laying, a moment of silence, a salute, and the raising of flags.

Muratağa, Sandallar and Atlılar Martyrs’ Association President Ahmet Aşır recalled the community’s 51 years of grief, describing how villagers — women, children, and the elderly — were left at the mercy of Greek Cypriot forces and brutally murdered.

Commemorations are taking place across the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus today to mark the 51st anniversary of the second phase of the Cyprus Peace Operation.

Ceremonies are being held in Gazimağusa, Lefke, and Serdarlı—towns that gained their freedom during the second phase.

In Taşkent, Muratağa-Sandallar and Atlılar, victims of mass killings are being honoured.

Ceremonies were held this morning for the Muratağa-Sandallar and Atlılar martyrs.

A ceremony was also held for journalists Adem Yavu, who was martyred and the 15 Turkish soldiers who were martyred in the Haspolat region.

The Taşkent martyrs will be remembered on Friday, August 15, at the Taşkent Martyrs’ Monument.

Also on August 15, Gazimağusa will mark its liberation with two ceremonies—first at the Victory Monument, then along İsmet İnönü Boulevard.

On Saturday, August 16, Lefke will host a memorial at the Kemal Özalper Martyrdom, followed by a liberation celebration in Atatürk Park.

Serdarlı’s liberation will also be celebrated tomorrow in front of the Atatürk Bust.

Looking ahead, Yeşilırmak Resistance and Liberation Day will be marked on Friday, September 5, with two ceremonies—at the Yeşilırmak Martyrdom and 5 Eylül Square. 

Martyrs’ Families and Disabled Veterans Association President Gürsel Benan said the events were not a clash but an act of savagery and genocide, stressing the importance of honourable peace, equality, sovereignty, and the bond with Türkiye.

A poem by martyr’s granddaughter Narin Güler Güldemir preceded President Ersin Tatar’s address, in which he called the massacre “an unprecedented genocide in human history” carried out by the Greek Cypriot administration, police, and military. He criticised the lack of justice for the perpetrators and linked this to the world’s continued indifference to the oppressed, citing Gaza as an example. Tatar reiterated that any future Cyprus settlement must be based on a two-state solution, recognising the Turkish Cypriot people’s sovereignty, with Türkiye’s guarantees and the continued presence of Turkish troops.

The ceremony ended with a visit to the cemetery, while the second commemoration was held at the Atlılar Martyrs’ Monument. Additional tributes were paid to journalist Adem Yavu and 15 Turkish soldiers martyred in the Hospolat region. Upcoming events include the Taşkent martyrs’ remembrance and Gazimağusa liberation celebrations on 15 August, Lefke’s memorial and festivities on 16 August, Serdarlı’s liberation celebration tomorrow, and Yeşilırmak Resistance and Liberation Day on 5 September.