1960: REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS

According to Zurich-London Treaty, Cyprus becomes an independent republic on 16th August 1960. It is a member of United Nations, Council of Europe, Commonwealth and Non-Aligned Movement. According to the above treaty, Britain retains two Sovereign Bases (158.5 sq km) on the island, at Dekeleia and Akrotiri-Episkopi. 1960 Constitution of Cyprus Republic proves unworkable in many of its provisions and this makes its smooth implementation impossible.

In 1963, President of Republic proposes some amendments to facilitate the functioning of the state and Turkish Cypriot community responds with rebellion.

Turkish Cypriot ministers withdraw from Cabinet and Turkish Cypriot civil servants cease attending their offices, while Turkey threatens to invade Cyprus. Since then, the aim of Turkish Cypriot leadership, acting on instructions from Turkish Government, has been the partitioning of Cyprus and its annexation to Turkey.

Using as a pretext the coup of July 1974, instigated against Cyprus Government by the military Junta, then in power in Athens, Turkey invades Cyprus on July 20 1974, violating all principles governing international relations and UN Charter. As a result, approximately 37% of the island is occupied, 40% of Greek Cypriot population violently uprooted and thousands of people, including civilians, killed, ill-treated or disappear without trace.

The continuation of Turkish military occupation and the violation of the fundamental human rights of the people of Cyprus have been condemned by international bodies, but until today, Turkey refuses to withdraw from Cyprus and maintains the island's division by the force of arms.

Cyprus Coins, Frankish Period
Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia


Cyprus Coin
Classical Period, 4th century BC


Portrait of Richard I, Lionheart
engraving, circa 18th century
Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia