The Cyprus Conflict Explained

Cyprus: A Historical Overview

Introduction to Cyprus

• Cyprus is a small island located in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, southeast of Israel (200 km), north of Turkey (75 km), and northwest of Greece (800 km) .

• The island's history parallels that of the Indian subcontinent, with significant events occurring around 1878 when plans for its liberation were announced alongside India's independence efforts .

Ethnic Tensions and Division

• The Turkish Muslim community opposed the idea of a unified Cyprus due to fears of exploitation by the Greek Christian majority who sought union with Greece. This led to rising tensions between communities .

• Nicosia, the capital, became divided as both communities clashed, resulting in a lasting division that persists today. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, Nicosia remains one of the last divided capitals globally .

Early History and Civilizations

• Human settlement on Cyprus dates back to 9000 BC, with cities established during the Bronze Age around 1000 BC. By 1500 BC, it became part of the Hittite Empire during its final phase known as the Mycenaean period .

• The Greek civilization began on Cyprus during this time, marking it as an advanced society capable of surviving various invasions from Egyptian and Persian forces throughout history .

Conquests and Rule Changes

• In the fourth century BC, Alexander's conquests included Cyprus; after his death, his generals divided control among themselves. One general founded a kingdom that ruled over both Egypt and Cyprus until 58 BC .

• Afterward, Cyprus fell under Roman control until it transitioned into part of the Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantine Empire by AD 649. During this period, Christianity became predominant among its Greek population .

Islamic Expansion and Ottoman Rule

• With Islam's rise in the Middle East by AD 649, conflicts arose between Romans and Muslims over control of Cyprus. A condominium arrangement was established where both powers jointly ruled for about 300 years .

• By 1571, following several centuries under Ottoman rule starting from their conquest in that year, a Muslim empire was firmly established on Cyprus despite a predominantly Greek Christian population seeking freedom from Ottoman governance .

Decline of Ottoman Power

• Post-1850 saw gradual weakening within the Ottoman Empire while Balkan states sought independence through various movements. Russia also aimed to reclaim territories amid this decline .

• The Russo-Turkish War in 1877 resulted in Russian victory leading to diplomatic discussions at the Congress of Berlin where Britain gained administrative control over Cyprus while it remained technically under Ottoman sovereignty .

World War I Impact

• During World War I in 1914 when Ottomans allied against Britain with Central Powers, British forces defeated them leading to partitioning efforts within Ottoman territories including conflict between Greek and Turkish national movements from 1919 to 1922 [].

Greek Cypriot Struggle for Unification

Early Demands and British Offers

• The demand for Greek unification intensified, with a significant opportunity arising in 1915 during World War I when Britain offered Cyprus to Greece, contingent on Greece joining the Allied Powers.

• Greece remained neutral at that time and did not accept Britain's offer; however, a government change in 1917 led to Greece joining the Allies.

Growing Tensions and Resistance

• In 1929, Greek Cypriots sent a delegation to London to discuss unification but received a negative response, leading to increased tensions.

• Anti-British riots erupted in Cyprus in 1931, resulting in civilian casualties and harsh restrictions imposed by Britain, including military deployment and bans on political parties.

World War II Impact

• The onset of World War II forced Greek Cypriots to pause their struggle for unification. After the war ended, Britain proposed creating a new constitutional assembly.

• Greek citizens were dissatisfied with this plan as they primarily sought unification with Greece. The Orthodox Church of Cyprus supported their demands.

Leadership Changes and Political Struggles

• Archbishop Makarios III became an influential leader in 1950, vowing not to rest until Cyprus was united with Greece.

• Colonel George Grivas aimed for armed conflict but faced opposition from Makarios who preferred political means for achieving unity.

Escalation of Conflict

• Turkish Cypriots began countering Greek claims through media narratives asserting that Cyprus was inherently Turkish.

• By 1954, various Turkish organizations emerged advocating for partitioning Cyprus into two parts and prepared for armed conflict against Greek forces.

Armed Campaign and British Response

• On April 1, 1955, the Greek organization EOKA launched military campaigns against British forces resulting in numerous casualties among British personnel.

• A state of emergency was declared by the Governor-General as Turkish Cypriots sided with the British against EOKA's insurgency efforts.

Intercommunal Violence and Peace Efforts

• By summer 1958, intercommunal violence escalated between Greeks and Turks leading to significant fatalities on both sides.

• Meetings between representatives culminated in the London-Zurich Agreement on December 5, 1958; it established that Cyprus would remain independent without union or division.

Independence Achieved Amidst Tensions

• Following independence on August 16, 1960, tensions persisted due to population disparities (78% Greeks vs. 18% Turks).

• Clashes resumed by December 21, 1963; violent confrontations resulted in many deaths and ultimately led to governmental collapse amid failed peace negotiations from the United Nations.

Cyprus: A Divided Island

Historical Context of Division

• In 1983, approximately 160,000 Greek Cypriots fled from the Turkish-occupied zone to the southern Greek-controlled area, while about 51,000 Turkish Cypriots moved to the Turkish zone. This marked a significant division of Cyprus.

Declaration of Independence

• On November 15, 1983, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was unilaterally declared by Turkish Cypriots. Despite its formation, it has not been recognized by any independent nation except Turkey.

Capital and Borders

• Both Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus share Nicosia as their capital; however, Northern Cyprus refers to it as North Nicosia. The border between these two regions runs through Nicosia and is characterized by a no-man's land controlled by the United Nations.

Buffer Zone Details

• The UN buffer zone in Cyprus is approximately 346 km long and varies in width from 20 meters to 7 kilometers. It includes areas like Pyla village where both Turkish and Greek communities coexist.

Changes in Restrictions

• Until 2003, crossing into this buffer zone faced numerous restrictions. However, after Cyprus joined the European Union, many restrictions were lifted leading to new crossings being established for people from both communities.

Public Opinion on Reunification

• An opinion poll conducted in 2004 revealed that while 61% of Turkish Cypriots accepted a reunification plan, only 78.5% of Greek Cypriots rejected it. This indicates ongoing differences between the two communities regarding reunification efforts.

Current Status and Future Prospects

• The division remains significant with Turkey supporting a two-nation theory which complicates potential reunification efforts. Nicosia continues to be one of the last divided capitals globally with little indication that unification will occur soon.

Conclusion