In the distant 1570, the Ottomans managed to conquer Cyprus with great violence… By the end of the 19th century, they had transferred it to the British Empire.
The struggle for the island’s decolonization in the mid-20th century foreshadowed a challenging future: from the painful gestation to the difficult birth of the Cypriot state in the summer of 1960, through the intercommunal violence, to the tragic coup of July 1973, which led to the Turkish military invasion and subsequent partition.
This year marks 50 years since the coup and Turkey’s invasion, most of which have been marked by ongoing negotiations to resolve the Cyprus issue, which is internationally recognized as one of the most challenging geopolitical problems for international law to address.
The more complex an international issue, the greater the importance of history and identity in how people, especially those involved, understand it. For this reason, it is crucial to approach such issues as calmly as possible. An objective reading of national history is impossible.
However, an honest, subjective, and sober approach is always desirable.
“Historical Walks” with Marilena Katsimi sheds light on Cyprus’s turbulent history, aiming to understand modern Cypriot history and highlight its significance for the present and future of the region. On this episode, researcher and PhD candidate Maria Tsartsianidou focuses on the war that led to the island’s division.
Produced and presented by Marilena Katsimi
* It should be noted that the first episode of this tribute, featuring journalist and PhD candidate in history at the University of Athens, Pierros Tzanetakos, aired on Saturday, August 10, 2024.
