Peace and Freedom Day in Northern Cyprus

One of the important national holidays in Northern Cyprus is Peace and Freedom Day. It is celebrated in honor of the anniversary of the Turkish military intervention in Cyprus.

• History of the Holiday
• Festive Events
• Places Associated with the Holiday
• Frequently Asked Questions

History of the Holiday

According to Turkish Cypriot historiography, this day, as the name suggests, is dedicated to the liberation of the Turkish-speaking population of the island from Greek insurgent terrorist formations.

On July 20, 1974, exactly 50 years ago, in response to the Greek Cypriot administration's attempt to unite the island under its control and the ethnic cleansing against the Turkish Cypriot population, Operation "Attila" began.

Festive Events

Traditionally, the day begins with ceremonial speeches and laying of wreaths at the Atatürk monument, the Dr. Fazıl Küçük monument, and the grave of Rauf Raif Denktaş.

• Read more: Historical Figures of Northern Cyprus

Additionally, many events start on the evening of July 19th — in the TRNC and Turkey, they like to begin celebrations on the eve of a memorable day. This includes, for example, a military equipment exhibition in front of the Atatürk monument in Kyrenia, several other evening wreath-laying ceremonies, and the "Dawn Watch" on Escape Beach in Alsancak — near the landing site of the military.

In 2024, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Operation Attila, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will visit the island.

We will definitely publish the detailed program and everything related to the celebration this year in our news Telegram channel.

Places Associated with the Holiday

First and foremost, this is the complex of military history museums between Alsancak and Girne — at the Turkish landing site:

• Barış Ve Özgürlük Anıtı Monument
• Landing Ship Museum Ç1974
• Military Museum Barış ve Özgürlük Müzesi

Also — all administrative buildings and squares in all settlements, but especially in Girne, Nicosia, and Famagusta.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Holiday

Is Peace and Freedom Day a public holiday?

Peace and Freedom Day is included in the list of public holidays in Northern Cyprus and is an official public holiday in the TRNC.

What other holidays are related to Turkey?

There are several, so much so that some of Turkey's public holidays have the same status in Northern Cyprus.

• April 23 — Turkey's National Sovereignty and Children's Day
• May 19 — Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports Day
• October 29 — Republic Day in Northern Cyprus

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