The Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 was a pivotal event that led to the partition of the island, creating lasting geopolitical and humanitarian consequences. Here is a detailed account of the invasion:
Background and Prelude
- Political Unrest and the Greek Junta: The invasion was preceded by a period of political instability in Cyprus, exacerbated by the rule of the military junta in Greece, which began with a coup d’état on 21 April 1967. This junta supported a coup against the democratically elected President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III, on 15 July 1974, aiming for the union of Cyprus with Greece (enosis).
- Makarios Era and Intercommunal Violence: From 1964 to 1974, Cyprus experienced significant intercommunal violence between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, leading to the breakdown of constitutional governance and the emergence of extremist ideologies like enosis and taksim (partition).
The Invasion
- First Phase (20 July 1974): Turkey launched its invasion on 20 July 1974, codenamed “Operation Attila,” in response to the coup against Makarios. Turkish forces landed at Kyrenia (Girne) on the northern coast, meeting resistance from Greek and Greek Cypriot forces. By the time a ceasefire was declared on 22 July, Turkey had captured 3% of Cyprus, violating the ceasefire demanded in UN Security Council Resolution 353.
- Second Phase (14-16 August 1974): Following the breakdown of peace talks, Turkey launched a second offensive on 14 August, expanding its control to approximately 37% of the island. This phase included heavy fighting around the ELDYK camp and resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
Consequences
- Humanitarian Crisis: The invasion led to the displacement of around 150,000 Greek Cypriots from the north, where they constituted 80% of the population, and about 60,000 Turkish Cypriots from the south to the north. The violence and displacement caused immense suffering, with reports of atrocities committed against civilians.
- Partition and the Green Line: The ceasefire line from August 1974 became the United Nations Buffer Zone in Cyprus, commonly known as the Green Line, which still divides the island. This partition has been a source of ongoing conflict and has affected Turkey’s relations with Cyprus, Greece, and the European Union.
- International Reaction: The United Nations Security Council has challenged the legality of Turkey’s actions, noting that the invasion did not safeguard Cyprus’s sovereignty and territorial integrity but instead led to its de facto partition. The international community has largely condemned Turkey’s actions, with UN Security Council Resolution 367 declaring the occupied areas as a “Federated Turkish State” to be invalid.
Legacy
- Ongoing Division: The invasion and subsequent occupation have left Cyprus divided, with the northern part under Turkish control and the southern part under the Republic of Cyprus. Efforts for reunification have been largely unsuccessful, with the division remaining a significant issue in international politics.
- Human Cost: The invasion resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, with estimates of casualties ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 for both military and civilians. The human cost continues to be felt through the separation of families and the unresolved issue of missing persons.
The Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 remains a deeply divisive and painful chapter in the history of Cyprus, with its effects still reverberating through the island’s politics, society, and international relations.
Turkish Invasion of Cyprus