65 Years Since the Proclamation of the Republic of Cyprus

Today marks 65 years since the proclamation of Cyprus as an independent Republic on August 16, 1960, based on the Zurich-London agreements.

In an official ceremony at the House of Representatives, Cyprus became an independent Republic, after 82 years under British rule. The ceremony was attended by the first President of the Republic of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III, and the first Vice President, Fazıl Küçük.

The Constitution came into effect on August 16, 1960, with the proclamation of the Republic of Cyprus as an independent and sovereign state. A month later, in September 1960, the Republic of Cyprus became a member of the United Nations.

Later, for practical reasons, it was decided that the day of Cypriot Independence would be celebrated on October 1st. On July 11, 1963, the Council of Ministers designated October 1st as a public holiday and celebration of Cyprus' Independence Day, instead of August 16th.