Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 largely in response to a Greek-led coup aimed at uniting Cyprus with Greece (enosis). Turkey framed its action as a “protection” intervention for the Turkish Cypriot community, but the invasion resulted in the occupation of a substantial portion of the island and the division that persists today. The sequence and motives are commonly understood as follows:
- Pretext and trigger: A coup in Cyprus on July 15, 1974, supported by the Greek military junta, toppled President Makarios III and sought to unite Cyprus with Greece. Turkey justified its subsequent military operation as necessary to protect Turkish Cypriots and uphold constitutional order, arguing that Greek national interests were threatening Turkish Cypriots. This provided the immediate justification for Ankara’s military action.
- Military actions: On July 20, 1974, Turkish forces launched a two-phase invasion (initial landings and a subsequent advance in August), occupying roughly a third of the island. The advance created the Green Line, a de facto division between the north and south. This occupation displaced large numbers of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike and reshaped the island’s demographics and politics.
- Aftermath and ongoing dispute: The 1974 occupation led to the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in 1983, which is recognized only by Turkey. The broader international community regards the northern part of Cyprus as occupied territory of the Republic of Cyprus. Efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem have continued for decades, with negotiations addressing issues such as governance, security, property, and the return of displaced populations.
If you’d like, I can provide a concise timeline of key events from 1974 to the present, or explain how international law and UN actions have shaped interpretations of the invasion and its consequences.
