TRNC Independence Day - 15th November

Turkish Republic Of North Cyprus – Independence Day

November 15^th 2011 will see celebrations for the 28^th anniversary of the formation of the TRNC. Between 1975 and 1983 the northern part of Cyprus was called the Turkish Federated State of North Cyprus and was governed by Turkey.

The North Cypriot State President Rauf Denktas presented terms to parliament laying out the desire to be self governing, with the stated aim of living side by side with the Greek Cypriot population, mutually recognising that each of the endemic people should respect the human rights of the other. North Cyprus was to be declared an independent sovereign state and be named The Turkish Republic of North Cyprus. The Turkish Cypriot Parliament unanimously passed the resolution that ratified the declaration and thus on the 15^th November 1983 the TRNC was born.

Despite the totally unjustifiable refusal by the United Nations Security Council to accept the existence of the TRNC and their request that every other nation on the planet should fail to recognise it as a country, North Cyprus has been on the world map since 1983, (albeit with the map clearly and incorrectly marked “Under Turkish Military Occupation” as if it were one large army camp without civilian habitation). The TRNC has a democratically elected Government, it makes its own rules and carries forward a body of law much of which is enshrined in English Law and a remainder from the time of British Colonial rule. The people are in general law-abiding, warm and friendly and that is reason enough to celebrate the anniversary of Independence on November 15^th. There will be military parades through the main cities, it is a public holiday and the streets will be strewn with flags and bunting. Brass bands will be playing and there will be a magnificent aerobatic flying display by the brilliant Turkish Stars over the sea front of Kyrenia.

 

There are many good vantage points near the harbour to watch the display, Kyrenia castle battlements are one of the best and the parking area near the Martyrs’ monument to the east of the castle also provides a good view. The terrace of the Dome Hotel takes some beating but the problem with this is that you need to be there early.

Check the local press for times of parades and of the display as these vary from year to year.   

Written by Lavinia Neville Smith