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Celebration of 20th July Peace and Freedom Anniversary

In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, there has been peace and freedom for half a century.

We are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Peace Operation, which gifted independence to the Turkish Cypriots, brought peace, and transformed captivity into freedom.  On this anniversary of the operation, pride and enthusiasm dominate in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The 20th July Peace and Freedom Festival was celebrated with ceremonies in İskele, as well as across the island. The ceremonies, held at Atatürk Monument and Ecevit Square, were marked by enthusiasm for 20th July, with participation from political and military officials as well as citizens of all ages, from 7 to 70. The ceremony began in front of the Atatürk Monument and continued at İskele Ecevit Square, concluding with an official parade and a reception.

Peace and Freedom

The 20th July Peace and Freedom Festival, which symbolizes the transition from darkness to light for the Turkish Cypriots and stands for peace and freedom, celebrates its 50th anniversary. The ceremonies held in İskele for the 50th anniversary of the 20th July Peace and Freedom Festival were attended by İskele District Governor Ertuğrul Toroslu, İskele Mayor Hasan Sadıkoğlu, Air Defense Lieutenant Oğuzhan Cömert representing the KTBK Command, Infantry Major Emrah Koçyiğit representing the GKK, İskele Police Chief Gökay Karagil, Civil Defense Organization İskele Regional Director Cemal Betmezoğlu, political party representatives, schools, institutions, organizations, and associations, along with citizens from all age groups.

Half a Century of Peace and Freedom in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Following the ceremony at the Atatürk Monument where wreaths were laid, a moment of silence was observed, and flags were raised accompanied by the National Anthem, the ceremony continued at Ecevit Square. There, İskele District Governor Ertuğrul Toroslu, İskele Mayor Hasan Sadıkoğlu, Air Defense Lieutenant Oğuzhan Cömert from the KTBK Command, and Infantry Major Emrah Koçyiğit from the GKK celebrated the 20th July Peace and Freedom Festival with the military units and the public.

Toroslu: “We are Experiencing the Joy of Freedom”

In his speech at the Ecevit Square ceremony, İskele District Governor Ertuğrul Toroslu highlighted the significance and importance of the day. He mentioned that the Turkish Cypriots have been fighting for their existence on the island since 1571 and reminded of the dark days up to 1974.

Stressing the determination to maintain the TRNC, Toroslu expressed that they are living and will continue to live with the deepest gratitude for the joy of gaining freedom through the Peace Operation. He honoured Mehmetçik and the fighters, Freedom Struggle Leader Dr. Fazıl Küçük, and Founding President Rauf Raif Denktaş with remembrance and gratitude, and expressed thanks to the Republic of Turkey for always being by the side of the Turkish Cypriots.

Özer: “Turkish Cypriots faced struggles throughout history”

Another speech emphasizing the significance of the day was delivered by Infantry Lieutenant Berk Süleyman Özer from the GKK. He stated that today’s achievements were reached due to the significant struggles of the Turkish Cypriots throughout history.

“20th July Morning poems”

During the ceremonies held at İskele Ecevit Square, in addition to speeches about the day’s meaning and significance, poems were also recited. Derinsu Bengi, a student from Dr. Suat Günsel State Primary School, recited “20th July Morning,” Havin Ceylan from İskele Trade High School recited “Freedom March,” Nisanur Şık from İskele Evkaf TMK recited “20th July,” and İzlem Yenigün from Bekirpaşa High School recited “Cyprus Peace Operation.” Additionally, the İskele Municipality Folk Dance Group and the Northern Stars Horon Team of the TRNC Black Sea Culture Association performed dance shows.

The Ceremony in İskele Concluded with an Official Parade

The ceremony at İskele Ecevit Square concluded with an official parade. After the ceremonies, İskele District Governor Ertuğrul Toroslu, İskele Mayor Hasan Sadıkoğlu, Air Defense Lieutenant Oğuzhan Cömert from the KTBK Command, Infantry Major Emrah Koçyiğit from the GKK, and İskele Police Chief Gökay Karagil congratulated the public on their festival at the İskele Municipality Gazebo before the reception.

Source (Turkish): İskele Municipality

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