National holiday of Cyprus
Description:
In 1571 Cyprus was conquered by the powerful Ottoman Empire. At that time, the island, which was in serious economic decline, was “ready” to accept anyone to get rid of the high taxes imposed by the Venetians.
But the Turkish “saviors” who came did not justify the hopes of the Cypriots. Until 1878, the island became "own" in the hands of the Ottomans. Anti-Turkish sentiments began to grow in Cyprus, and a movement for the unification of the island with Greece was born. In the same year, a treaty was concluded, which can most likely be called a collusion between Turkey and Britain on a defensive alliance against Russia and the “gift of rights” to Cyprus.
On November 5, 1914, the United Kingdom decided the fate of Cyprus unilaterally by announcing its annexation. After the end of the war, the island demanded from Britain many times to annex it at least to Greece, but in May 1923 Britain officially declared Cyprus one of its colonies. By Royal Decree, a new Constitution was proclaimed on the island.
On April 1, 1955, the National Organization of Cypriot Fighters for Independence began its activities, headed by a retired officer of the Greek army, G. Grivas. Cyprus has been drowned in riots, anti-British protests and military clashes. Britain has declared a state of emergency on the island.
It took several years for Cyprus to finally gain autonomy. The incessant struggle for freedom and independence was not successful until 1959. In the winter of February 19, the Zurich-London Agreement was concluded between Great Britain, Turkey and Greece, in the presence of the Greek and Turkish communities, according to which the state structure and international status of Cyprus were determined.
On December 13, 1959, the famous Archbishop Makarios was elected President of the new state as a result of elections. On August 16, 1960, the island of Cyprus was granted long-awaited autonomy and declared an independent republic. As a legacy and in exchange for independence, Britain left two military bases on the island: at Dekeli and Akrotiri, which remain active there to this day.
Cyprus joined the Council of Europe, the Commonwealth of Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement. The Republic of Cyprus became a full member of the United Nations in September 1960.
As a result of the Zurich-London agreement, a new Constitution was imposed on Cyprus, which became the apple of discord between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots. After 14 years, a new disaster struck its residents. In 1964, UN peacekeeping troops were sent to the island after armed clashes, and the island was divided into two parts.
To get a sense of what this means for both sides, it is worth saying that the Greek Cypriots called the “occupation line of the island” and the Turkish Cypriots called the “Green line”. So far, the whole world has not been able to solve the protracted Cyprus problem.