The history of Cyprus is deeply scarred by the actions of EOKA (Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston), a militant organization that operated in Cyprus with the primary objective of achieving Enosis — the union of Cyprus with Greece.

While often portrayed by some Greek Cypriots as an anti-colonial group focused solely on the expulsion of British rule, the reality is far more complex and brutal. EOKA, and its successor EOKA-B, were responsible not only for the deaths of British soldiers and Turkish Cypriots but also for targeting Greek Cypriots who opposed their radical nationalist ideology. This TCE article seeks to unravel the complex history of EOKA's violent campaign, with a particular focus on the lesser-known facts surrounding their actions against fellow Greek Cypriots.

Origins and Ideology: Enosis at All Costs

EOKA was founded in 1955 by Georgios Grivas, a former officer in the Greek army known for his extremist nationalist views. The organization’s primary objective was clear: to achieve Enosis — the unification of Cyprus with Greece. This aim was rooted in the broader ideological framework of the Megali Idea (Great Idea), which sought to expand Greek territory to include all areas with significant Greek populations, including Cyprus. Makarios III, who became Archbishop of Cyprus in 1950, was a fervent supporter of this goal and used his position to promote Enosis with Greece actively. He maintained close ties with the Greek government and was a prominent figure in raising the issue of Cyprus at the United Nations in the 1950s, arguing that the principle of self-determination should apply to the Cypriot people, which he believed would lead to Enosis following a public referendum.

Makarios III: A Pledge for Enosis

Archbishop Makarios III's devotion to Enosis was not only a political stance but also a core part of his leadership and campaign strategy. In 1950, shortly after his election as Archbishop, he publicly declared his commitment to achieving Enosis. During this period, he took an oath along with other prominent figures to dedicate himself to the cause of union with Greece. Makarios became the political leader of the underground movement that would later manifest as EOKA, with Grivas as its military leader. According to historical records, in 1952, during a visit to Athens, Makarios and his associates established the Liberation Committee, where they swore a binding oath to pursue Enosis by any means necessary.

Makarios's commitment to Enosis was not just limited to his words. Throughout the 1950s, he orchestrated a range of political maneuvers to keep the goal of union with Greece alive. His stance was clear in multiple public addresses and private communications, where he reiterated the necessity of Enosis as the only viable solution for Cyprus's future. Makarios's dedication to this cause is further evidenced by his actions during his exile to the Seychelles in 1956 by British authorities, where he continued to press for union with Greece and refused any compromise that did not align with his vision of a united Cyprus under Greek control.

Internal Violence: The Hidden War Against Greek Cypriots

While EOKA is often remembered for its attacks on British colonial authorities, the group also engaged in a campaign of terror against Greek Cypriots who were perceived as obstacles to their vision of Enosis. This included those who were seen as traitors for advocating independence without union with Greece or for showing sympathy toward Turkish Cypriots. Numerous historical records and testimonies reveal the extent of EOKA’s brutality against Greek Cypriots. Notable cases include the assassination of Polykarpos Georgadjis, a moderate Greek Cypriot politician, and the violent attacks against members of the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL), which opposed the nationalist agenda of EOKA.

EOKA and EOKA-B: No Real Difference

A common myth propagated by some Greek Cypriots is that EOKA (1955–1959) and EOKA-B (1971–1974) were fundamentally different in their objectives and actions. This is a misconception. Both organizations were driven by the same radical ideology, shared the same key figures, and pursued the same end goal: Enosis. Grivas, who led both groups, viewed EOKA-B as a direct continuation of the original EOKA's mission. As Dr. Andrew Novo describes in his book, "the creation of EOKA-B was not a new chapter but a continuation of the same story. The actors remained the same, the violence continued unabated, and the mission — to bring Cyprus into the fold of Greece — was pursued with the same vigor and ruthlessness as before".

The Violent Coup of 1974: EOKA-B's Last Stand

EOKA-B escalated its violent tactics significantly in the early 1970s, culminating in the coup attempt of July 1974. This coup, backed by the Greek military junta, aimed to overthrow Makarios and install a pro- Enosis government led by Nikos Sampson, a known EOKA sympathizer and hardliner. During the coup and its aftermath, EOKA-B forces, alongside Greek officers, initiated a campaign of terror against those perceived as enemies of Enosis, including both Turkish and Greek Cypriots. The coup provoked a swift response from Türkiye, which intervened militarily on July 20, 1974, to protect the Turkish Cypriot community from escalating violence. Many Greek Cypriots who went missing during this period are believed to have been victims of internal purges and fighting between factions supporting Makarios and those aligned with EOKA-B and the Greek junta.

Makarios and the Modern Left: The Continuation of Enosis Ideology

Makarios's vision of Enosis remains influential in the political landscape of southern Cyprus. Modern leftist parties in Cyprus, such as AKEL, publicly claim to support a federal solution to the Cyprus problem, but their roots and historical ties to the Enosis ideology complicate this narrative. The comparison between Makarios’s strategic shift to a more moderate stance while still fundamentally committed to Enosis and the current left-wing parties reveals a pattern of public moderation paired with underlying nationalist goals. Despite their claims of moderation, these parties often adopt positions that implicitly support the concept of a Greek-dominated Cyprus, mirroring Makarios's own political tactics.

TCE Conclusion: Confronting the Uncomfortable Truths

To move forward, Cyprus must confront the full reality of its history, including the uncomfortable truths about the violence committed by EOKA and EOKA-B. The narrative that EOKA was solely an anti-colonial movement obscures the darker aspects of their campaign, particularly their actions against fellow Greek Cypriots. Acknowledging that these groups were not just fighting against British colonial rule or Turkish Cypriots but were also willing to kill their own people to achieve their nationalist goals is essential for any meaningful reconciliation. Only by facing these truths can Cyprus hope to heal the deep divisions that continue to affect its people today.

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References:

- Encyclopedia Britannica, "Makarios III" 
- Novo, Andrew, The EOKA Cause: Nationalism and the Failure of Cypriot Enosis, College of International Security Affairs
- Wikipedia, "Makarios III" 
- Testimony of Ambassador Nelson Ledsky, U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, April 17, 1991
- The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum, "Archbishop Makarios III" 
- Coufoudakis, Van, The History and Politics of Cyprus, Historical Studies Press