Around 5,000-6,000 Greek Cypriots and 1,000 Turkish Cypriots, as well as a significant number of foreign nationals, died during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.
Comprehensive answer to the question
The Turkish invasion of Cyprus occurred in 1974, and it was a significant event in the history of the island nation. The conflict started with a military coup in Cyprus, which was carried out by Greek Cypriots. Turkey responded by invading Cyprus, and the conflict lasted for several months. The event resulted in the division of the island into two parts, with the north being controlled by Turkish Cypriots and the south by Greek Cypriots.
The death toll from the conflict was significant, and it was mainly civilians who lost their lives. According to estimates, around 5,000-6,000 Greek Cypriots and 1,000 Turkish Cypriots died during the conflict. The invasion also resulted in the displacement of thousands of people, with over 200,000 Greek Cypriots being forced to flee their homes in the north and move to the south.
The conflict also had an impact on the international community, with several countries becoming involved in efforts to resolve the conflict. In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot-controlled north declared itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is only recognized by Turkey.
A quote on the topic of the conflict comes from former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan. He said, “The tragedy of Cyprus is not that there are two communities, but that they live apart.”
Here is a table summarizing some key facts about the Turkish invasion of Cyprus:
| Year | Occasion |
|---|---|
| 1974 | Military coup in Cyprus by Greek Cypriots |
| 1974 | Turkey invades Cyprus in response |
| 5,000-6,000 | Number of Greek Cypriots who died |
| 1,000 | Number of Turkish Cypriots who died |
| 1983 | Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus declared |
Overall, the Turkish invasion of Cyprus was a significant event in the history of the island nation. The conflict had a significant impact on the civilian population, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people and the displacement of many more. The conflict also had an impact on the international community, with several countries becoming involved in efforts to resolve the conflict.
See a related video
The video “1974: Turkish Invasion of Cyprus Captured Up Close” shows footage of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. The Turks are warned to find underground shelter before the Turkish airborne invasion commences, and paratroopers land in waves with 60 paratroopers per aircraft. The Greek-controlled national guard does not respond. Turkish troops carrying light weapons make their way towards Gonielli and the airfield as Turkish jet fighters appear, dive-bombing positions close to Nicosia. There is a significant helicopter assault in the afternoon. Over a thousand Turkish troops are observed landing on the plains around Gonielli, less than two miles from Nicosia, and they quickly establish strategic positions around the city.
Other viewpoints exist
The violence resulted in the death of 364 Turkish and 174 Greek Cypriots, destruction of 109 Turkish Cypriot or mixed villages and displacement of 25,000–30,000 Turkish Cypriots. The British Daily Telegraph later called it an "anti Turkish pogrom".
5,000 people
An estimated 5,000 people were killed during the invasion and 1,619 were reported missing, but many historians believe the true toll of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus could be much higher.
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Then, How many Turkish Cypriots died in 1963? Overall, 364 Turkish Cypriots and 174 Greek Cypriots were killed in the 1963–64 conflict. Around 25,000 Turkish Cypriots from 104 different villages abandoned their homes. These consisted of 72 mixed and 24 Turkish Cypriot villages that were completely evacuated and 8 mixed villages that were partially evacuated.
Beside above, How many Greeks were killed in Cyprus? As an answer to this: Thousands of Turkish Cypriot homes were ransacked or destroyed 364 Turkish and 174 Greek Cypriots were killed in total, Around 1,200 Armenian and 500 Greek Cypriots were also displaced as a result.
Accordingly, Why did Turkey really invade Cyprus?
Answer will be: The coup staged by the Athens’ junta against the elected government of President Makarios on July 15, 1974, served Turkey as a pretext to impose its divisive plans against Cyprus. On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus, violating all rules of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.
Regarding this, What happened to Turks in Cyprus? The coup staged by the military junta in Athens resulted in further bloodshed in the form of massacres of Turkish Cypriots and through clashes between anti- and pro-coup Greek Cypriot factions. During the events of 1974 more Turkish Cypriots went missing who remain unaccounted for until today.
Secondly, How many people were killed in the Turkish invasion of Cyprus?
Response to this: An estimated 5,000 people were killed during the invasion and 1,619 were reported missing, but many historians believe the true toll of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus could be much higher.
Also question is, How many people were missing in Cyprus?
Answer to this: Credit: Public domain Over 2,000 people in Cyprus were reported missing after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, when Turkish troops illegally invaded the island.
How many Greek Cypriots died in Tylliria? On 8 – 9 August, Turkey bombed the Tylliria area for two days, resulting in the death of 33 Greek Cypriots and 230 injuries. Pierre Oberling noted that according to official sources, the 1963–64 crisis resulted in the death of 364 Turkish Cypriots and 174 Greek Cypriots. 209 Turkish Cypriots and 41 Greeks were reported as missing.
One may also ask, Why did Turkish Cypriots invade Turkey? The pretext for the Turkish invasion was the protection of Turkish Cypriots, who made up about 18 percent of the island’s population, an argument that was as weak then as it is now. Greek Cypriot prisoners being taken to camps in Turkey in 1974. Credit: Public domain
Secondly, How many Greek Cypriots were killed in the Turkish invasion of Cyprus?
Response to this: In the Turkish invasion and partition of Cyprus, 6,000 Greek Cypriots were killed and 2,000 reported missing, and some 1500 Turks and Turkish-Cypriots killed. ^ Καταλόγοι Ελληνοκυπρίων και Ελλαδιτών φονευθέντων κατά το Πραξικόπημα και την Τουρκική Εισβολή (in Greek). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus.
In this manner, Why did Turkey invade Cyprus in 1974?
Answer will be: On 20 July 1974, the armed forces of Turkey invaded the northern portion of the Republic of Cyprus in response to the Greek military junta -backed 1974 Cypriot coup d’état that took place on the island against the country’s democratically elected president, Archbishop Makarios III.
Consequently, How many Turkish-Cypriot soldiers were killed?
According to an announcement made by Turkish Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit on 25 July, the Turkish military had lost 57 killed, 184 wounded and 242 missing. Turkish-Cypriot losses are unknown. Between 20 and 22 July the Greek forces had suffered 215 killed and 223 missing, and an unknown number of wounded.
How many people were missing in Cyprus? In reply to that: Credit: Public domain Over 2,000 people in Cyprus were reported missing after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, when Turkish troops illegally invaded the island.
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