Cyprus is divided between a Turkish Cypriot north and Greek Cypriot south as a result of a conflict that intensified in the 1960s, culminating in a Turkish invasion following a coup d’etat by Greek nationalists in 1974.
So let us dig a little deeper
Cyprus is divided between a Turkish Cypriot north and Greek Cypriot south as a result of a conflict that intensified in the 1960s, culminating in a Turkish invasion following a coup d’etat by Greek nationalists in 1974.
The division of Cyprus has its roots in the decades-long struggle for independence from British colonial rule. In 1960, Cyprus gained independence, but the agreement between Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities was not a lasting one. In the late 1960s, tensions increased between the two communities, leading to the formation of militant groups on both sides.
The situation escalated to a point where Greek nationalists staged a coup d’etat in 1974, which prompted Turkey to invade and occupy the northern part of the island. Since then, the north has been controlled by Turkish Cypriots, while the south remains under the control of Greek Cypriots.
This division has led to ongoing conflict and attempts to reunite the island have been met with various obstacles over the years. As former British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, said, “It’s been very hard to make progress on the Cyprus issue because there are so many important issues that need to be overcome.”
Some interesting facts about the division of Cyprus include:
- The divided capital city of Nicosia has a Green Line zone that runs through the center of the city. It is the only capital city in the world that is currently divided by a wall.
- While Greek Cypriots make up the majority of the population of Cyprus, the Turkish Cypriot community has its own government, educational system, and political institutions.
- The United Nations has had peacekeeping forces stationed in Cyprus since 1964, in an attempt to maintain peace and stability on the island.
- The division of Cyprus has had a significant impact on the economy, with the northern part of the island being largely unrecognized by international markets.
Table:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1960 | Cyprus gains independence from British colonial rule |
| Late 1960s | Tensions increase between Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities |
| 1974 | Greek nationalists stage a coup d’etat, prompting a Turkish invasion and occupation of northern Cyprus |
| Present | Cyprus remains divided into a Turkish Cypriot north and a Greek Cypriot south |
A video response to “Why is Cyprus divided and how did the division happen?”
Cyprus was previously part of the Ottoman Empire, governed by the British in 1878, and eventually annexed by the UK. Ethnic tensions between Greeks and Turks rose due to the concept of Enosis, which called for the union with Greece, leading to violence in the 1970s. Turkey intervened in response, leading to the formation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983. Efforts to reunify have been unsuccessful, and Greece ultimately rejected a bid for unification in 2004. The EU recognizes Greek Cypriots as representing the entire island despite the formation of Northern Cyprus.
See what else I discovered
Cyprus has been a divided island since 1974 when Turkey invaded to support Turkish Cypriots in response to a military coup on the island which was backed by the Athens government.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded the north in response to a military coup on the island which was backed by the Greek government. The island was effectively partitioned, with the northern third run by a Turkish Cypriot government and the southern two-thirds by the internationally-recognised government led by Greek Cypriots. The UK still has a military presence in Cyprus due to a deal made when the island gained independence in 1960.
These topics will undoubtedly pique your attention
What is the Green Line in Cyprus? The Green Line, also known as the United Nations Buffer Zone in Cyprus, is a demilitarized zone that separates the northern part of the Island, which Turkish Cypriots control, from the southern region, which Greek Cypriots control.