Historical Encyclopedia
The division of Cyprus is one of the most complex and tragic events in the recent history of the island. It occurred in 1974 and was the result of a long-standing ethnic conflict between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. This conflict has deep historical roots and led to the creation of two separate state entities on the island: the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognized only by Turkey. In this article, we will examine the key events that led to the division of Cyprus, as well as its consequences.
The conflict between Greek and Turkish Cypriots began in the 1950s when Greek Cypriots began demanding unification with Greece (enosis). This demand was supported by the majority of Greek Cypriots, however, Turkish Cypriots opposed it, fearing the loss of their rights and cultural identity.
In 1960, after a series of conflicts and intervention by the international community, Cyprus gained independence from Britain. However, the constitution created to maintain balance between the two communities proved ineffective, and by 1963, clashes had begun, which were precursors to more serious conflicts.
In the 1960s and 1970s, numerous violent incidents occurred in Cyprus. The government, composed mainly of Greek Cypriots, began to pass laws that infringed upon the rights of Turkish Cypriots. In 1964 due to the violence, a humanitarian catastrophe began, in which thousands of Turkish Cypriots were forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in protected zones.
In 1974, a Greek military coup overthrew the legitimate government of Cyprus and established a regime that aimed for unification with Greece. In response, Turkey launched a military invasion of Cyprus on July 20, 1974, justifying its actions as necessary to protect Turkish Cypriots. As a result of this intervention, about 37% of the island's territory was occupied.
After the Turkish invasion, a large-scale migration occurred in Cyprus. Greek Cypriots left the northern regions, while many Turkish Cypriots, who had previously lived in the south, relocated to the occupied territories. In 1983, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was proclaimed, which, however, was only recognized by Turkey.
This division marked the beginning of a new reality, where two separate entities with different political and economic systems emerged on the island. Cyprus became a symbol of the ethnic conflict that requires resolution at the international level.
The question of Cyprus became a topic of discussion on the international stage. The United Nations (UN) made several attempts to resolve the conflict and restore peace on the island. Since 1964, the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has been active, tasked with maintaining the ceasefire and facilitating a political solution.
In recent decades, numerous peace negotiations have taken place between both sides, but none of the proposals have achieved successful results. The main disagreements concern issues of security, political structure, and the rights of refugees.
In recent years, there has been a gradual improvement in relations between the two communities in Cyprus. Mutual assistance programs and reconciliation initiatives are becoming increasingly common. However, deep historical wounds are still not healed, and many Cypriots continue to hold onto their positions tied to ethnic affiliation.
In 2017, peace negotiations took place in Cyprus, but they ended without results. Issues related to the division remain relevant, and the question of the unity of Cyprus still requires a solution.
The division of Cyprus is not only a political issue but also a humanitarian disaster, affecting the lives of thousands of people. It has become the result of historical contradictions, misunderstandings, and violence. Resolving this conflict requires a comprehensive approach and political will from both Cypriots and the international community. It is important to remember that peace and consensus are only possible through dialogue and mutual understanding.