When was the Cyprus Landing?

The Cyprus Landing was an important military operation launched by the Turkish Armed Forces on July 20, 1974, which deeply affected the history of the island of Cyprus. The operation was carried out in order to ensure the safety of Turkish Cypriots and to establish peace on the island. The increasing pressure and coup attempts by the Greek-Greek administration in the northern part of Cyprus forced Turkey to carry out this intervention. This event became one of the turning points not only in Cyprus but also in the relations between Turkey and Greece. This intervention, also known as the Cyprus Peace Operation, left a lasting impact on the island and shaped the regional balances that continue to this day. In this article, we will focus on the historical background of the Cyprus Landing, the phases of the operation and the long-term effects of this event on the region.

History of the Cyprus Landings

The Cyprus Peace Operation was carried out by the Turkish Armed Forces on July 20, 1974 to protect the Turkish Cypriots from the oppression and persecution of the Greeks. This operation became inevitable as a result of the Greek Cypriot side of the Republic of Cyprus, which was established in 1960, excluding the Turks and pursuing a policy of intense oppression in line with the goal of Enosis (the annexation of Cyprus to Greece).

In 1963, the Republic of Cyprus effectively came to an end and the Greeks excluded the Turks from state institutions. In this process, the attacks launched by the Greeks reached a climax, especially with the events known as "Bloody Christmas" on December 21, 1963. The systematic attacks launched by Greek Cypriot mobs in the Tahtakale neighborhood of Nicosia led to the deaths of many Turks and the evacuation of villages.

In line with the goal of Enosis, the Greek terrorist organization EOKA carried out relentless massacres against the Turkish Cypriots. Especially the "Beach Massacre" in 1963 and the massacre of 21 Turks in the Ayvasıl village of Nicosia left deep scars on the Turkish Cypriot community. The Turkish Cypriots continued their resistance in this difficult process and Turkey's intervention resulted in the Cyprus Peace Operation in 1974. This operation was a legitimate intervention to protect the right to life of the Turkish Cypriots and to establish peace on the island.

Stages and Development of the Cyprus Landings

The military operation launched by Turkey had a great repercussion on the island. In order to carry out this operation successfully, a detailed planning and preparation process was carried out. Each stage was crucial to the success of the operation. The details of these processes shaped the outcome of the operation to a great extent.

Planning and Preparation Process

For the successful realization of the Cyprus Landing, a comprehensive planning and preparation process was first carried out. Turkey determined its strategic objectives for the military operation in Cyprus and prepared a comprehensive military plan. In this process, various units of the Turkish Armed Forces developed the details of the operation in coordination with the naval and air forces. These preparations ensured that the operation was carried out in an effective and harmonious manner. In addition, an analysis of the current situation on the island and the enemy forces was also part of the planning.

Inception Phase

July 20, 1974 is considered as the starting date of the Cyprus Landing. On this date, Turkey launched a military operation in Cyprus, known as the 'Cyprus Peace Operation'. In the first phase, the Turkish Armed Forces successfully landed on the northern coast of the island by sea and air. Strategic points around Kyrenia and Nicosia were targeted and a quick control was established in these areas. This first phase was a critical turning point for the successful progress of the operation and changed the military balance in the region.

Expansion Phase

The second phase of the operation took place on August 14, 1974 and involved a comprehensive military operation. Turkish forces advanced into the interior of the island, expanding their area of control in the north. This phase resulted in the capture of strategic points covering a large area in the north of the island. The second phase aimed to expand the operation and increase Turkey's influence in Cyprus. During this period, there were developments that sensitized the international community to the operation.

International Reactions and Ceasefire

International reactions during the Cyprus Landings were of great importance. Following the August 14th expansion phase, the United Nations Security Council called for a ceasefire and steps were taken to end the conflict. During this period, a ceasefire was reached between Turkey and Greek Cypriots. The international community undertook various diplomatic initiatives to end the conflict and explore peaceful solutions. This ceasefire was an important turning point that affected the military and political outcome of the operation.

Conclusion and the Partition of Cyprus

At the end of the operation, the island of Cyprus was de facto divided in two. It was divided into a Turkish-controlled area in the north and a Greek-controlled area in the south. This division gained an official status with the declaration of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on November 15, 1983. This division of Cyprus caused a deep divide between the two communities on the island and shaped the long-term effects of the Cyprus problem in international relations. The strategic and political landscape of Cyprus has changed significantly since then.

Milestones of the Cyprus Landings

The Cyprus Landings began with Turkey's military intervention and left lasting effects on the island. This important historical event includes a series of critical turning points in the political, military and diplomatic developments in Cyprus. The coup d'état by the Greek Junta, the Turkish military intervention, the ceasefire, the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the intensification of international negotiations are the key stages that shaped the history of the island and the region. This period is crucial for understanding the complexity of the Cyprus problem and its repercussions in international relations.

Coup by the Greek Junta

One of the most critical historical turning points that preceded the Cyprus Landings was the coup d'état by the Greek Junta that took place on July 15, 1974. This coup deposed Makarios, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, and brought Nikos Sampson to power. The new government led by Sampson advocated the goal of Enosis (the annexation of Cyprus to Greece) and increased tensions on the island. Following this coup, Turkey decided to intervene to ensure the safety of the Turkish community in Cyprus. This event profoundly affected the political dynamics in Cyprus and strengthened the rationale for the operation.

Turkey's Military Intervention in Cyprus

The beginning of the Cyprus Landings marks Turkey's military intervention in Cyprus. This operation is referred to as "Operation Peace". A large-scale military landing was made by the Turkish Armed Forces in the north of the island. In the first phase, strategic points around Kyrenia and Nicosia were taken under control. This date marks an important turning point on the island, when Turkish-Greek tensions physically escalated into conflict. Turkey's operation resonated widely with the international community and reshaped regional balances.

Phase Two and the Ceasefire

The second phase of the operation began with a large-scale operation on August 14, 1974. During this phase, Turkish troops advanced into the interior of Cyprus and established effective control over the northern part of the island. On the same day, the United Nations Security Council called for a ceasefire. The ceasefire between Turkey and the Greek Cypriots brought a brief relief to the island, but deepened the process of partition. This date marks a turning point when the de facto division of Cyprus became evident and steps were taken by international diplomacy to end the conflict.

Establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Approximately 9 years after the Cyprus Landings, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was declared on November 15, 1983. This date went down in history as the day the division of Cyprus was officially recognized and the TRNC was established as an independent state. Recognized by Turkey, the TRNC reshaped the political and economic structure of Northern Cyprus. This step crystallized the political status of Cyprus in the international arena and Turkey's influence in the region. The establishment of the TRNC increased the importance of the Cyprus problem in international diplomacy and negotiations.

Intensification of International Negotiations

In the early 1990s, international negotiations on the Cyprus problem gained momentum. During this period, the United Nations and other international actors made various attempts to reduce tensions on the island and find a lasting solution. Negotiations between the two communities of Cyprus intensified the search for a solution and diplomatic efforts. This historical period set the stage for future settlement processes on the island and encouraged the international community to become more involved in the resolution of the Cyprus problem.