The 1974 Cyprus War: A Turning Point in Greek-Turkish Relations.

Cyprus is a beautiful country with a rich history, culture, and warm welcoming people. 

I have been fortunate enough to visit this country for the past two decades and have seen firsthand
how it has evolved over time. I am grateful for the kindness and hospitality of
the Cypriot people, who have opened their homes and hearts to my family and me. 

One thing that has always intrigued me is the story of the 1974 War and the mass of land that was off-limits to everyone. As a teenager, I was curious and tried to sneak in a few times, but
UN soldiers chased me off. Now that Varosha is open, my family and I were able
to drive through what was once a thriving city and one of the most affluent in
the Mediterranean. It was heartbreaking to see it in ruins after all these
years.

However, the reopening of Varosha is a step towards healing and rebuilding Cyprus into the jewel it once was in the Mediterranean Sea. The people involved in this project deserve peace and
prosperity, and I hope this will be a turning point for the country. I am
inspired by the Cypriot people’s resilience and determination, and commitment
to making their country a better place. It is an honour to have the chance to
hear about their experiences during the 1974 conflict. Thanks to their dedication
and resilience, I have faith that Cyprus will start to heal, prosper, and
thrive for years to come. 

The conflict between Greece and Turkey over the island of Cyprus has a long and complex history. One of the major episodes in this ongoing dispute was the Cyprus War of 1974. This blog
post aims to shed light on the events that unfolded during this critical period
and explore its impact on Greek-Turkish relations.

Cyprus, a meditation island strategically located between Greece and Turkey, has been a point of contention between the two nations for decades. In 1925, Britain declared Cyprus a crown
colony, and in the years that followed, the determination of Greek Cypriots to
achieve unification (enosis) continued. In 1931 this led to an open revolt. A
riot resulted in the death of six civilians, injuries to others and the burning
of Britain’s Government House in Nicosia. The efforts by the Greeks to bring
about enosis now intensified, helped by the active support of the Church of
Cyprus, which was the leading political voice of the Greek Cypriots at the
time. However, it was not the only organisation claiming to speak for the Greek
Cypriots. The Church’s main opposition came from the Cypriot Communist Party,
which also wholeheartedly supported the Greek national goal of enosis. 

By 1957 several Turkish mainland institutions were active in the Cyprus issue, and the Turkish trade unions were to prepare the right climate for the main Turkish goal, the island’s division
into Greek and Turkish parts, thus keeping the British military presence and
installations on the island intact. By this time, a special Turkish Cypriot
paramilitary organisation, the Turkish Resistance Organisation (TMT), was also
established to counterbalance the Greek Cypriot enosis fighting
organisation of EOKA. The UN General Assembly announced the decision “not
to consider the problem further for the time being because it does not appear
appropriate to adopt a resolution on Cyprus”. Reaction to the setback at
the UN was immediate and violent, resulting in the worst rioting in Cyprus
since 1931. Turkish Cypriot identification with Turkey had grown more assertive in response to the overt Greek nationalism of Greek Cypriots, and after 1954 the Turkish government had become increasingly involved. In the late summer and early autumn of 1974, the Cyprus problem
intensified. 

In July of that year, the Greek military-backed coup on the island
aimed to unite Cyprus with Greece, known as the Enosis. This move triggered a
swift and forceful response from Turkey. Turkish armed forces invaded the
northern part of Cyprus, citing the need to protect the Turkish Cypriot
population. This led to a division of the island, with the Turkish The Republic
of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) established in the occupied territory. 

In August of that year, Greek Cypriot forces launched a major offensive against the Turkish
Cypriots in an attempt to regain control of the north. This sparked a fierce conflict
that lasted for several weeks. The war resulted in heavy casualties on both
sides and caused significant damage to infrastructure and communities. The
international community closely monitored the escalating conflict in Cyprus and
attempted to broker a peaceful resolution. Under the supervision of the United
Nations, negotiations took place, leading to a ceasefire agreement in September
1975. 

This agreement established a buffer zone, the Green Line, separating the
Greek and Turkish Cypriot territories. United Nations peacekeeping forces
patrolled the buffer zone to maintain stability and prevent further
hostilities, which the Turkish side has recently opened up for tourists and
considerations of new developments. The events of 1974 had a profound and
enduring impact on Cyprus’s social, political, and cultural fabric. The
division of the island into the internationally unrecognised Turkish Republic
of Northern Cyprus and the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus
perpetuated a state of uncertainty and continued displacement for many. The
issue of refugees and the search for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus
problem remain unresolved, creating ongoing challenges for all parties
involved.

The conflict further strained relations between the two countries and
resulted in the continued division of Cyprus, with lasting consequences for the
people of the island. While efforts for reconciliation and reunification
persist, the legacy of the 1974 war continues to shape Cyprus’s political,
social, and cultural landscape and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region. As
we reflect on this tale of conflict and its far-reaching consequences, we must
strive for understanding, compassion, and a genuine commitment to finding a
comprehensive solution. May the story of Cyprus serve as a reminder of the
importance of peace, unity, and the pursuit of shared prosperity in a world
marred by division.

Ref:  Firsthand experiences from participants, Cypriot national museum, wiki