
The Cyprus Conflict: Understanding the Root Causes and Current State of Affairs
The Cyprus conflict, also known as the Cyprus dispute, has been ongoing for over half a century. It is a result of historical and political conflicts between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities, their respective motherlands of Greece and Turkey, and colonial powers who occupied the island in the past.
The root causes of the conflict can be traced back to the late 19th century when the Ottoman Empire began to falter, and European powers began projecting their influence into the eastern Mediterranean. In 1878, Britain took over the administration of Cyprus from the Ottomans, which was followed by the annexation of the island into the British Empire in 1914.
This occupation by the British led to tensions between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities. The Greeks, who held the majority of the population, sought self-determination and enosis, or union with Greece. The Turks, however, wanted to maintain the status quo and maintain their cultural and religious identity on the island.
In 1955, a Greek Cypriot nationalist group called EOKA was formed, which began a campaign of terrorism against British colonial rule in Cyprus. Turkey responded by establishing the Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT), which protected the rights of Turkish Cypriots.
In 1960, the Republic of Cyprus was established as an independent state with equal rights and representation for both communities. However, the power-sharing agreement did not last long, and by 1963, intercommunal violence erupted, leading to the displacement of thousands of people.
In 1974, a Greek military junta backed coup attempted to overthrow the Cypriot government and replace it with a government favoring union with Greece. In response, Turkey launched a military invasion of the island, occupied the northern part, and subsequently established the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The international community does not recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as a sovereign state.
The current state of the Cyprus conflict is one of political deadlock, with attempts at reunification persistently failing. Although several UN-backed negotiations have taken place over the years, the fundamental issue of the island’s partition remains unresolved. The two sides are divided on issues such as power-sharing, property rights, and territorial control.
The conflict has had a severe impact on the daily lives of Cypriots, with both communities experiencing immense suffering, including loss of life, displacement, and economic hardship.
As the Cyprus conflict remains unresolved, there are ongoing efforts to find a solution that will bring reconciliation and stability to the island. There is a need for a renewed commitment from both communities, their respective motherlands, and the international community to engage in dialogue and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Ultimately, the Cypriot people deserve the chance to live in a united and peaceful country.