The History of Cyprus Since 1955
Cyprus, a Mediterranean island with a rich history, has been at the centre of geopolitical and ethnic tensions, especially since 1955. The period from 1955 onward is crucial in understanding the island’s complex political landscape, marked by colonial struggles, ethnic conflicts, and ongoing efforts toward peace and reconciliation. This history is a tale of nationalism, division, and diplomacy, with Cyprus still divided today.
The Anti-Colonial Struggle and the Path to Independence (1955-1960)
The Beginning of Independence: In 1955, the struggle against British colonial rule intensified with the formation of the National Organization of Cypriot Fighters (EOKA), led by Colonel George Grivas. EOKA, composed primarily of Greek Cypriots, sought Enosis (union) with Greece. The British, who had controlled Cyprus since 1878, responded with a counterinsurgency campaign, leading to a period of violence and repression.
The conflict also heightened tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and the Turkish Cypriot minority, who feared marginalization in a Greek-dominated Cyprus. The Turkish Cypriot community, under the leadership of the Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT), began advocating for Taksim (partition), supported by Turkey.
The Zurich-London Agreements of 1959: The violence and unrest eventually led to negotiations involving Britain, Greece, and Turkey. The Zurich-London Agreements of 1959 laid the foundation for Cypriot independence, establishing a power-sharing arrangement between the two communities. On August 16, 1960, Cyprus became an independent republic with Archbishop Makarios III as its first president and a complex constitution that sought to balance the interests of both communities.
Independence and Intercommunal Violence (1960-1974)
Cyprus’s independence was fragile from the outset. The constitution, which required both communities to share power, quickly ran into difficulties. The Turkish Cypriot vice-president, Fazıl Küçük, had veto power over significant decisions, leading to frequent deadlocks in governance.
1961 Developments
International Recognition: In 1961, Cyprus became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, affirming its status as an independent state on the international stage. It also joined the United Nations on September 20, 1960.
Domestic Challenges: The new government, led by President Archbishop Makarios III and Vice President Dr. Fazıl Küçük, faced significant challenges. The power-sharing arrangement proved difficult to manage, and there were ongoing tensions between the two communities over issues of governance and constitutional rights.
Key Figures
Archbishop Makarios III: A central figure in Cypriot history, he was the first President of Cyprus and a key leader in the struggle for independence.
Dr. Fazıl Küçük: The first Vice President of Cyprus, representing the Turkish Cypriot community.
Significance:
The early years of independence, including 1961, set the stage for the future of Cyprus. The difficulties in implementing the constitutional framework eventually led to intercommunal violence and the breakdown of the partnership in the government by 1963. These events contributed to the complex political situation that persists on the island to this day.
“Bloody Christmas”
In 1963, President Makarios proposed constitutional amendments to reduce the Turkish Cypriots’ veto power, which the Turkish Cypriots rejected. The ensuing crisis led to widespread violence between the two communities, known as “Bloody Christmas.” Thousands of Turkish Cypriots fled their homes, leading to the first instances of ethnic segregation on the island.
The United Nations intervened in 1964, establishing the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus
(UNFICYP) to prevent further violence and maintain order. Despite the UN’s presence, inter-communal tensions simmered throughout the 1960s, with both sides engaging in sporadic violence.
The 1974 Turkish Invasion and the Division of Cyprus
The situation reached a critical point in July 1974 when a coup d’état orchestrated by the Greek military junta and the Cypriot National Guard sought to overthrow Makarios and achieve Enosis. In response, Turkey, citing its role as a guarantor power under the 1960 treaties, launched a military intervention on July 20, 1974.
The Turkish invasion, known as “Operation Attila,” resulted in the occupation of approximately 37% of the island’s territory in the north. The invasion caused mass displacement, with around 200,000 Greek Cypriots fleeing to the south and about 60,000 Turkish Cypriots moving to the north. The island was effectively partitioned along the “Green Line,” a ceasefire line that still exists today.
