The Unyielding National Policy of the Republic of Cyprus
Turkey’s Continuous Support for Turkish Cypriots: A Historical Perspective
Cyprus, a historical island with a complex past, has long been the subject of power struggles and territorial disputes. Its history intertwines the narratives of the Ottoman Empire, England, Greece, and Turkey. In this context, Turkey’s unwavering support for the Turkish Cypriots has played a crucial role in shaping the island’s present realities.
Beginning in 1571, when Cyprus was captured by the Ottoman Empire from the Venetians, the island remained under Ottoman control for centuries. However, in 1878, as part of a geopolitical decision during the Ottoman-Russian War, Cyprus was rented to England while its sovereignty rights were retained by the Ottoman Empire. Thus, the Turkish military presence on the island ceased after 307 years.
During the First World War, the Ottoman Empire and England found themselves on different sides of the conflict. Exploiting this situation, England unilaterally annexed Cyprus in 1914. This move set the stage for a continued period of British colonial rule and increased Greek efforts to unite Cyprus with Greece, starting in 1931. Naturally, the Turkish Cypriots resisted this Greek-centric agenda.
The Cyprus issue gained international attention when Greece brought it before the United Nations in 1954, claiming the Greeks’ right to self-determination. Turkey promptly asserted itself as a party to the dispute. The situation further escalated when Colonel Grivas established the EOKA terrorist organization in 1955, initiating a series of actions against the Turks. Consequently, the Cyprus issue became a significant concern for Turkey.
Turkey’s resolute foreign policy stance and the Turkish Cypriots’ resistance against Greek attempts to connect the island to Greece ultimately facilitated negotiations between Turkey and Greece. The Zurich and London agreements, signed on February 11, 1959, laid the groundwork for a partnership between the two communities and a solution, under the guarantee of Turkey, Greece, and England. Thus, 45 years after British annexation, Turkey gained guarantorship in Cyprus, allowing for the deployment of a regiment of Turkish soldiers.
In 1960, the “Republic of Cyprus” was established on the island, gaining independence from England based on the partnership of the two communities. However, tensions escalated after the implementation of the Akritas Plan in 1963, which forcibly removed Turkish Cypriots from their administrative positions and subjected them to massacres and systematic Greek attacks.
As Greek attacks against the Turks intensified, Turkey expressed its intention to intervene in Cyprus in 1964. Despite a letter from US President Lyndon B. Johnson urging restraint, Turkey remained uncompromising. In response to Greek attempts to attack Erenköy and surrounding villages in 1964, Turkey launched an air operation, during which Pilot Captain Cengiz Topel martyred.
In 1974, with the support of Greece’s military junta, Nikos Sampson, the leader of the EOKA terrorist organization, carried out a coup against Makarios, the President of the “Republic of Cyprus,” aiming to connect the island to Greece. Turkey, concerned about the security of the Turkish population on the island, launched the Peace Operation on July 20, 1974.
The Turkish Cypriots, who had endured years of mass murder, exile, and systematic oppression from 1963 to 1974, were able to establish their own independent state on the island thanks to Turkey’s Peace Operation. The declaration of the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus in 1975, immediately after the operation, paved the way for the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983.
It is crucial to note that Turkey’s support for the Turkish Cypriots has been steadfast throughout history. Beginning with the opening of consulates in the cities of Nicosia and Larnaca in 1925, Turkey has continuously provided educational opportunities, cultural ties, and support against terrorism. Moreover, Turkey played a pivotal role in the establishment, development, and international recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
As Turkey prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary on October 29, TRNC President Ersin Tatar acknowledges the integral role that Turkey’s War of Independence and subsequent revolutions played in inspiring the Turkish Cypriots’ struggle for independence. Tatar expresses gratitude for Turkey’s continuous support and emphasizes that a new era of unity and partnership between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots will eventually dawn.
As we approach significant anniversaries, including the 40th anniversary of the TRNC’s founding, the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation, and the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey, the Turkish Cypriot people reflect on their achievements and express gratitude to Turkey for its unwavering assistance across various fields.
Let us commemorate these historic milestones and express our heartfelt appreciation to Turkey for its continuous support and dedication to the Turkish Cypriots. Happy 100th anniversary to the Republic of Turkey!
