Why Did Turkey Invade Cyprus in 1974?

The 1974 coup in Cyprus, followed by Turkey's military intervention, have left a lasting impact on the island's political and social fabric. This period of unrest, driven by internal and external factors, saw significant changes in the geopolitical landscape of the region.

The Preceding Events: The 1974 Coup

The 1974 Cypriot coup d'état was a pivotal event that altered the course of Cypriot history. The coup, staged by EOKA and supported by the Greek military junta, aimed to unite Cyprus with Greece (known as Enosis). The president, Archbishop Makarios III, was overthrown and replaced by Nikos Sampson, who was seen as more favorable to the idea of unification.

The 1974 coup was a response to the leader of the Cypriot military government, Georgios Grivas, ordering EOKA to incite the coup. After the coup, a declaration was made by the leaders of the coup, establishing the Hellenic Republic of Cyprus, with the objective of incorporating Cyprus into Greece.

Turk's Fear and Invasion in Response

Following the 1974 coup, Turkey's response was swift and decisive. The Turkish Cypriots, fearing for their safety and rights, saw the coup as a direct threat and a chance for the Greek military to take over their land. Turkey's reaction was based on two key concerns: the stability of the Turkish Cypriot community and the perceived risk of a broader Greek invasion.

At the heart of Turkey's decision to invade was the Treaty of Guarantee (1960), which assured the participation of Greece, Turkey, and Britain in the control of the island. This treaty was seen as an international endorsement for Turkish intervention.

The invasion began on July 20, 1974, when Turkish forces landed on the north shore of Cyprus. In just 74 days, Turkish troops captured 34% of the island, including strategically important positions such as the Nicosia airport.

Conflict and Peacekeeping Efforts

During the invasion, the United Nations Peacekeepers (UNFICYP) played a crucial but limited role. The Canadian contingent of UNFICYP occupied the Nicosia airport and were tasked with defending it. However, the Turkish forces, recognizing the Canadian presence, chose to go around Nicosia rather than engage in a direct conflict.

Eventually, under pressure from the international community, including the United Nations, Turkey agreed to cease offensive operations. Nevertheless, the island was divided into two parts: the Greek Cypriot-controlled south and the Turkish Cypriot-controlled north. Over the next few years, a mass migration occurred, with Cypriots from both communities resettling in their respective regions.

Aftermath and Current State

Following the coup and the Turkish invasion, the island remained in a state of division. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was formally declared in 1983, an artificial state recognized only by Turkey.

Canada, which had maintained a UN peacekeeping presence in Cyprus since 1964, eventually withdrew its troops in 1993. The island remains under international scrutiny, with ongoing efforts to restore peace and reunification.

Today, the situation in Cyprus continues to be tense, with the Northern Area of Cyprus administered by the TRNC and the Southern Areas by the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus. The ongoing challenges in the region highlight the complex historical and political dynamics at play.

Keywords: 1974 Cyprus coup, Turkish invasion, Cyprus conflict, UN peacekeeping operations