Founded in 1960, the Republic of Cyprus had the potential to be a shared homeland for both Turkish and Greek Cypriots. However, the dissatisfaction of Greek Cypriots with the republic led to persistent tensions. By 1974, the Cyprus Peace Operation signalled a significant turning point. But how did it come to this? What transpired after the operation, and what did it mean for Turkish Cypriots? On the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation, we seek answers to these questions.
Historical Background of the Conflict
Cyprus, an island coveted since the 4th century BC, witnessed several rulers. The Ottoman Empire governed it for nearly 300 years until World War I when the British took control. Greek Cypriots repeatedly demanded Enosis, the political union with Greece. This demand intensified with the establishment of the EOKA organisation in 1955 under Grivas, escalating tensions for Turkish Cypriots. In response, the Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT) was founded in 1958, led by Rauf Denktaş, advocating for the division of the island.
The United Nations’ Intervention
In 1960, the United Nations brokered a compromise: neither Enosis nor division, but the establishment of an independent Cyprus Republic. This solution aimed for a cooperative administration between the two communities. Yet, disagreements over taxes, armed forces, and public services quickly surfaced. By 1962, President Makarios called for constitutional changes, opposed by Vice President Fazıl Küçük, who accused Makarios of undermining his veto power. Nationalist factions on both sides gained strength, and mutual distrust grew amid terrorist acts of unclear origin.
Bloody Christmas and its Aftermath
Tragically, the tensions peaked on 21-22 December 1963, in what became known as Bloody Christmas. Hundreds of Turkish Cypriots were killed, and many fled their homes. A political solution seemed ever more elusive. Amid escalating violence, Turkish leaders, including Prime Minister İnönü, prepared for military intervention. The threat of Turkish action forced the conflict back to the UN, leading to the deployment of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). However, fighting continued sporadically.
The 1974 Coup: A Game-Changer
The situation remained tense through the late 1960s and early 1970s. Despite no events as devastating as Bloody Christmas, the social fabric was severely damaged. Turkish Cypriots lived in isolation, seeking protection and aligning politically closer to Turkey, while Greek Cypriots clung to the Enosis goal. President Makarios, initially a staunch supporter of Greek interests, engaged in talks with the Turkish Cypriot Temporary Administration from 1967 onwards, although his attempts at reconciliation often faced opposition.
On 15 July 1974, the political landscape of Cyprus shifted dramatically. The Greek military junta orchestrated a coup, overthrowing Makarios and installing Nikos Sampson, an ardent Enosis advocate. This development posed an existential threat to Turkish Cypriots. As a guarantor power, Turkey deemed it necessary to act.
Turkey’s Military Response
After Makarios fled and addressed the UN General Assembly, urging intervention, Turkey responded decisively. On 20 July 1974, Turkish forces launched the Cyprus Peace Operation, starting with airborne and naval landings. Despite a ceasefire on 22 July, Turkish forces continued to advance, eventually securing significant territory.
The intervention led to the collapse of both the Greek junta and Sampson’s administration. Konstantinos Karamanlis returned from exile to establish a civilian government in Greece. Turkey, Greece, and the UK began negotiations to restore constitutional order, culminating in the Geneva Agreement on 30 July, recognising two autonomous administrations on the island.
Ayşe Goes on Holiday: The Second Phase of the Operation
Despite the Geneva Agreement, hostilities persisted, prompting Turkey to launch a second military operation on 14 August 1974, famously codenamed “Ayşe goes on holiday.” By 18 August, Turkish forces controlled 38% of the island, securing the targeted Mağusa-Lefke line.
The Cyprus Peace Operation brought a semblance of stability for Turkish Cypriots, leading to the establishment of the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus in 1975. This entity evolved into the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on 15 November 1983.
