1974 Turkish Invasion
What Happened
The summer of 1974 split the history of Cyprus into “before” and “after.” Within a few weeks, the island was cut in two, hundreds of thousands of people lost their homes, thousands were killed or went missing.
Timeline of Events
15 July 1974 — Coup
The Greek military junta organized a coup against President Makarios. The putschists wanted enosis — union with Greece.
Makarios miraculously escaped and fled abroad. Power was seized by Nikos Sampson — a former EOKA-B militant.
20 July 1974 — Invasion (First Phase)
Turkey sent in troops, declaring it was “protecting Turkish Cypriots” under the 1960 treaty.
The landing took place near Kyrenia. Turkish forces captured a corridor from the coast to the Turkish quarters of Nicosia.
❓ When did Turkey invade Cyprus?
→ 20 July 1974
23 July — Fall of the Junta
The coup failed. In Greece, the military junta fell. In Cyprus, the legitimate government was restored.
But Turkey did not leave.
14 August 1974 — Second Phase
After the failure of the Geneva talks, Turkey launched a second wave of the offensive.
Within two days, Turkish forces occupied 36.2% of the island’s territory — the entire north up to the Morphou–Famagusta line.
Consequences in Numbers
| Fact | Data |
|---|---|
| Territory occupied | 36.2% |
| Greek Cypriots expelled | ~200 000 (1/3 of the population) |
| Turkish Cypriots relocated to the north | ~45 000 |
| Missing persons | ~1 400 people |
| Turkish troops on the island | ~43 000 soldiers |
| Settlers from Turkey | ~160 000 people |
❓ How many Greek Cypriots became refugees in 1974?
→ About 200 000 (one third of the population)
Refugees
200 000 Greek Cypriots were forced to leave their homes in the north. They made up 70% of the population of the occupied areas.
People fled with whatever they managed to grab. Many thought they would return in a few days. They have still not returned.
Enclaves: After the invasion, about 20 000 Greeks and Maronites remained in the north. Today there are fewer than 500 — the rest were forced to leave.
Missing Persons
~1 400 people are still listed as missing — soldiers and civilians.
The Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) works with both sides, but the Turkish side refused to cooperate for a long time.
Every year remains are found and identified. For many families, 50 years of waiting have passed.
Turkish Troops and Settlers
Troops
There are ~43 000 Turkish soldiers in the occupied territory — one of the highest concentrations of troops in the world relative to area and population.
Settlers
Since 1974, Turkey has relocated ~160 000 people from mainland Turkey to Cyprus — this is illegal colonization under international law.
Emigration of Turkish Cypriots
A paradox: 58 000 out of 116 000 indigenous Turkish Cypriots left the island after 1974. Reasons include economic isolation, lack of prospects, and becoming a minority in their own land.
Result: Today Turkish Cypriots are a minority in the north — there are fewer of them than Turkish soldiers and settlers combined (ratio roughly 1:2).
❓ Who are more numerous in the north: Turkish Cypriots or settlers from Turkey?
→ Settlers from Turkey (plus troops)
Varosha (Βαρώσια / Varosha)
Where: District of the city of Famagusta (Αμμόχωστος / Ammochostos)
Before 1974: One of the most popular resorts in the Mediterranean. Hotels, beaches, nightclubs. Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot vacationed here.
After 1974: A ghost town. A closed military zone. Buildings have been decaying for 50 years.
Residents fled on the morning of 14 August 1974. Many left breakfast on the table, thinking they would be back by lunch.
❓ What is the name of the ghost town in Famagusta?
→ Varosha (Βαρώσια)
Cultural Losses
The Turkish occupation is accompanied by the systematic destruction of Greek and Christian heritage:
- Churches: turned into mosques, warehouses, barns, nightclubs
- Icons and frescoes: looted, sold on the black market
- Cemeteries: desecrated, gravestones destroyed
- Names: Greek place names replaced with Turkish ones
Why This Is Illegal
| Body | Position |
|---|---|
| UN resolutions | Condemn the occupation, demand withdrawal of troops |
| European Court of Human Rights | Holds Turkey responsible for massive human rights violations |
| EU | Cyprus is an EU member; the north is the occupied territory of an EU member state |
| The entire international community | Does not recognize the “TRNC” |
All resolutions and court decisions remain unimplemented. Turkey ignores international law.
Commemorative Dates
| Date | What is commemorated |
|---|---|
| 15 July | Memorial day of the coup |
| 20 July | Memorial day of the invasion |
On these days there are ceremonies, laying of wreaths, and moments of silence. For Cyprus this is a living trauma, not distant history.
Chronology
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 15 July 1974 | Coup against Makarios |
| 20 July 1974 | Turkish invasion (first phase) |
| 23 July 1974 | Fall of the Greek junta |
| 14 August 1974 | Second phase, occupation of 36.2% |
| 1983 | Proclamation of the “TRNC” |
Key Facts to Remember
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Date of the invasion | 20 July 1974 |
| Territory occupied | 36.2% of the territory |
| Refugees (Greek Cypriots) | ~200 000 |
| Missing persons | ~1 400 |
| Turkish troops | ~43 000 |
| Settlers from Turkey | ~160 000 |
| Turkish Cypriots who emigrated | 58 000 |
| Ghost town | Varosha |
| Who recognizes the “TRNC” | Only Turkey |