The division of Cyprus led to the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in 1983, recognized only by Turkey. The international community condemned the Turkish invasion and subsequent declaration of independence, but efforts to resolve the conflict through diplomacy have repeatedly failed.
The Long Road to Reconciliation (1974-Present)
Since 1974, numerous attempts have been made to reunify Cyprus, with varying degrees of international involvement. The United Nations has led several negotiations, but deep-seated mistrust and differing visions for the island’s future have stymied progress.
In 2004, a major peace initiative, the Annan Plan, proposed a federated solution with two constituent states under a single Cyprus government. The plan was put to a referendum, and while it was accepted by the Turkish Cypriots, it was overwhelmingly rejected by Greek Cypriots. The failure of the Annan Plan highlighted the persistent divisions between the two communities and the challenges of finding a mutually acceptable solution.
Despite the division, the Republic of Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, representing the entire island, though EU laws and benefits are suspended in the north, due to the lack of effective control by the Cypriot
government. The island’s EU membership has added a new dimension to the conflict, with the EU playing a more significant role in efforts to resolve the dispute.
The Present-Day Situation and Prospects for Peace
Today, Cyprus remains divided, with the Republic of Cyprus controlling the southern two-thirds of the island and the TRNC administering the northern third. The Green Line, patrolled by UN peacekeepers, serves as the de facto border between the two entities.
The discovery of natural gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean has added a new layer of complexity to the Cyprus issue, as both the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey have staked claims to potential offshore
resources. This has led to increased tensions between Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey, further complicating efforts to restart peace talks.
Efforts to reunify the island continue, with the most recent round of talks taking place in 2017 in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Despite initial optimism, the negotiations broke down over key issues such as security guarantees and the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the island. The failure of these talks underscored the deep divisions that persist between the two sides.
Nevertheless, some initiatives have fostered cooperation and dialogue between the two communities. Civil society groups, bi-communal projects, and confidence-building measures have helped to maintain a degree of interaction across the divide, offering a glimmer of hope for eventual reconciliation.
Cyprus 2024
In 2024, Cyprus will continue to be an island of significant cultural and geopolitical importance in the Eastern Mediterranean. The country remains divided between the Republic of Cyprus in the south, which is internationally recognized, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is recognized only by Turkey. This division, stemming from the 1974 Turkish invasion following a coup d’état by Greek Cypriots aiming to unite with Greece, has shaped much of the island’s modern history.
Political Landscape
Reunification Talks: Efforts to reunify the island have been ongoing for decades, with varying levels of international involvement. In 2024, there may be continued diplomatic efforts, possibly under the auspices of the United Nations, to find a peaceful resolution to the Cyprus dispute. However, significant progress has been elusive due to deep-seated political and ethnic divisions.
European Union: Cyprus remains a member of the European Union, but the benefits of EU membership are mainly felt in the southern part of the island. The division complicates issues like trade, travel, and governance for the entire island.
Turkish Influence: The TRNC’s reliance on Turkey for economic, military, and political support continues to be a major factor in the island’s geopolitics. The situation in Cyprus is often a point of tension in Turkey-EU relations.
Current Events
While specific events in Cyprus in 2024 would need to be looked up for real-time updates, the ongoing issues of reunification, the role of natural gas reserves, and the impact of regional tensions (including those involving Greece, Turkey, and the broader Middle East) are likely to dominate the headlines.
Conclusion
The history of Cyprus since 1955 is marked by struggle, division, and the search for peace. From the anti-colonial struggle and the turbulent early years of independence to the 1974 Turkish invasion and the ongoing efforts to reunify the island, Cyprus’s history reflects the complex interplay of ethnic nationalism, international diplomacy, and geopolitical interests. While the island remains divided, the persistent efforts of both Cypriots and the international community to find a lasting solution suggest that the dream of a united Cyprus remains alive, albeit fraught with challenges. The future of Cyprus will depend on the ability of its people and leaders to bridge their differences and build a shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous island.
