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The Turkish Stars wow audiences with their aerobatics display in Girne on Sunday
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North Cyprus’ commemorations of Turkey’s vital 1974 intervention got underway with its annual Dawn Watch (Şafak Nöbeti). Thousands of people of all ages turned up at Yavuz Çıkarma Plajı in Girne – the beach where Turkish troops first landed in the early hours of 20 July 1974 – to remember the bravery of those troops who sacrificed their lives to bring peace to Cyprus.
As in
previous years, the event started with a roadside concert to celebrate Peace
and Freedom Day, with Turkish singer Zerrin Özer headlining. At 00.30, the
public, many carrying torches and TRNC and Turkish flags, made their way down
to the beach to wait for dawn. During the early hours of the morning, dervishes
performed the spiritual sema dance
accompanied by ney. At first light
the ezan (Muslim call to
prayer) started, with the imams then leading the public in a mass prayer remembering
those who had fallen or were injured in the 1974 War.
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Thousands of people waiting for dawn at last night's moving Şafak Nöbeti. Photo: DHA
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While thousands gathered on land, located in the sea just off Yavuz Çıkarma Plajı was Cem Karabay. Known as Aquarium Man for his record-breaking underwater feats, Karabay had entered the sea at 08.50 on Friday 17 July aiming to remain there until Monday 20 July. Should he succeed with his 72-hour mission, he will smash Egyptian diver Walaa Hafez’s current world record of 51 hours and 24 minutes non-stop under water.
Televised live, Karabey has been seen passing the time with a variety of activities including playing tavla (backgammon) against Turkey’s former sports minister Kürşad Tüzmen. The two communicated via hand gestures, including sharing a joke when Tüzmen claimed Karabey was hiding dice. Karabey’s world record attempt is being sponsored by Merit Hotels, the Dizayn Group, Kibris Turkcell and the TRNC Government.
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Cem Karabay takes on Kürşad Tüzmen in game of underwater tavla. Photo: DHA
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The
special feat follows last year’s marathon swim from Mersin to Girne by businessman
Vakkas Altınbaş, chairman of Altınbaş Holding – one of Cyprus’ largest
corporations. The 55-year-old had set off from Anamur in Mersin, Turkey, on 18
July 2014, completing the 86km (53.4 miles) swim to reach Cyprus’ northern
shores on Peace and Freedom Day.
Turkish President Erdoğan jetting in for TRNC Peace &
Freedom Day
The
Turkish military again play a major part in the Peace and Freedom Day festivities.
Between 10am and 6pm today, the public will be able to board and tour three
battleships from the Turkish Naval Forces. The TCG Gökçeada Frigate has dropped
anchor off the coast of Girne, the TCG İnönü Submarine is in Girne Tourism
Harbour, while the TCG Bora Assault Boat is docked in Gazimağusa Harbour.
Military
bands will entertain the public with two concerts. The first starts at 4.30pm, with
the Cyprus Turkish Peace Forces Band performing in front of the Atatürk
Monument in Girne. They are followed by the Cyprus Turkish Security Forces Band,
which will give a concert on Dereboyu, Lefkoşa, at 7.30pm this evening.
Last
night, the Turkish Stars – the Turkish Air Force’s aerobatic display team – wowed
audiences with a spectacular show over Girne.
Later
today, the land forces will be on show during the annual main parade down the
main Dr Fazıl Küçük Boulevard in Lefkoşa. The event starts at 4pm at the Atatürk
Monument. Flags will be raised, the Turkish national anthem sung and a minute’s
silence held, while flags from Yavuz
Çıkarma Plajı will be presented to TRNC President Mustafa Akıncı. Following
the commemoration ceremony the parade will commence at 5pm.
Leading
this year’s international dignitaries present for the Peace and Freedom Day Parade
is Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is flying in to the TRNC for the
occasion. He is expected to hold talks with the TRNC President on the latest
developments in the Cyprus Negotiations while he is here.
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