Cyprus commemorates the 66th anniversary of its independence

August 16, 2026, marks the 66th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus. The nation gained its independence in 1960 following 82 years of British colonial rule, an event finalized through the Zurich-London agreements.

The formal proclamation took place at midnight between August 15 and 16, 1960, at the House of Representatives. The transition involved British Governor Hugh Foot, the first President Archbishop Makarios III, and Vice President Fazil Kucuk, who signed the foundational documents. Following the ceremony, the British flag was lowered, and the flag of the new Republic was raised. The official Constitution came into effect on August 16, 1960, and by September of that year, the Republic of Cyprus became a member state of the United Nations.

This historical milestone followed years of colonial administration and paved the way for the island's sovereign trajectory. Today, the anniversary serves as a reminder of the foundational events that transformed Cyprus into an independent state recognized by the international community.