**Turkish Cypriots Commemorate 62nd Anniversary of Tillyria Bombings in Kokkina**
On Saturday, approximately 1,250 Turkish Cypriots crossed through the Limnitis roadblock to participate in commemorative events in Kokkina, marking the 62nd anniversary of the Turkish air force bombings of Tillyria that occurred in 1964. The commemorations commenced at 10am, with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman anticipated to arrive by helicopter.
The anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the Turkish air force's attacks on Tillyria between August 7 and 9, 1964, which resulted in both military and civilian casualties. Notably, the bombings involved the use of napalm, a controversial incendiary weapon. The events hold significant meaning for the communities affected by the violence, with local leaders emphasizing the lasting impact of the attacks.
Nikos Cleanthous, the mukhtar of Kato Pyrgos, expressed the importance of honoring those who lost their lives during the conflict. “In 1964, Tillyria paid a heavy price, which it continues to pay to this day,” Cleanthous stated. He highlighted that the bombings not only caused immediate devastation but also contributed to the ongoing isolation of the area, which remains a challenge due to its geographical location on the west coast of Cyprus and limited access routes.
The Kokkina enclave, in particular, poses a significant obstacle for residents. The road connecting Tillyria to Paphos and Nicosia has been closed, exacerbating the difficulties faced by the local population. Cleanthous urged for the Kokkina roadblock to be opened, warning that continued isolation could lead to further decline in the region's demographic and economic viability.
The annual events in Kokkina are organized by the Turkish Cypriot community to remember those who lost their lives during the 1964 bombings. The crossings from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to the Republic of Cyprus are facilitated with the involvement of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp), ensuring that the commemorative activities proceed smoothly.
The events of 1964 are rooted in a complex historical context, following the collapse of the constitutional order in 1963. The Turkish Cypriots had withdrawn from the government after rejecting Archbishop Makarios’ proposed amendments to the constitution, leading to increased tensions and violence between the Greek and Turkish communities on the island. The Tillyria bombings represent one of the most significant episodes of intercommunal violence during this tumultuous period, which ultimately set the stage for the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.
As the Turkish Cypriots gathered in Kokkina to remember their past, the events served not only as a commemoration of those who perished but also as a call for recognition of the ongoing challenges faced by the community. The legacy of the 1964 bombings continues to resonate, influencing both the social and political landscape of Cyprus today.