National holiday of Cyprus (01/04)

Full name of today's holiday — Day of the beginning of the national liberation struggle against the English colonialists (Greek Cypriot National Day). It is celebrated in memory of the events of 1955, when the «National Organization of Cypriot Independence Fighters» began its activities on April 1.

In 1571, Cyprus was conquered by the powerful Ottoman Empire. Then the island, which was in serious economic decline, was «goth» to accept anyone just to get rid of the high taxes established by the Venetians.

But the Turks who came «saviors» did not live up to the hopes of the Cypriots. Until 1878, the island became « of its own» in the hands of the Ottomans. Anti-Turkish sentiments began to grow in Cyprus, and a movement was born to unite the island with Greece. In the same year, an agreement was concluded, which, most likely, can be called a conspiracy between Turkey and Great Britain on a defensive alliance from Russia and the «giving of rights» to Cyprus.

On November 5, 1914, Great Britain decided the fate of Cyprus unilaterally by announcing its annexation. After the end of the war, the island demanded that Britain annex it at least to Greece many times, but in May 1923, Great Britain officially declared Cyprus one of its colonies. According to the Royal Decree, a new Constitution was proclaimed on the island.

On April 1, 1955, the «National Organization of Cypriot Independence Fighters» began its activities, headed by retired Greek army officer G. Grivas. Cyprus « choked» in riots, anti-British protests and military clashes. Britain declared a state of emergency on the island.

It took several years for Cyprus to finally gain autonomy. The ongoing struggle for freedom and independence was crowned with success only in 1959. In winter, 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.

In December 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 received hard-won and long-awaited autonomy and was proclaimed an Independent Republic. «In inheritance» and in exchange for the independence gained, Great Britain left two military bases on the island: in Dekeli and Akrotiri, which remain active there to this day.

The still protracted «Cyprus problem» has not been resolved (Photo: Volina, licensed by Shutterstock.com)

Cyprus became part of the Council of Europe, the Commonwealth of Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement. The Republic of Cyprus became a full member of the UN in September 1960.

As a result of the Zurich-London Agreement, a new Constitution was imposed on Cyprus, which became the « bone of contention» between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. A few years later, a new disaster befell its residents. In 1964, UN peacekeeping troops were sent to the island after armed clashes, and the island was divided into two parts.

To feel what this means for both sides, it is worth saying that the Greek Cypriots called the resulting border the «line of occupation of the island», and the Turkish Cypriots the — «Green Line». The still protracted «Cyprus problem» has not been resolved.

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