Around 36% of Cyprus is under the control of Turkish Cypriots, who declared the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983, which is recognized only by Turkey.
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Around 36% of Cyprus is under the control of Turkish Cypriots, who declared the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983, which is recognized only by Turkey. This area is separated from the rest of the country by a buffer zone or “Green Line” that has been patrolled by UN peacekeeping troops since the mid-1960s. The division of Cyprus has been a source of tension between Greece and Turkey, both of whom have historic ties to the island.
According to David Hannay, a former British special representative for Cyprus, “The division of the island of Cyprus is a tragic situation that has gone on for far too long… It is a violation of the human rights of the Cypriots, Greek as well as Turkish.”
Here are some interesting facts about the situation:
- The division of the island of Cyprus happened in 1974, after a coup sponsored by the military junta in Greece attempted to annex the island to Greece. Turkey intervened militarily, ostensibly to protect Turkish Cypriots.
- The UN has attempted numerous times to broker a settlement between the two sides, but so far all attempts have failed.
- The Republic of Cyprus, which controls the other 64% of the island, is recognized by the international community as the legitimate government of Cyprus.
- In 2004, the UN-sponsored Annan Plan was put to a referendum, which was rejected by Greek Cypriots but accepted by Turkish Cypriots.
- The EU considers the northern part of Cyprus to be occupied territory, and Turkish Cypriots are not recognized as EU citizens.
Table:
| Greek Cypriots | Turkish Cypriots | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 651,000 | 326,000 |
| Area | 9,251 km² | 3,355 km² |
| Official language | Greek | Turkish |
| Currency | Euro | Turkish lira |
| Government | Presidential republic | Semi-presidential republic |
Note: The government of Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey. The data in the table is current as of August 2021.
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Cyprus became divided after tensions rose between the Greek and Turkish populations following the country’s independence from Britain, leading to a Greek-backed coup in 1974. Turkey intervened unilaterally to protect the Turkish minority, which embarrassed the military government in Greece and led to international condemnation when Turkey continued to push further across the island. The Turkish Cypriot administration was created, and many people were forced out of their homes and cleared from the north. In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot government declared independence, which was only supported by Turkey, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Despite international condemnation, the island remains divided today.
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About Cyprus 5,896 km² (2,276 sq mi) are under the control of the Republic of Cyprus; 3,355 km² (1,295 sq mi) are de facto under the administration of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
36%
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, is diplomatically recognized only by Turkey; it governs the northern one-third of the island, around 36% of the territory.