Location Nicosia | ||
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In 2011, a series of rallies were held by Turkish Cypriots in North Nicosia against Turkey's policies on Cyprus.
The first protest was held on 28 January 2011. After the hostile reactions of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Turkish society, Turkish Cypriots organized a second and third rally, using the same name, on 2 March and 7 April 2011. The average turnout was 50,000–80,000, making these some of the largest demonstrations by Turkish Cypriots under the occupation. As of 2011, Northern Cyprus had a population of approximately 290,000.
Some protesters carried flags of the Republic of Cyprus and banners demanding the reunification of the island, and signs condemning economical, cultural, and social oppression of Turkish Cypriots by Turkey. During the final rally, unsuccessful attempts were made to hang the flag of the Republic of Cyprus on the Turkish embassy. The protests were heavily criticized in Turkey due to their aggressive tone against Turkey and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.