Cyprus conflict: 50 years since the Turkish invasion

A look back at the events that led to the division of the island

By [Author's Name]

On July 20, 1974, Turkish forces landed on the island of Cyprus. The invasion was a response to a coup d'état by the Greek Cypriot National Guard, which had overthrown the Cypriot government and declared union with Greece. The Turkish invasion led to the division of the island into two parts: the Greek Cypriot-controlled Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Cypriot-controlled Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north.

The Cyprus conflict has been a source of tension between Greece and Turkey for decades. In recent years, tensions have escalated over the issue of drilling for natural gas in the eastern Mediterranean. In 2019, Turkey began drilling for gas in an area that Cyprus claims as its own. This has led to protests from Cyprus and the European Union, which has imposed sanctions on Turkey.

The Cyprus conflict is a complex and long-standing issue. There is no easy solution, and it is likely to continue to be a source of tension between Greece and Turkey for years to come.