Europe

Thousands denounce Turkey coup in Cyprus' breakaway north

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Turkish Cypriot demonstrators wave Turkish and Turkish Cypriot flags during a mass rally in support of Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erodgan following a failed coup that aimed to oust him, during a protest in the breakaway Turkish Cypriot half of the capital Nicosia on Friday, Aug. 5, 2016. Mostly right-wing political parties and groups urged supporters to turn up for the rally that follows similar pro-Erdogan and anti-coup demonstrations in other European countries. (AP Photo/Philippos Christou) (The Associated Press)

Turkish Cypriot demonstrators wave Turkish and Turkish Cypriot flags during a mass rally in support of Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erodgan following a failed coup that aimed to oust him, during a protest in the breakaway Turkish Cypriot half of the capital Nicosia on Friday, Aug. 5, 2016. Mostly right-wing political parties and groups urged supporters to turn up for the rally that follows similar pro-Erdogan and anti-coup demonstrations in other European countries. (AP Photo/Philippos Christou) (The Associated Press)

Turkish Cypriot demonstrators wave Turkish and Turkish Cypriot flags during a mass rally in support of Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erodgan following a failed coup that aimed to oust him, during a protest in the breakaway Turkish Cypriot half of the capital Nicosia on Friday, Aug. 5, 2016. Mostly right-wing political parties and groups urged supporters to turn up for the rally that follows similar pro-Erdogan and anti-coup demonstrations in other European countries. (AP Photo/Philippos Christou) (The Associated Press)

Several thousand demonstrators have rallied in Cyprus' capital Nicosia to denounce the July 15 failed coup in Turkey and show support for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Demonstrators, including many mainland Turks who live in the island's breakaway north, chanted pro-democracy slogans along with Erdogan's name in an outburst of national fervor in Sarayonu Square Friday.

An eight-meter (26-foot) banner emblazoned with the image of modern Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was flanked by the flags of Turkey and the breakaway Turkish Cypriots. Images of Ataturk in military uniform and civilian clothes were also projected onto a massive screen behind a stage where speakers addressed the crowd.