Cyprus commemorates half a century since Turkish invasion

Half a century has passed since the tragic morning of July 20, 1974, when Turkish forces invaded Cyprus, marking the start of a prolonged period of death, destruction, and occupation that persists to this day. The invasion violated international law, resulting in the illegal occupation of 37% of the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member since 2004.

At 5:30 AM local time today, air-raid sirens sounded, commemorating the exact moment the invasion began and serving as a somber reminder of the island's tragic history. This year’s remembrance comes as Cyprus prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the second time in 2026. Despite numerous rounds of UN-led peace talks, Nicosia remains the last divided capital in Europe.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres recently appointed Cuellar as his personal envoy for Cyprus to facilitate dialogue and seek common ground in resolving the Cyprus issue. Guterres, in his UNFICYP report, emphasized that while the United Nations supports ongoing dialogue, the lack of agreement continues to create both practical and psychological hurdles.

Today, Cyprus honors those who defended their homeland in 1974. Commemorative events are organized across all government-controlled areas, including prayers and memorials for the fallen and missing. President Nikos Christodoulides, along with Cabinet members, attended a ceremony at the Tomb of Makedonitissa to unveil statues of Tasos Markos, Fotis Christou, and Andreas Aresti, followed by an official prayer.

Later, the President participated in a church ceremony led by Archbishop Georgios and members of the Holy Synod at the Church of Apostle Varnavas in Kokkinotrimithia. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to address an event hosted by the President at the Presidential Palace, marking the 50th anniversary of the invasion. A delegation from the Hellenic Parliament, led by Second Vice-Speaker Georgios Georgantas, and SYRIZA President Stefanos Kasselakis, are also in Cyprus for the events.

On Sunday, memorial services will take place in all towns, with government officials laying wreaths on behalf of the President. Political parties and citizen organizations have issued statements condemning the Turkish invasion, emphasizing the need for unity and a just solution to the Cyprus problem.

The Turkish invasion, code-named "Attila," saw Turkish soldiers landing on the northern coast of Cyprus, leading to widespread devastation, including brutal executions, rapes, and destruction of property. The coup-installed government resigned just three days later, on July 23, 1974.

Despite UN Security Council Resolution 353 calling for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of foreign troops, peace remained elusive. Subsequent talks in Geneva were disrupted by Turkey's further invasion on August 14, 1974, which resulted in the occupation of additional territories, including Morphou, Famagusta, and Karpasia.

The conflict resulted in 3,000 deaths and displaced 162,000 Greek Cypriots, turning them into refugees in their own country. Turkish Cypriots were also forced to relocate to the occupied areas. The Greek Cypriots and Maronites who chose to remain faced harassment and severe restrictions, reducing their numbers to just 300 today.

The most poignant issue remains the thousands of missing persons, many of whom were taken to Turkey and never returned. The humanitarian crisis continues to haunt the island, underscoring the need for a resolution that honors the memory of the past and promises a peaceful future.