Occupied northern Cyprus marks 43rd anniversary of self-proclaimed state

On November 15, 2026, the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus observed the 43rd anniversary of the 1983 declaration of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. To commemorate the event, Turkish authorities deployed three warships—the TCG Karataş, TCG Tufan, and TCG Kdz. Ereğli—to the ports of Kyrenia and Famagusta for public visitation, alongside aerial demonstrations by the 'Turkish Stars' aerobatic team. High-ranking officials, including Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, attended official ceremonies and military parades in northern Nicosia, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a message advocating for the international recognition of two separate states on the island.

The Republic of Cyprus, supported by the international community and UN Security Council resolutions, considers the proclamation of the breakaway state legally invalid. Despite Turkey's persistent efforts to normalize the occupation, no other nation has recognized the entity, save for Turkey. The celebrations have drawn strong condemnation from the Greek Cypriot side, which views the military presence and diplomatic rhetoric as provocative acts that hinder efforts toward a sustainable solution. The current situation remains defined by this diplomatic impasse and the ongoing division of the island, with Turkey signaling its continued commitment to maintaining its presence in the region.