On This Day: Cyprus officially declares independence from the British

·

October 1st is of great importance in the history of Cyprus. Ever since 1960, the first day of October marks the anniversary of the island’s freedom from British colonists after the four-year EOKA struggle in 1955-1959.

To mark the occasion of Cyprus Independence Day, we take a look back at the history.

How did Cyprus gain independence?

Cyprus was once under colonial rule and enslaved. It was a colony of Great Britain from 1878 until 1960.

In the early 1950s, some brave inhabitants of Cyprus decided to struggle for the independence of their country from Great Britain. Many wanted to achieve unification, or enosis, with Greece.

As a result, they became involved in a prolonged, and often fierce, battle with the British administration.

The Greek Cypriots fought under the banner of the National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters (Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston–EOKA), led by Colonel (later General) George Grivas.

EOKA fighters being released from prison in March 1959 after a general amnesty.

Although EOKA included only a few hundred active guerrillas, it enjoyed wide support in the Greek Cypriot community and was able to tie down about 10,000 British soldiers.

Eventually, after raging guerilla warfare for four long years, Sir Hugh Foot, the British governor, read a British proclamation declaring the independence of Cyprus.

EOKA claimed only partial success as their goal of enosis remained unmet.

For members of the Turkish Cypriot minority in Cyprus, who regarded Turkey as their motherland, enosis would have meant becoming a much smaller minority within the Greek nation. This implanted a bitterness in both ethnic communities and foreshadowed post-independence strife.

Post Independence in Cyprus:

Archbishop Makarios III was elected the first head of the new independent state.

The agreement between Greece, Britain, Turkey, and Cyprus was signed in Zurich and finally came into effect on 1st October 1960 – marking Cyprus Independence Day.

Under the agreement, Britain kept two sovereign military bases in Cyprus, which it continues to maintain to this day.

Soldiers from Greece and Turkey were also to remain present on the island in a bid to keep the peace.

And, under the new constitution, Greek Cypriots would elect a president from their own ethnicity and Turkish islanders would vote for a vice president from among theirs.

Archbishop Makarios III, who was exiled during the guerrilla war, was elected the first head of the new independent state while Fazıl Küçük became his deputy.

How Cypriots celebrate their Independence Day:

On Cyprus Independence Day, festivals and parades are held all across the country, including the display of tanks and advanced armory. Cypriot flags adorn all buildings, streets and towns.

A special Cyprus Independence Day event is also held at the President’s Palace where tribute is given to ancient leaders and people who struggled to gain independence from Britain.

The current President of Cyprus then lays a wreath to the statue of Archbishop Makarios III, the first President of the Republic of Cyprus.

The most luxury and lively Cyprus Independence Day celebrations are held in the capital of the state, Nicosia.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From crisis to compassion: Timos Roussos and his family’s mercy mission in war-torn Cyprus

When Turkish troops landed on Cyprus on 20 July 1974, six-year-old Timos Roussos was sitting on the floor of his family’s home in Lemesos.

A granddaughter returns: Georgia Georgiou retraces her yiayia’s occupied village in Cyprus

When Georgia Georgiou handed over her Cypriot ID at the border checkpoint to cross into occupied northern Cyprus, she felt an ache.

‘You never get over it’: A childhood shattered by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

On a warm July morning in 1974, 10-year-old Anastasia Di Loreto (née Karatzia) was jolted awake by the sound of bombs falling on Kyrenia.

Cyprus: The paradox of tolerance and impunity for Turkey

The lack of a unified, systematic and practical strategy on the part of Greece has led the Cyprus crisis into national disarray.

Lost homes and lingering hope: Greek-Cypriots reflect on Turkish invasion and its aftermath

From hidden stories to haunting memories, two Greek-Cypriot men share what it means to carry the burden of Cyprus’ past.

You May Also Like

Thessaloniki becomes first Greek city to be named UNESCO City of Gastronomy

Thessaloniki mayor Konstantinos Zervas and Deputy Tourism Minister say the “seal of approval” will boost tourism in the city.

OXI Day: Greeks across Australia celebrate with dancing and wreath laying ceremonies

OXI Day was commemorated over the weekend with a number of wreath laying ceremonies and marches by Greek communities across Australia.

Earthquake diplomacy? Turkey extends illegal survey activities to November 14

The Turkish navy says the Oruc Reis research vessel will remain in the area until November 14, as Athens condemns the move.