Flags adorned the streets as parades and ceremonies were held across Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Tuesday on the occasion of Victory Day.
Formally known as Victory and Turkish Armed Forces Day, it is the centenary of the resounding defeat of the occupying Greek army at the hands of Turks in the Battle of Dumlupınar in 1922.
Separate ceremonies were held across all districts of the TRNC.
The Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Ali Murat Başçeri received well wishes on Tuesday as part of events and celebrations marking Türkiye’s Victory Day.
Başçeri was accompanied by the Commander of the Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus Major General Sezai Öztürk.
Among the guests who attended the event were President Ersin Tatar, the Speaker of Parliament Zorlu Töre, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, and former President Mehmet Ali Talat, the head of the Supreme Court Narin Ferdi Şefik, the leader of the main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Tufan Erhürman, ministers, MPs, representatives of civil society organisations and other officials.
The Turkish Ambassador Başçeri read out a message issued by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to mark the occasion.
“The Turkish nation is proud to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Great Victory. I would like to congratulate all our brothers and sisters in the TRNC and across the world on this proud day,” the message read.
A separate wreath laying ceremony was held in front of the Atatürk Monument in Lefkoşa.
The special book was signed at the ceremony following the laying of wreaths, the observance of a minute’s silence and the hoisting of flags to the national anthem.
Following the ceremonies, a parade was held at the Dr Fazıl Küçük Boulevard in Lefkoşa.
Later in the afternoon, a reception was held at the Turkish Embassy in Lefkoşa.