Yiannis Ioannou
On the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in July 1974, Ankara is staging its largest "celebration" in the occupied territories, replete with multiple symbolisms and a display of military power led by the amphibious aircraft carrier "TCG Anadolu." Turkey's political and military leadership, including President Tayyip Erdogan, ultra-nationalist MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli, and the Kemalist opposition leader Oğur Özel, are present in Cyprus for the event.
The Turkish Navy's amphibious carrier, "TCG Anadolu," serves as the flagship of the Turkish fleet and has been a tool for modern aerial exercises and power projection in the eastern Mediterranean since 2023. Today, it heads a convoy of 50 Turkish naval vessels off the coast of Cyprus.
Ayse Returns
A significant symbolic gesture is the presence of Ayse Ayata, daughter of Turkey's Foreign Minister in July 1974, Turan Gounes. In the summer of 1974, her coded phrase, "Ayşe goes on holiday," signaled the Turkish staff to commence the invasion of Kyrenia. Her return highlights the historical connection and ongoing significance of the event for Turkey.
The gathering of representatives and leaders from all Turkish political factions—Islamists, Kemalists, and ultra-nationalists—in the occupied territories sends a message of unity regarding Cyprus's importance to Turkish foreign policy. It also suggests that Erdogan's stance on the Cyprus issue will remain firm amidst efforts to break the deadlock on the Cyprus problem.
The Turkish Air Force's acrobatic squadron, the "Turkish Stars," along with pairs of F-16 fighter jets, will conduct overflights over Kyrenia, Nicosia, and Famagusta as part of the anniversary celebrations. This aerial display underscores Turkey's military presence and capabilities in the region.
Presence in Varosha?
In addition to the regular military parade in Nicosia, the inauguration of a military hospital in Kyrenia, and the memorial of the fallen at the landing area ("Five Mile"), well-informed sources indicate that Turkish officials may visit the enclosed town of Varosha. Preparations are reportedly underway near the "Bilal Agha" mosque for the operation of a café-restaurant to serve the celebrations.
[This article was translated by Shemaine Kyriakides]
