Turkish Forces Invade Cyprus Following Coup
July 20th, 1974
July 20th, 1974
How Long Ago?
50 years, 7 months, 23 days ago
Location
Cyprus
Category
Military & Warfare
People
- Georgios Papadopoulos
- Makarios III
- Rauf Denktaş
- Alparslan Türkeş
Links & References
Tags
Turkish Forces Invade Cyprus Following Coup
Turkish military forces invaded Cyprus following a coup d'état orchestrated by Greek Cypriots who sought to oust President Makarios III. The coup, which was supported by the military junta in Greece, led to instability and Greek-Turkish tensions on the island. In response to the coup and demands from the Turkish Cypriot community for intervention, Turkey launched Operation Attila to secure northern Cyprus, claiming it aimed to protect Turkish Cypriots and restore constitutional order.
Turkish forces launched Operation Attila.
The coup targeted President Makarios III.
Cyprus divided between Greek and Turkish communities.
Territorial control shifted significantly after invasion.
What Happened?
In July 1974, a parliamentary coup in Cyprus led by Greek Cypriots aimed to unite the island with Greece, resulting in the ousting of President Makarios III. This coup was backed by the Greek military junta, which exerted control over Greece and its territories. The political unrest alarmed the Turkish community in Cyprus, who feared for their safety and demanded intervention. In light of these developments, and under the pretext of protecting the Turkish Cypriots, Turkey initiated its military intervention known as Operation Attila on July 20, 1974. This operation commenced with air and naval forces landing on the northern part of the island, specifically at Kyrenia and Famagusta.The invasion led to significant territorial changes in Cyprus, as Turkish forces rapidly took control of about one-third of the island. In response, the United Nations called for a ceasefire, but the conflict escalated further. Negotiations in the subsequent years failed to resolve the division of Cyprus, which officially split into the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, declared in 1983 but only recognized by Turkey. Despite numerous attempts at reconciliation and peace talks, the division remains in effect today, highlighting the complex and often contentious relationship between Greece and Turkey.
Why Does it Matter?
The Turkish invasion of Cyprus had long-lasting implications for the geopolitical landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean. It solidified the division of Cyprus and contributed to increased tensions between Greece and Turkey, impacting their bilateral relations for decades. The event exemplified the complexities of nationalism and ethnic conflict, making it a significant case study for international relations, peace efforts, and conflict resolution.
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