Cyprus-Turkey Dispute: A Deep Dive into the Geopolitical Conflict

The dispute between Turkey and Cyprus is a long-standing political and territorial dispute, which is mainly about land rights and sovereignty on the island of Cyprus. What is the status of the community on this? What is it? Know in detail the main reason for the dispute between these two countries -

History of Cyprus

Cyprus is an island country located in the Mediterranean Sea, whose history is thousands of years old. It is surrounded by sea on all sides. It has no terrestrial boundaries. It was settled by the Mycenaean Greeks in ancient times and later it was part of Egypt, Persia, Rome and the Byzantine Empire. In 1191 it was captured by the British English King Richard and later it came under Venice and then the Ottoman Empire in 1571. British administration came in 1878 and it was colonized in 1925. Cyprus gained independence in 1960. If seen, it is strategically located between Europe, Asia and Africa. Its population is approximately 1370754.  The main reason for the dispute between Turkey and Cyprus is that two major communities live on this island 1. Greek Cypriots - They are the majority in Cyprus. Their population is about 77%. 2. Turkish Cypriots - They are a minority in Cyprus whose population is about 18 percent.

Military intervention and division of 1974

In 1974, Archbishop Makarios was the President of the Cyprus government who was a supporter of Turkey. On 15 July 1974, the military government of Greece and the supporters of Greece together removed the President from the chair. In response to this, after the coup, Turkey intervened militarily in Northern Cyprus. And after this Cyprus was divided into two parts, the first part is called Southern Cyprus and the second part is called Northern Cyprus.

The first part is under the control of Greek Cyprus. Which is internationally recognized as a country. Its name in European and United Nations is Republic of Cyprus. Apart from this, many other countries also recognize it. The second part is Northern Cyprus which is controlled by Turkish Cyprus. Which was declared "Northern Cyprus" in 1983.  It has not been recognized by the United Nations or any country. Only Turkey recognizes it.

Other reasons for the dispute

Turkey recognizes only Northern Cyprus. It calls it the real Cyprus. While the rest of the world considers the Republic of Cyprus to be Cyprus. There are still about 30,000 Turkish soldiers deployed in Northern Cyprus.

When this union was formed in 1974, after the war many people were displaced from here to there, among whom there is a dispute over land and property. Since Cyprus is near the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, there are gas and oil reserves around it. This has increased the tension further.

Effect of division

During the war in 1974, many people were moved from one place to another. Due to the division of the citizens of both the displaced areas, thousands of families have lost their homes and land and have been deprived of their land and property. This is increasing the social and economic gap between the two sides. South Cyprus has a separate currency and a separate passport. While Northern Cyprus has a separate passport currency, the Turkish Lira. Both have their own separate administrative system.  Which is affecting the residents of both the areas. The social and economic gap between the two sides is increasing.

Current situation and efforts for solution

The United Nations has urged both the sides to unite several times. UN-mediated talks have been held several times in this regard. But no permanent solution has been found till date. In 2004, a proposal came which is known as (Annan Plan). But Greek Cyprus rejected it and this proposal also went into cold storage. No solution has been found since then and the current situation remains as it is. There is still limited movement between the two areas. But full integration is a distant dream.

Conclusion

The dispute between Turkey and Cyprus is one of the longest unresolved geopolitical conflicts in the Mediterranean region. Rooted in historical occupation, ethnic divisions and military intervention, the island has been divided since 1974 into the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus (South) and Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus.  Despite several UN-mediated peace efforts, including the Annan Plan in 2004, no permanent solution has been achieved. The continuing division has deepened the socio-economic and political differences between the two communities. A permanent solution will require mutual agreement, international cooperation and a shared vision for reunification. This will lead to happiness, peace and prosperity not only in the entire region but also in the world by bringing the two countries together.

 Let us see in the coming times whether the two countries together or any other country can play the role of mediator and bring peace between these two countries or find some other way. Comment and let us know.