Why is Cyprus Divided? (Short Animated Documentary) - History Matters
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The Divided Island of Cyprus: A Historical Overview
Cyprus is often mentioned alongside other historically divided nations such as Germany, Korea, and Ireland. However, the island of Cyprus has its own complex history resulting in a divide that emerged during the 20th century, primarily influenced by colonialism, national identity struggles, and external interventions.
A Colonial Legacy
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Before its division, Cyprus was a British colony, acquired from the Ottoman Empire in 1878. The demographic makeup of the island was predominantly Greek Cypriots, who aimed for unification with Greece through a movement called Enosis. However, the British Empire had different plans. The strategic location of Cyprus made it a valuable asset, and the British were resistant to Greek Cypriot desires for unification.
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In the mid-1950s, pressure for independence grew. A group of Greek Cypriots began armed actions against British rule, initiating an intense struggle for independence. The British viewed the Greek aspirations as a threat to their control and hence allied with the Turkish Cypriots, who opposed unification with Greece. The culmination of these tensions resulted in Cyprus gaining independence in 1960.
The Fragile Independence
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The independence of Cyprus came with agreements aimed at protecting the rights of the Turkish minority and prohibiting any moves towards unification with Greece or partitioning the island. Unfortunately, the dynamics between the Greek and Turkish populations grew tense, with Greek President Archbishop Makarios advocating for what many Turkish Cypriots viewed as overrepresentation.
This delicate balance was shattered in 1974 when Greeks, dissatisfied with Makarios's leadership, conducted a coup supported by a military junta in Greece. After the coup, Nicos Sampson took control and set sights on unifying Cyprus with Greece. Turkish officials, alarmed by the escalating violence faced by Turkish Cypriots, sought international intervention.
The Turkish Invasion
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Despite Turkish appeals, Britain declined to intervene, prioritizing its military bases on the island over taking sides in the growing conflict. This failure to act led Turkey to invade Cyprus with military action aimed at protecting the Turkish Cypriots. The rapid invasion pushed Greek Cypriot forces back, leading to a realignment of control over the island.
The international response was critical, especially from the United States, which was concerned about the implications of conflict between two NATO allies. However, Turkey's actions eventually led to widespread international condemnation. The coup in Greece led to political turmoil, and as the military government collapsed, Turkey pressed its advantage by advancing further into Cyprus.
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Attempts at Peace and the Creation of a New Administration
In light of growing tensions, a ceasefire was negotiated by the Turkish, Greek, and British governments, and a demilitarized zone was created to restore peace in Cyprus. Nevertheless, Turkey established the Turkish Cypriot administration, solidifying its control over the areas it had occupied. This led to a significant demographic shift, as numerous Greek Cypriots were displaced from the northern parts of Cyprus, while many Turkish Cypriots faced hardships in the south.
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In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot authorities declared independence, a move that was condemned internationally and recognized solely by Turkey, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. As international pressures increased, Pakistan and Bangladesh eventually withdrew their recognition, leaving Turkish support as the territory's only endorsement.
The Ongoing Division of Cyprus
Today, Cyprus remains a divided island, with the Republic of Cyprus in the south acknowledged internationally, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north, recognized only by Turkey. The physical and ideological divides have persisted for decades, showcasing the complex interplay between colonial legacies, ethnic identities, and the geopolitical aspirations that have shaped both the past and present of Cyprus.
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Concluding the discussion, understanding the historical context of Cyprus's division provides a clearer view of the ongoing complexities faced by the island and its people.
Thank you for reading this overview on Cyprus's divided history. A special appreciation goes out to supporters and patrons involved throughout the research for this piece.