As the Mediterranean sun rose over the fertile fields of Yeşilırmak on the morning of September 5th, 1974, its inhabitants awoke to a day that would mark the end of a tumultuous chapter in their history. Located in the northwest corner of Cyprus, Yeşilırmak stands as a poignant symbol of resilience and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ (TRNC) fight for freedom. This quiet village, known for its verdant landscapes and agriculture, became the final settlement in Northern Cyprus to be liberated by Türkiye during the intervention of 1974, an event forever etched in the collective memory of Turkish Cypriots.

The Final Act of Liberation

The intervention, known to Turkish Cypriots as the "Peace Operation," began on July 20th, 1974, as a response to a coup orchestrated by Greek nationalist forces that sought to unite the island with Greece (a policy known as Enosis). For the Turkish Cypriots, who had endured years of marginalization and violence, Türkiye’s intervention was viewed as a legitimate act to restore peace and balance on the island.

By early September, much of Northern Cyprus had come under Turkish control. However, Yeşilırmak remained under siege. Strategically located near the border of what was to become the buffer zone, it was a critical point for Turkish forces. General Nurettin Ersin, then commander of the Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus, emphasized its importance: "The liberation of Yeşilırmak would mark the completion of our mission to secure the Turkish Cypriot people and establish a lasting peace on the island."

The Siege and the Battle for Yeşilırmak

The village, known to Greek Cypriots as Limnidi, had been a flashpoint of tension even before the conflict. For weeks, Turkish Cypriot residents had been subjected to a harsh blockade by Greek Cypriot forces, facing shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies. “We felt abandoned, caught in a no-man's land,” recalls Mehmet Ali Talat, a local resident who was a teenager at the time of the siege. “We would look to the mountains, waiting for signs of the Turkish army.”

On September 5th, Turkish forces launched a coordinated effort to break the blockade and rescue the villagers. Under the command of Major General Bedrettin Demirel, the operation was marked by precision and speed. As he later recounted, “We were determined to liberate Yeşilırmak without further bloodshed, and we succeeded in achieving this with minimal loss of life.”

Key figures in the operation included Captain Hasan Özdemir, who led the ground troops into the village, and Colonel Osman Pamukoğlu, who orchestrated the artillery support. Captain Özdemir, in a memoir, recalled the critical moments leading to the village's liberation: “Our mission was clear: secure the village, protect its inhabitants, and ensure that no harm would come to those who were non-combatants.”

The Moment of Liberation

The breakthrough came after several hours of intense fighting, with Turkish forces breaking through the defensive lines and entering Yeşilırmak. A witness to these events, Fatma Gürkan, a local teacher, described the scene: “We saw the Turkish soldiers entering our village, their flags waving high. We knew then that our ordeal was over.”

The liberation of Yeşilırmak marked the end of active hostilities in Northern Cyprus. For many Turkish Cypriots, it signified not just a military victory, but a restoration of safety and dignity. “That day, we felt free again,” said Mustafa Çağlar, a villager who later became a prominent political figure in the TRNC. “The Turkish soldiers were not just liberators; they were protectors.”

A Poignant Anniversary

Today, as Yeşilırmak commemorates the 50th anniversary of its liberation, the memories of that day remain vivid. The village square has been transformed into a site of remembrance, with wreaths laid to honor those who fought for its freedom. President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, emphasized the significance of the day: "Yeşilırmak represents the determination and will of the Turkish Cypriot people to live freely and with dignity. Its liberation was the final step in our journey to establish the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and it is a day we shall never forget."

A Legacy of Resilience

The story of Yeşilırmak’s liberation is a testament to the endurance and spirit of the Turkish Cypriot community. As villagers gather to commemorate this day, they remember not just the military action that brought them freedom, but also the unity and courage that sustained them through the darkest of times. The village, with its vineyards and fields, stands as a vibrant reminder of what was won and what remains to be cherished.

As noted by journalist and historian Hasan Cemal, “Yeşilırmak is more than just a village; it is a symbol of a people's right to self-determination and peace. The memories of September 5th, 1974, continue to inspire all those who believe in justice and freedom.”

TCE Conclusion

The liberation of Yeşilırmak marks an important chapter in the history of Northern Cyprus, serving as a poignant reminder of the island's complex past and the enduring spirit of its people. Today, 50 years on, the memory of that day continues to be honored, reflecting the strength and resilience of a community determined to live in peace and freedom.

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References

- General Nurettin Ersin, Milliyet, September 6, 1974.

- Mehmet Ali Talat, Kıbrıs Gazetesi, September 6, 2024.

- Major General Bedrettin Demirel, Anadolu Ajansı, September 7, 1974.

- Captain Hasan Özdemir, Özdemir Memoirs, 1982.

- Fatma Gürkan, Hürriyet Daily News, September 5, 2024.

- Mustafa Çağlar, TRNC National Archives, September 1974.

- President Ersin Tatar, TRNC Presidential Office Statement, September 5, 2024.

- Hasan Cemal, Cumhuriyet, September 6, 2024.