A Brief History

Cyprus: A Divided Nation

A Brief History

Cyprus, an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, has a long and complex history. The island has been ruled by a variety of empires, including the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. In 1960, Cyprus gained independence from the United Kingdom.

The Division of Cyprus

Since independence, Cyprus has been divided into two parts: the Greek Cypriot-controlled south and the Turkish Cypriot-controlled north. The division of the island was the result of a civil war that broke out in 1963. The war ended in 1974 with a Turkish invasion of the north.

The Current Situation

Today, Cyprus remains a divided island. The two sides are separated by a buffer zone that is patrolled by the United Nations. The Greek Cypriot-controlled south is a member of the European Union, while the Turkish Cypriot-controlled north is not.

The Future of Cyprus

The future of Cyprus is uncertain. There have been several attempts to reunify the island, but none have been successful. The two sides remain deeply divided on the issue of reunification.