Now in its fifteenth year, the Dawn Vigil (Şafak Nöbeti in Turkish) bears extra significance this July as it commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of Turkiye’s vital intervention in Cyprus on 20 July 1974 to liberate Turkish Cypriots and bring peace to the island.
Ferhat Göçer, one of Turkiye’s biggest pop stars behind hits such as Yıllarım Gitti, Cennet, Git, and Unutmuş Çoktan, is headlining the celebratory part of the event being held in Alsancak on Friday 19 July. The chart-topping artist will give a free outdoor concert by the historic 1974 warship-turned museum that is permanently anchored near to the Escape Beach Resort.
The Turkish pop star will be joined on stage by Dünya Tekin and Zafer Albayrak, who are both singers on state broadcaster TRT, and soprano Gökçe Nur Semerci, as part of a three-and-a-half hour entertainment programme, which commences 8.30pm local time.
This celebratory concert reflects the joy and relief Turkish Cypriots felt following Turkiye’s military operation fifty years ago, which ended a decade of hell they endured in Cyprus under the oppressive rule of Greek Cypriot nationalists and the genocidal threat they had faced when fascist Nicos Sampson was installed as president in Cyprus by Athens-backed coupists on 15 July 1974.
After midnight, the mood turns more sombre and reflective as second part of the event starts with a torchlit procession down to the beach where Turkish troops first landed.
Known as Yavuz Çıkarma Sahili this is where the Dawn Vigil / Şafak Nöbeti takes place, with prayers for the Turkish soldiers and others who gave their lives to help liberate Turkish Cypriots. Those attending should bring their own chairs or beach towels.
The Dawn Vigil / Şafak Nöbet will conclude with a fireworks display just before dawn.
The remembrance event is free and open to all members of the public. Please dress and behave in accordance with the nature of the event.
Organisers also advise the section of the Alsancak main road by the 1974 memorial will be closed to traffic until after the event concludes.
