Cyprus
Cyprus

Introduction to Cyprus: A Historical Overview

Cyprus, an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean, offers a complex tapestry of history and culture. Once under British colonial rule, Cyprus gained independence in 1960, but this newfound autonomy was marred by intercommunal tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and the Turkish Cypriot minority. These tensions escalated dramatically in 1974 when a coup backed by the Greek government led to Turkey's military intervention, resulting in the division of the island. In 1983, the northern part declared itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey. Despite these challenges, the entire island became a member of the European Union in 2004, though EU laws apply only to the areas under the internationally recognized government. Today, Turkish Cypriots who qualify for Republic of Cyprus citizenship enjoy the same rights as other EU citizens. As you delve into Cyprus's history, you'll uncover stories of resilience and attempts at reunification, including the failed Annan Plan in 2004 and the stalled negotiations in 2017. This rich and turbulent past frames Cyprus as a unique geopolitical entity in the Mediterranean.

Background

A former British colony, Cyprus became independent in 1960 after years of resistance to British rule. Tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot minority came to a head in December 1963, when violence broke out in the capital of Nicosia. Despite the deployment of UN peacekeepers in 1964, sporadic intercommunal violence continued and forced most Turkish Cypriots into enclaves throughout the island. In 1974, a Greek Government-sponsored attempt to overthrow the elected president of Cyprus was met by military intervention from Turkey, which soon controlled more than a third of the island. In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot administered area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC), but it is recognized only by Turkey. A UN-mediated agreement to reunite Cyprus, the Annan Plan, failed to win approval from both communities in 2004. The most recent round of reunification negotiations was suspended in 2017 after failure to achieve a breakthrough.

The entire island joined the EU in 2004, although the EU acquis -- the body of common rights and obligations -- applies only to the areas under the internationally recognized government and is suspended in the TRNC. However, individual Turkish Cypriots able to document their eligibility for Republic of Cyprus citizenship have the same legal rights accorded to citizens of other EU states.

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