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Pente Mili Beach, where the Turkish invasion of Cyprus began in 1974, will be transformed into a military museum managed by the Evkaf Administration, authorities said. The announcement by the so-called "public works and transport minister" Erhan Arıklı ends recent debates over the future of the site.
Pentemili, located about 5 miles (8 kilometers) west of Kyrenia, is where Turkish troops first landed on the morning of July 20, 1974. Heavy fighting between Turkish and Greek Cypriot forces continued around the beachhead for three days, from July 20 to 22.
According to Turkish Cypriot media and Arıklı, the beach’s lease with a private company, which lasted roughly 15 years, expired in 2024. The Evkaf Administration opted not to renew the lease and will manage the site itself.
The decision to establish a military museum followed a request from the commander of Turkish military forces in the occupied areas. The administration said the proposal was approved with support from the prime minister and coalition partners. The private company reportedly agreed to transfer its investments at no cost if the site became a museum.
Arıklı also addressed questions about the operating permit for a pier at the beach, saying authorities acted within the bounds of the law.
