Turkey's Deputy President Cevdet Yılmaz to speak at 52nd anniversary of Cyprus Peace Operation

Turkey's Deputy President Cevdet Yılmaz will deliver the official message at the 52nd anniversary of the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation, as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will not attend the ceremonies. dozens of Turkish ministers, parliamentarians and officials are expected to travel to Northern Cyprus for the events.

The anniversary is marked by multiple commemorations across the island, including wreath‑laying at Boğaz Şehitliği and at the graves of Dr. Fazıl Küçük and former President Rauf Raif Denktaş. President Tufan Erhürman and Prime Minister Ünal Üstel signed special tribute books and addressed crowds.

At the Metehan border crossing, Greek Cypriot demonstrators displayed anti‑Turkish slogans, prompting Turkish authorities to respond with a large F‑16 training flight over the southern part of the island, described as a “strong message” to protect Turkish presence.

Domestic political parties issued statements reinforcing the two‑state solution, Turkish sovereignty in the Eastern Mediterranean and the historic significance of the operation. Leaders from the MHP, AKP, DSP and other parties participated in the ceremonies.

A cultural program also took place, with singer Ziynet Sali performing at a Grand Sapphire Resort venue and recalling her family's displacement during the 1974 conflict.