Some 1,250 Turkish Cypriots crossed through the Limnitis roadblock towards Kokkina on Saturday to attend annual events marking the 62nd anniversary of the Turkish air force bombings of Tillyria in 1964.

The commemorations in Kokkina began at 10am, with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman expected to travel to the area by helicopter.

The anniversary marks the Turkish air force attacks on Tillyria between August 7 and 9, 1964.

The bombings resulted in both military and civilian casualties, with the Turks having employed napalm during the air raids.

The events have remained a significant point of remembrance for communities in Tillyria, with Kato Pyrgos’ mukhtar Nikos Cleanthous describing Saturday as a day to honour those killed during the fighting.

“In 1964, Tillyria paid a heavy price, which it continues to pay to this day,” Cleanthous said.

He said the 1964 attacks contributed to the area’s isolation, which continues to face difficulties due to its geographical position on the west coast and limited road access.

The Kokkina enclave remains a particular obstacle, with the road connecting Tillyria towards Paphos and Nicosia remaining closed.

Cleanthous said the situation had created continuing difficulties for residents and contributed to dwindling population in the area.

He also called for the Kokkina roadblock to be opened, warning that the region faced further decline if its isolation continued.

The Kokkina events are held annually by the Turkish Cypriot community to commemorate those killed in 1964.

The crossings are conducted with Unficyp involvement and have taken place annually in connection with the events.

1964 intercomunal violence occurred following the collapse of the constitutional order in 1963, after the Turkish Cypriots withdrew from the government having rejected Archbishop Makarios’ thirteen-point amendment to the constitution.

The events in Tillyria became one of the most significant episodes of the period, preceding the Turkish invasion that followed a decade later.