toAs July 20th approaches, this year, the dichotomy is especially pronounced with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan both present in Cyprus, underscoring the ongoing tensions and differing perspectives.

Cyprus finds itself divided by two starkly contrasting narratives. While Greek Cypriots mourn what they term the "Turkish invasion," Turkish Cypriots celebrate their independence and liberation from years of ethnic violence and oppression.

Historical Context and Significance

The events of July 20, 1974, are a pivotal chapter in Cypriot history. For Turkish Cypriots, this date marks the beginning of their liberation with the legal intervention of Türkiye ending over a decade of ethnic cleansing and genocide. The intervention although a culmination to oppression of the Turkish Cypriot population in Cyprus, was also a response to a coup d'état by the Greek junta on July 15, 1974, which aimed to annex Cyprus to Greece, an act that threatened the survival of the Turkish Cypriot community.

The intervention, often referred to as a "peace operation" by Turkish Cypriots, was necessary to halt the ongoing violence and protect the Turkish Cypriot population from the ethnic cleansing campaign orchestrated by Greek Cypriot Eoka terrorist forces. As noted by Rauf Denktaş, the founding President of the TRNC, “The intervention was necessary to protect Turkish Cypriots from ethnic violence and to ensure their survival and independence”.

Celebrating Independence

Every year, Turkish Cypriots commemorate July 20th with a sense of pride and relief. This day is celebrated with military parades, cultural events, and speeches that reinforce the significance of their hard-won freedom. President Ersin Tatar has emphasized the importance of this day, stating, “July 20th is a day of freedom and peace for Turkish Cypriots. It marks our right to self-determination and independence”.

The celebration is not just a display of military strength but also a reaffirmation of their sovereignty and identity. It is a reminder of the resilience of the Turkish Cypriot community in the face of adversity and their determination to maintain their independence.

Prominent Figures and Their Views

Rauf Denktaş, a key figure in the establishment of the TRNC, had been vocal about the necessity of the intervention. He argued that without it, Turkish Cypriots would have faced annihilation. Denktaş stated, “Our struggle is for existence and recognition. We seek peace, but it must be a peace that guarantees our safety and rights”. 

President Ersin Tatar continues to champion this cause, advocating for a two-state solution to ensure lasting peace and stability. He has stated, “The international community must acknowledge the realities on the ground. We have proven ourselves as a functioning, democratic state, deserving of recognition and respect”.

The Harsh Reality

The presence of both Greek and Turkish leaders in Cyprus on July 20th highlights the starkly different realities experienced by the two communities. The Turkish Cypriots' narrative begins with their forcible removal from the partnership government in 1963 by Greek Cypriots, a pivotal event that marked the start of systematic oppression and violence against them. This exclusion was part of a broader plan, known as the Akritas Plan, aimed at achieving Enosis (union with Greece) by eliminating Turkish Cypriot resistance.

Makarios III, the then-President of Cyprus, alongside the nationalist EOKA organization led by General Grivas, played crucial roles in this violent campaign. EOKA’s actions, which included the infamous Iphestos Plan, further intensified the ethnic cleansing efforts against Turkish Cypriots. The atrocities committed during this period, including the siege of Turkish Cypriot enclaves and the massacre of innocent civilians, left a lasting impact on the community.

The Turkish intervention in 1974, often criticized by Greek Cypriots as an invasion, was a direct response to these events. The intervention aimed to protect the Turkish Cypriot community from continued violence and to counter the Greek-led coup that sought to annex Cyprus to Greece. This military action, while controversial, was seen by Turkish Cypriots as a necessary step to ensure their survival and secure their rights amidst a backdrop of relentless aggression.

The Path Forward

Despite the ongoing division, Turkish Cypriot leaders continue to push for international recognition and a sustainable resolution based on a two-state solution. President Tatar has reiterated, “Our goal is to live peacefully as neighbors, with mutual respect and cooperation. A two-state solution is the only viable path forward”.

The Turkish Cypriot community remains committed to dialogue and diplomacy, advocating for their rights on international platforms. Their inclusion as an observer in the Organization of Turkic States is a step towards broader recognition and legitimacy.

TCE Conclusion

As the 50th anniversary of the 1974 events draws near, the dual perspectives of Greek mourning and Turkish Cypriot celebration will be prominently displayed. For Turkish Cypriots, this day marks a pivotal moment in their history—a day of liberation, security, and the affirmation of their identity and independence. The path forward lies in continued advocacy for recognition and a peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect and a two-state solution.

In the words of Rauf Denktaş, “Our future lies in our hands. We will continue to strive for a peaceful and secure homeland for our people”.