Turkish leaders mark 43rd anniversary of Northern Cyprus declaration

On Sunday, November 15, 2026, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman commemorated the 43rd anniversary of the 1983 declaration of independence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Marking the occasion, Erdogan sent a formal letter to Erhurman, stating that a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem remains dependent on the coexistence of two separate states on the island. He reiterated his stance from the September United Nations General Assembly, calling on the international community to recognize the TRNC.

Tufan Erhurman characterized the 1983 declaration as a historic turning point for Turkish Cypriots, symbolizing their struggle for self-governance and dignity. While acknowledging the hardships faced by the community over the decades, he emphasized that Turkish Cypriots remain committed to finding a solution to the island's issues. He argued that it is essential for the two communities residing on the island to resolve their differences through dialogue, framing the original declaration as a testament to the pursuit of peace and security.

The rhetoric highlights the ongoing divergence between the Turkish position, which advocates for a two-state solution, and international efforts traditionally centered on reunification. The exchanges reiterate the official positions of both leaderships as they continue to assert the legitimacy of the self-proclaimed state.