The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) will mark the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation with a weekend of celebrations.

Over the course of the weekend, Turkish Cypriots will hold several events to celebrate the arrival of Turkish peacekeepers on Cyprus in 1974. Their arrival ended Greek Cypriot attempts to cleanse the island of Turkish Cypriots and to enforce an illegal Enosis with Greece.

There will be three main events marking the anniversary of this vital peacekeeping operation.
On the evening of Friday 19th July, Turkish Cypriots will gather for a torch lit rally on the beach at Girne, where Turkish forces first landed, to demonstrate their respect and gratitude for the surviving veterans who saved them from genocide.

Saturday morning, 20th July, will see the start of the main celebrations with a military parade through Lefkosa, the capital of the TRNC, followed by speeches from the President of the TRNC – Ersin Tatar, and the Turkish President – Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reaffirming Turkey’s commitment to the people of Northern Cyprus and commemorating those who died to prevent genocide.

In the afternoon, there will be a spectacular air display over Girne Harbour by the Turkish Stars and Solo Turk. The day will end with an invite-only reception at the Presidential Palace.