Searching for a Solution after 50 Years of Conflict in Cyprus

The conflicts that have been going on for 50 years in Cyprus have led to a serious separation between the Turkish and Greek communities. Historical, cultural and ethnic differences between the two sides of the island are among the main reasons for the ongoing conflict. Shortly after the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, which was established in 1960, the conflict between the Turks and the Greeks on the island gradually increased and in 1974 Turkey made a military intervention in the north of Cyprus. This resulted in the division of the island and the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. After 50 years of conflict, many solutions for peace have been sought in Cyprus. However, establishing peace on the island proved very difficult and the search for a solution was often unsuccessful. In 2004, a solution plan called the Annan Plan was presented, but this plan was rejected by the majority of the Greek Cypriots. In recent years, a number of positive steps have been taken in the search for a solution in Cyprus. While the Greek Cypriot leadership made statements about recognizing the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey, Turkey announced that it was seeking a peaceful solution on the island. In 2015, a series of talks were held between the two sides and the Cyprus talks officially started. The aim of the talks is to unite the island and ensure that the two communities can live under a common state. A series of meetings were held to advance the talks, and a network of joint institutions working effectively between the people living in the two parts of the island was designed. However, despite the search for a solution, the Cyprus problem still continues. Although it will be difficult for the two sides to come together for peace after years of conflict, the path to reaching a solution may take steps in the coming years. As a result, the conflicts in Cyprus reflect the differences between the two sides of the island. However, the positive steps in the search for a solution to ensure peace indicate that a unifying solution may be possible for Cyprus in the future.