Northern Cyprus' Akıncılar Village Displays Captured 1974 Tanks

Three Russian‑made tanks seized from Greek Cypriot forces during the 20 July 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation have been exhibited for more than five decades in the village of Akıncılar in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, where they are referred to as the “Tutsak Tanklar.”

The tanks were taken after Turkish Air Force strikes forced the Greek‑Cypriot militia to abandon five tanks; one was hit and the others fled. Turkish troops recovered three functional tanks, moved them under military supervision to Akıncılar, and placed them on a hill near the border. Veteran fighter İsmail Akandere recounted, “These tanks are a symbol of the courage of the Turkish Cypriots.”