ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

20 July Peace and Freedom Holiday, a public holiday in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, is celebrated every year on 20 July to commemorate the 1974 Cyprus Operation carried out by the Turkish Armed Forces.

The 20 July Peace and Freedom Holiday is celebrated as a national holiday with official ceremonies. Celebrations are held at stadiums. Games related to the operation, exhibitions, panels, and concerts are organized for the public. Many citizens of Northern Cyprus hang the flags of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in their homes for celebration purposes.

High-ranking politicians and military personnel from Turkey participate in the events that take place. The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Speaker of the Assembly also attend the ceremonies. Events begin with official ceremonies held at Yavuz Landing Beach, where the Turkish Armed Forces first set foot on the island. Official visits and memorial services are held at Martyrs' Boulevard, Atatürk Monument in Lefkoşa, and Dr. Fazıl Küçük Memorial Tomb, and a passage ceremony takes place on Dr. Fazıl Küçük Boulevard.

See also:
1974 events condemnation activities

References:

Peace and Freedom Holiday
Peace and Freedom Holiday
Peace and Freedom Holiday
Peace and Freedom Holiday