Pente Mili beach leased for conversion into an outdoor museum

The administration of the Vakıf (Evkaf) foundation in the Turkish-occupied territories of Cyprus has leased the Pente Mili beach near Kyrenia to the Turkish military command for a period of 30 years. The site, which served as the primary landing point for Turkish forces during the military operation on July 20, 1974, is scheduled to be converted into an outdoor museum. The Vakıf administration stated that the decision was based on a proposal by General Director Mustafa Tümer following coordination with military authorities. While the Turkish-Cypriot authorities frame the move as an effort to preserve the historical character of the site, Greek-Cypriot sources characterize the action as a provocation by the occupation forces. The foundation emphasized that the lease does not constitute a change in property ownership, as the land remains under the administration of the foundation. The authorities claim the entire process was conducted in accordance with their internal legal framework. No private commercial activity is expected, as the focus remains on memorializing the 1974 operation.