LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) celebrated the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Türkiye and Republic Day with a ceremony Sunday.

A ceremony was held in front of the Ataturk Monument in the capital, Nicosia.

It was attended by a number of dignitaries including TRNC President Ersin Tatar, the Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic, Zorlu Tore, Prime Minister Unal Ustel and other political and military officials as well as representatives from various organizations and citizens.

“In history, very few events have determined the events that would follow. The declaration of the Republic of Türkiye is indeed one of those significant events when we look at it a hundred years later,” Tatar said in his speech.

“The Turkish Independence War led by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on the territory of the fallen Ottoman Empire, resisting the schemes of expansionist states and major powers and demonstrating the determination to survive, along with the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye as its final stage is a military, diplomatic and political triumph. I pray that the Republic of Türkiye, and foremost among its leaders Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, find favor with God,” he added.

Tatar also congratulated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the occasion.

Streets and avenues throughout the country were adorned with Turkish and TRNC flags.

*Writing by Esra Tekin in Istanbul