Today marks the 62nd anniversary of the deadly Turkish bombings in Tillyria, which took place in August 1964 and left an indelible mark on the region’s history. For three consecutive days, from August 7 through August 9, the Turkish Air Force launched fierce attacks, even using napalm bombs, causing the deaths of dozens of soldiers and civilians, as well as widespread destruction throughout Tillyria.
Today’s anniversary is a day of remembrance and tribute to those who lost their lives defending the region, as well as for the residents who endured the tragic consequences of the bombings and continue to this day to live with the scars of those events.
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In statements to CNA, Nikos Kleanthous, President of the Kato Pyrgos Community Council in Tillyria and President of the Tillyria Community Cluster, stated that August 8 is a day of remembrance and honor for the heroic fallen who defended Tillyria in 1964 against the Turkish invasion, but also for all the residents who resisted and kept the area free to this day.
As he noted, it is a somber day that brings back memories of the devastation, as it marked the beginning of the hardships that continue to plague the region to this day.
Mr. Kleanthus noted that the bombings of Tillyria, which razed the entire area and claimed the lives of dozens of residents and members of the National Guard, marked the beginning of a long period of isolation and abandonment. As he said, the region continues to face the ravages of time and ongoing population and economic decline.
He noted that Tillyria paid a heavy price in its effort to remain free from Turkish expansionism, noting that memories of the crimes committed against the civilian population remain vivid.
“In 1964, Tillyria paid a heavy price, one it continues to pay to this day,” he said, warning that if the current situation continues, the region is gradually being led to extinction.
As he emphasized, despite the 62 years that have passed, the wounds remain open, and the residents continue to struggle daily to remain on the land of their ancestors.
He also pointed out that the events of 1964 led to the effective isolation of Tillyria, which has since been cut off from the rest of the Republic of Cyprus and continues to face serious difficulties.
Mr. Kleanthous said that the area is cut off both because of the events of 1964 and due to the existence of the Kokkina enclave, since the road connecting Tillyria to Paphos—and through it to Nicosia—remains closed, causing significant problems for residents’ mobility and daily lives.
Despite the difficulties, he noted, the residents continue to remain in their homes, fighting daily to survive and sustain life in this remote area.
Mr. Kleanthus expressed his regret that Turkey continues to insist on keeping the Kokkina roadblock closed, noting that if something is not done immediately and soon, the region is doomed.
“Celebrations” in Kokkina
At the same time, the pseudo-state is organizing events and a special ceremony in Kokkina to mark the anniversary of the 1964 events.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman in attendance; he is expected to travel to the area by military helicopter.
In the morning, buses will pass through the Limnitis roadblock in stages, transporting approximately 1,250 Turkish Cypriots to Kokkina to participate in the events, accompanied by vehicles carrying members of the UN peacekeeping force (UNFICYP).
As stated by Andreas Karos, Chairman of the Committee for the Opening of the Tillyria Checkpoints, the crossing is taking place in stages, while some of the participants are expected to arrive in the area by sea.
Source: CNA
