The Invasion Begins
The Turkish invasion: On the morning of 20 July 1974, Turkey launched a full-scale military intervention in Cyprus. The Turkish government ordered the operation in response to a coup that the Greek military junta supported five days earlier. Turkish forces landed near Kyrenia, a coastal town in the north of the island. The Turkish navy and air force supported the landing with heavy bombardments. Troops quickly advanced inland, capturing key positions and engaging in fierce battles with Greek Cypriot forces.
Fierce Resistance and Civilian Flight
The Greek Cypriot National Guard fought back with all available resources. Soldiers defended their positions in Nicosia, Kyrenia, and other strategic locations. Tanks rolled through towns, and gunfire echoed across villages. As the fighting escalated, thousands of civilians abandoned their homes. Families packed what little they could carry and fled south or into the mountains, hoping to escape the violence.
Political Chaos and International Reactions
Political leaders on both sides struggled to maintain control. In Athens, the military junta faced international criticism and domestic instability. In Cyprus, President Makarios had already fled during the coup, and Nikos Sampson, the leader installed by the junta, struggled to manage the crisis. Turkey justified its military actions by invoking its rights as a guarantor power under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee.
Calls for Ceasefire and Continued Clashes
The United Nations called for a ceasefire, but neither side halted the fighting immediately. Diplomats from the United Kingdom and the United States began urgent efforts to mediate. Meanwhile, Turkish troops continued their advance, and Greek Cypriot forces regrouped in the south.
A Divided Island
By the end of July, the fighting had created a clear division across the island. Turkish forces controlled the northern third of Cyprus, while Greek Cypriots held the south. The conflict displaced nearly 200,000 people. Communities that had lived side by side for generations became separated overnight.
A Lasting Impact
The events of 20 July 1974 reshaped Cyprus. They triggered decades of division, pain, and unresolved political tension. To this day, the island remains divided, and efforts to reunify it continue to face significant challenges.
