Republic Day of Turkey in Northern Cyprus
This national holiday of Turkey is also officially celebrated in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus every year on October 29. In 2023, the Turkish Republic celebrated its 100th anniversary. In 2024, the events will be smaller in scale but still festive.
Holiday History
On October 29, 1923, Turkey's leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk declared the country a republic, which established the national holiday known as Republic Day. Although Turkey had effectively become a republic on April 23, 1920, with the creation of the Grand National Assembly, the highest legislative body in the country. The official proclamation of Turkey as a republic was only made three and a half years later, on October 29, 1923, officially naming the country the Republic of Turkey (in Turkish, «Türkiye Cumhuriyeti»). On that same day, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk became the first president of the Turkish Republic.
100th Anniversary Events in Northern Cyprus
A variety of events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic took place not only on October 29 but also on the days surrounding the holiday. Here’s what happened in 2023.
- A mobile cinema in trucks operated across different cities from October 18 to 27
- A fashion show of Anatolian clothing from the principality era to the republic era in Nicosia
- A celebratory concert on October 26 at the Culture Palace in Famagusta
- A concert by the Allegra Ensemble on October 27 at the Near East University's Atatürk Cultural Center
- A badminton tournament on October 28 in the Atatürk Gymnasium in Nicosia
- Republic Cup in rhythmic gymnastics on October 28 at the small gymnasium
- The Republic Cup in traditional Turkish archery took place outdoors in Nicosia on October 29
- An exhibition of traditional crafts at the Yunus Emre Institute in Nicosia from October 30 to November 3
- An AI Summit conference titled «The Future of AI in the TRNC» held on November 3 at the university campus in Güzelyurt
Program for 2024
101st Anniversary of the Turkish Republic in 2024: Celebrations on a Smaller Scale but Worth Attending
For the 101st anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic, events will be more limited this year, yet we still recommend taking part in the festivities.
In celebration of Republic Day on October 29, orchestras from Turkey's Ministry of National Defense will perform concerts across many regions in Turkey and the TRNC.
Nicosia
In Nicosia, the ceremony will begin at 9:30 AM with a wreath-laying at the Atatürk Monument. After the flag-raising and a moment of silence, the National Anthem will be played. The TRNC President and the Turkish Ambassador in Nicosia will then sign the Memorial Book. At 2:30 PM, there will be a parade along Dereboyu Street.
Famagusta
In Famagusta, Republic Day will be marked with two separate ceremonies. The first will begin at 11:00 AM at the Victory Monument, where wreaths will be laid, followed by a moment of silence and the National Anthem. The second ceremony will take place at Namık Kemal Square at 11:45 AM and will conclude with a concert by the Security Forces Orchestra.
Kyrenia
In Kyrenia, a tribute will take place at 2:00 PM with wreath-laying at the Atatürk Monument, followed by a moment of silence and the anthem. A parade from Ramadan Cemil Square to the Atatürk Monument will follow at 3:00 PM, concluding with a concert by the Regional Orchestra Command. Additionally, on Monday at 7:00 PM, the Antakya Civilizations Choir will perform at the Kyrenia Amphitheater under the auspices of the Turkish Embassy.
Güzelyurt
In Güzelyurt, the celebration will be held at the Atatürk Monument at 9:30 AM.
İskele
In İskele, the ceremony will start at 8:30 AM with a wreath-laying at the Atatürk Monument on Ecevit Square, followed by a concert by the Security Forces Command Orchestra.
Lefke
Events in Lefke will begin at the Atatürk Monument at 12:00 PM, preceded by a parade at 11:30 AM. The day will wrap up with traditional dances and a concert by a music ensemble.
Frequently Asked Questions about Holidays in Northern Cyprus
What other official holidays are there in the TRNC?
There are a total of 11 official holidays in Northern Cyprus, each of which is a recognized public holiday. See the full list here.
Does the TRNC have its own Republic Day?
Yes, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus also has its own Republic Day, celebrated as a public holiday with an official day off. It is observed slightly over two weeks after Turkey’s Republic Day — on November 15. Learn more about the holiday.
Are religious holidays celebrated in Northern Cyprus?
Among the official public holidays observed at the national level are not only secular dates but also religious ones. These include Ramadan Bayram (on April 10 in 2024) and Kurban Bayram (on June 16 in 2024).
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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…
