15.11.2026 12:41
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan celebrated the 43rd anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). In a post on his social media account, Erdoğan said, “Cyprus is our national cause. Whatever happens, we will never leave Cyprus alone.” Sending a letter to TRNC President Tufan Erhürman, Erdoğan stated that a solution lies in the two states existing side by side and called on the international community to recognize the TRNC.
The 43rd anniversary of the proclamation of the TRNC on 15 November 1983 is being celebrated with ceremonies throughout the country, especially in Nicosia. President Erdoğan also gave a message of solidarity to the Turkish Cypriot people on the occasion of the anniversary.
“I SEND MY GREETINGS AND AFFECTION TO MY TURKISH CYPRIOT BROTHERS AND SISTERS”
In a post on his X account, President Erdoğan said:
“I congratulate the 43rd founding anniversary of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus with my most heartfelt feelings; I remember our heroic martyrs with mercy and our veterans with gratitude. I send my greetings and affection to my Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters, with whom we will continue to further strengthen our solidarity in every field. Cyprus is our national cause... We will never leave Cyprus alone, no matter what.”
LETTER TO ERHÜRMAN: THE SOLUTION LIES IN THE TWO STATES EXISTING SIDE BY SIDE
Erdoğan also sent a congratulatory message to TRNC President Tufan Erhürman. In his message, stating that the TRNC is the most precious manifestation of the Turkish Cypriot people's struggle for sovereignty and existence, Erdoğan emphasized that the Republic is the eternal guarantee of the Turkish Cypriot presence on the island. Erdoğan noted that the solution to the Cyprus issue lies in the two states existing side by side.
Also calling on the international community, Erdoğan said, “As I once again stated in my address to the General Assembly this year, the international community must now do its part and, by recognizing the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, establish diplomatic, political and economic relations with your country.”
15 NOVEMBER
15 November is the founding anniversary of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The TRNC was proclaimed on 15 November 1983 with the Declaration of Independence unanimously adopted by the Assembly of the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus. The founding president of the Republic was Rauf Raif Denktaş, the leader of the Turkish Cypriot people.
The establishment of the TRNC took place with the transformation of the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus, founded in 1975 in the north of the island after the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation, into an independent state. The only country that has officially recognized the TRNC to date is Türkiye.
CEREMONIES ARE BEING HELD IN THE TRNC
On the occasion of the 43rd founding anniversary of the TRNC, official ceremonies and various celebration programs are being held throughout the country, especially in the capital Nicosia.