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A March 2026 survey by the Centre for Migration, Identity and Rights Studies (CMIRS) offers a snapshot of attitudes among Turkish Cypriots regarding a possible settlement of the Cyprus problem.
The survey, conducted through in-person interviews with 500 respondents, forms part of a regular quarterly series examining public sentiment on governance, security, and social conditions, alongside views on the island’s future.
According to the findings, a majority of Turkish Cypriots favor a negotiated agreement, with just over 72% expressing support for a resolution. At the same time, approximately 61% consider the continuation of the current situation unacceptable. Slightly more than half of those surveyed said they would find it acceptable to live alongside Greek Cypriots again under a new arrangement.
Among the proposed settlement frameworks, a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality emerged as the most widely accepted option, supported by 78.5% of respondents. A confederal model also received significant backing, while support for a unitary state remained comparatively low.
The survey also assessed concern about the ongoing lack of progress. Nearly 91% of participants said uncertainty surrounding the Cyprus problem is a source of concern, while more than 86% expressed unease over stalled negotiations. Prolonged continuation of the status quo was also viewed negatively by a large majority.
Respondents also reported concerns linked to external factors. A majority indicated unease about Turkey’s increasing influence in the occupied part of Cyprus, while more than 83% expressed concern over the positions of international actors.
Potential settlement outcomes themselves were also viewed with caution. Around 64% of respondents said a federal solution raises concerns, while more than half expressed similar reservations about a two-state scenario.
Economic and regional developments were also cited as key issues. Nearly 90% of participants believe the Cyprus problem hampers economic growth, while close to 80% voiced concern about the risk of renewed tensions on the island. Developments related to energy exploration and security in the Eastern Mediterranean were also widely viewed as a source of concern, including recent agreements involving the government controlled area.
