Cyprus Boundary Dispute by Marina Skific

Origin

20255030_1 — 2024-01-19 17:53:37 UTC

This boundary dispute dates back to 1878 when the island of Cyprus came under control of the British. This came after Greece had gotten out from under the control of the Ottoman empire. The population of this island was both Greek and Turkish cypriots. The Greek cypriots wanted "enosis" or the removal of British rule. So in retaliation the Greeks created Ethniki Organosis Kuprion Agoniston or in english the National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters (EOKA). So the British responded by sending in more troops and resources after a series of Greek bombings.

Origin Continued

20255030_1 — 2024-01-19 18:07:39 UTC

The British troops and reinforcements brought to Cyprus in order to fight back against the EOKA's agenda were mainly focused around the Troodos Mountains. Slowly the British were winning back the island. By 1957, most of the EOKA's leaders were either killed or captured. The British did not stand down and continued to support rioting and execution squads targeted at officers, military, and even families. Finally, the fighting stopped in 1959 when a decision was made in London regarding Cyprus becoming an independent republic.

Post Britain

20255030_1 — 2024-01-19 18:25:20 UTC

After the agreement reached in London to declare Cyprus' independence, Britain was only granted two sovereign base areas including Akrotiri and Dhekeila. However, the decades that followed were filled with violence between the Greek and Turkish cypriot populations. The Turkish population opposed the idea of enosis. This is due to the fact that while the island was under British rule, the Turkish population, which made up the minority, were protected as was their identity. So, many years of violence proceeded due to these facts.

Cyprus Emergency 1974

20255030_1 — 2024-01-19 18:37:35 UTC

In July of 1974, Turkey invaded the northern part of Cyprus. What was initially the minority population in the country, now had 40% control. This came after a Greek military coup backed by the Athens government whose goal was to unite the island to mainland Greece. Turkey then decided to invade. Ultimately, this led to a split between the northern and southern parts of the island. The north controlled by Turkey is known as Turkish Northern Cyprus, while the south is the Greek Cypriot Republic of Cyprus.

Boundary Today

20255030_1 — 2024-01-22 06:51:51 UTC

The boundary created in 1974 still stands today. In 2004, a reunification of the island was vetoed as the two sides still experience tension and have opposing views on several issues. Also, in 2020, a Turkish cypriot seaside area was granted access to be open to the public. Although, in 2021 the Northern Cyprus President made claims that they would not settle in terms of federation and respects the fact the island is composed of two separate states. Both showing although there is a large strain on the country, in the form of their border, there is room for a progressive future.

Work Cited

20255030_1 — 2024-01-22 07:05:38 UTC

“What Caused the Division of the Island of Cyprus?” Imperial War Museums, www.iwm.org.uk/history/what-caused-the-division-of-the-island-of-cyprus. Accessed 22 Jan. 2024.

Chan, Sewell. “Cyprus: Why One of the World’s Most Intractable Conflicts Continues.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 8 Nov. 2016, www.nytimes.com/2016/11/08/world/europe/cyprus-reunification-talks.html.

“Cyprus (Historical Overview).” Cyprus (Historical Overview) / Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs, www.mfa.gov.tr/cyprus-_historical-overview_.en.mfa. Accessed 22 Jan. 2024.

“An Island Divided: Next Steps for Troubled Cyprus.” Crisis Group, 27 June 2023, www.crisisgroup.org/europe-central-asia/western-europemediterranean/cyprus/268-island-divided-next-steps-troubled-cyprus.