Historical Encyclopedia
The Cyprus conflict with Turkey is a complex and multifaceted issue rooted in history, ethnic differences, and geopolitical interests. Cyprus, located in the Eastern Mediterranean, has been influenced by various civilizations and empires over the centuries. However, the modern form of the conflict began in the 20th century, leading to the division of the island into two parts: Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot. This article examines the main causes of the conflict, key events, and the current situation in Cyprus.
The history of the Cyprus conflict with Turkey begins with the colonial period. In 1878, Britain gained control over Cyprus, which was part of the Ottoman Empire. This created tension between the two main ethnic groups: Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. Greek Cypriots sought unification with Greece, while Turkish Cypriots supported an alliance with Turkey.
After World War II, Greek Cypriot nationalists began an active campaign for independence from Britain and unification with Greece. In 1955, mass demonstrations began, leading to the formation of the military organization EOKA (National Organization of Cypriot Fighters for Freedom), which fought for Cyprus's independence.
As a result of years of conflict and negotiations, Cyprus achieved independence in 1960. The independence agreement secured equal rights for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots; however, tensions between the communities remained. In 1963, violent clashes erupted, leading to a breakdown of trust between the two groups and the intervention of UN peacekeeping forces.
In 1974, following a coup in Greece and an attempt to unify Cyprus with Greece, Turkey invaded the island, claiming it was intervening to protect the Turkish Cypriot population. As a result of the invasion, a large part of northern Cyprus was occupied by Turkish troops, leading to the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in 1983, which was not recognized by the international community, except for Turkey.
In July 1974, Greek Cypriots organized a coup aimed at unifying with Greece. In response, Turkey carried out military intervention, capturing about 37% of Cyprus's territory. The invasion led to mass population movements and ethnic cleansing. Hundreds of thousands of Greek Cypriots were forced to leave their homes in the north, while Turkish Cypriots relocated to the northern territories.
The refugee issue became one of the main themes in the conflict. Thousands of Greek Cypriots lost their homes and properties, creating long-term social and economic problems. The Turkish side, in turn, asserts the necessity of protecting the rights of Turkish Cypriots and that the intervention was essential to prevent violence.
Over the past few decades, the conflict has remained unresolved, despite attempts at peace negotiations and international efforts to resolve the situation. Various peace plans, including the Annan Plan in 2004, have failed. While the Greek Cypriot side seeks to restore the unity of the island, the Turkish Cypriot side advocates for maintaining autonomy.
In 2017, new negotiations took place in Crans-Montana, but they also did not yield positive results. The main obstacles to reaching an agreement include security issues, property rights, and the status of Turkish troops on the island. Both sides have different perspectives on the future of Cyprus, complicating the possibility of a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The Cyprus conflict with Turkey also has international aspects. Turkey actively supports the Turkish Cypriot community, while Greece and the international community support Greek Cypriots. This conflict has become part of a broader geopolitical struggle in the Eastern Mediterranean, where the interests of various countries intersect. In particular, the discovery of hydrocarbons in the eastern Mediterranean has added a new level of complexity to the conflict, attracting the attention of international companies and states.
Since 1964, the United Nations has conducted peacekeeping operations in Cyprus through its peacekeeping force (UNFICYP). The global community continues to urge both sides to dialogue and cooperation, albeit without significant progress. Many experts believe that the resolution of the conflict is only possible with the political will of both sides and a constructive approach to negotiations.
The Cyprus conflict with Turkey is not only a result of historical contradictions, but also a complex geopolitical issue, requiring attention and effort from the international community. It is essential to understand that peaceful resolution of the conflict is possible only through dialogue, compromises, and respect for the rights of all island residents. Modern Cyprus needs stability and peace to ensure prosperity and development for future generations.