Victory Day: How is August 30th Celebrated in Northern Cyprus?
In Northern Cyprus, many Turkish holidays are celebrated, one of which is Victory Day.
History of the Holiday
The holiday is celebrated in honor of the decisive victory at the Battle of Dumlupınar, the last battle in the Greco-Turkish War, which took place on August 30, 1922. After this battle, the Greek military presence in Anatolia ceased. Victory Day has been celebrated as an official holiday since 1926, and it was first observed on August 30, 1923.
How Victory Day is Celebrated in TRNC
Victory Day is celebrated throughout Turkey and Northern Cyprus and is one of the main holidays of the Turkish Armed Forces. The main celebration takes place at Anıtkabir in Ankara, where the President of Turkey lays a wreath and then delivers a speech.
In Northern Cyprus, on this day, the country’s president and military command lay wreaths at the Atatürk Monument in Nicosia.
Also, on this day in the morning, the commander of the Cyprus Turkish Peace Forces and the Turkish ambassador in Nicosia review the military parade in the capital on Dr. Fazıl Küçük Boulevard.
Meanwhile, similar ceremonies to honor this day are held in Famagusta at the Victory Monument, as well as in Kyrenia, Güzelyurt, İskele, and Lefke.
The most extensive celebrations took place in 2022, marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Dumlupınar.
Frequently Asked Questions About TRNC Holidays
Is Victory Day a public holiday?
This day is included in the list of public holidays in Northern Cyprus and is a day off for civil servants. So, it’s better not to plan visits to institutions on this day. Private businesses mostly operate as usual.
What other Turkish holidays are celebrated in TRNC?
These include National Independence and Children’s Day, Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports Day, and Republic Day of Turkey.
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Author
Born and raised in Yekaterinburg, visited more than 40 countries, lived in the USA for some time, and in 2022, moved to Northern Cyprus. Education: Ural State University (now Ural Federal University), Faculty of Political Science and Sociology. Professional Experience: Since 2008, worked in the…