The Cyprus ConflictThe Cyprus conflict, or Cyprus problem as it is also known, refers to the invasion of Turkish troops from mainland Turkey in 1974. The troops came in response to the treatment suffered by Turkish Cypriots at the hands of EOKA, a political group who wanted Enosis, meaning unification with Greece. The invasion subsequently resulted in the division of the island. The Greek Cypriots now live in the south of the island while the Turkish Cypriots live in the north. Nearly every Cypriot family lost relatives in the tragedy. Many Turkish Cypriot villages were massacred in retaliation to the invasion, whilst over 1600 Greek Cypriot civilians went missing, and are listed by the Red Cross as being prisoners of war in Turkey. Wherever you go in Cyprus, locals will probably end up discussing the Cyprus problem with you. There have been many attempts to reconcile the Cypriots since 1974 by the United Nations, and despite a lot of progress, all have been unsuccessful. While many Cypriots would like to see reunification, sadly much bitterness remains in others. In 2003, a breakthrough was made when the borders between the two sides were opened for the first time, and the opportunity to join the European Union as a united country presented itself in 2004 when a referendum was held. However, due to some of the conditions in the plans for reunification, the Greek Cypriots voted against bringing down the borders altogether. Although the south of the island entered the EU alone, tensions between the sides have definitely eased since 2003 and the hope, however small, of reuniting the island remains. As our family is (unusually!) of mixed Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot heritage, I would love to see a solution to the Cyprus conflict one day although it looks unlikely to happen anytime soon.
Border CrossingSince 2003 it is now possible to cross over the borders between the north and south. If you would like to visit North Cyprus, you can do so at the following crossing points:•Ledra Street in Nicosia. This crossing is for pedestrians only. •Ledra Palace – also pedestrian only, although diplomatic vehicles are allowed through. •Ayios Dometios – Nicosia •Strovilia – at the east of the island, this crossing will take you into the Famagusta area •Astromerits – located on the west of Cyprus, will take you near the area of Morphou •Pergamos – also on the eastern part of the island, at the British bases
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