Turkey has announced events to mark the “41st anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).”
Zeki Öztürk, spokesperson for the Turkish Ministry of Defense said on Thursday that the celebrations will include aerobatic demonstrations by the Turkish Air Force during a parade in Nicosia. Additional events will feature demonstration flights over Kyrenia, and naval ships’ visits to Famagusta.
“The Turkish Armed Forces will continue their fight against terrorism until our borders are fully secure,” Öztürk stated. He emphasized the military’s commitment to protecting Turkey’s rights and interests in the “Blue Homeland” and “Homeland of the Skies” while contributing to international peace and stability.
The “Blue Homeland” doctrine promotes Turkish control over extensive areas of the Mediterranean, often at the expense of neighboring countries’ rights. Coined in 2006 by senior Turkish naval officers, the concept challenges Greek sovereignty and Greek-Cypriot rights in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, advocating for a wide Turkish exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Occupied Cyprus’ status as a separate political entity is recognized only by Turkey, with the international community considering it occupied territory.