The Complex History of Turkey and Cyprus Relations

The relationship between Turkey and Cyprus is a complex and intricate one, with a long and troubled history. It is a story of colonization, conflict, and division that continues to shape the political landscape of both countries.

The history of their relationship dates back several centuries, but it was during the 19th and 20th centuries that the situation escalated and took a dramatic turn. In 1878, the Ottoman Empire, which included Cyprus at the time, lost control of the island to the British Empire. The British rule over Cyprus would last for almost eight decades, creating a sense of resentment and division among the local population.

In the years leading up to the independence of Cyprus in 1960, tensions between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities grew. The Greek Cypriots, who formed the majority of the population, sought for Cyprus to become part of Greece, while the Turkish Cypriots favored a separate state or autonomy within Cyprus.

These tensions eventually boiled over in 1974 when a Greek military junta orchestrated a coup against the Cypriot government, seeking to unify the island with Greece. This coup led to a Turkish military invasion that resulted in the division of the island. The northern part of Cyprus became an independent entity recognized only by Turkey, known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), while the southern part remained under the control of the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus (ROC).

The division of Cyprus created a deep rift between Turkey and the international community, as the Turkish invasion was seen as a blatant violation of international law. The ROC became a member of the United Nations, the European Union, and other international organizations, while the TRNC remained unrecognized by most countries.

Efforts to reunify Cyprus have been ongoing since the division in 1974. The United Nations has facilitated numerous negotiation processes between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive settlement that would reunite the island as a bi-communal and bi-zonal federation.

However, these efforts have been consistently unsuccessful, with a lack of trust and deep-rooted disagreements on core issues such as power-sharing, property rights, and security arrangements. The Turkish Cypriots and Turkey argue that a federal solution should ensure the political equality and security of the Turkish Cypriot community, while the Greek Cypriots insist on the removal of foreign troops from the island and the return of properties to their rightful owners.

The complex history of Turkey and Cyprus relations has also been shaped by broader regional dynamics. Turkey’s aspiration to become a regional power and its own dispute with Greece over maritime boundaries have further complicated the situation. In recent years, natural gas discoveries in the eastern Mediterranean have added another layer of tension, with both Turkey and Cyprus claiming rights to the resources.

The unresolved Cyprus issue continues to be a stumbling block in Turkey’s bid to join the European Union. Several EU member states, most notably Greece and Cyprus, have been vocal in their opposition to Turkey’s accession due to its occupation of the northern part of Cyprus.

The relationship between Turkey and Cyprus remains strained, with periodic flare-ups of tension and occasional attempts to restart negotiations. The wounds of the past are deep and healing them will likely require significant political will and compromise from all parties involved.

In conclusion, the history of Turkey and Cyprus relations is a complex and multifaceted one, defined by colonization, conflict, and division. The unresolved issue of Cyprus continues to have far-reaching implications for both countries and the wider region. Reaching a lasting solution will require a commitment to dialogue, compromise, and a shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous future.