History of Turkish Intervention in Cyprus: A Profound Impact on Turkish Cypriots
In 1974, Turkish soldiers arrived in Cyprus to stop violence and killings of Turks living in the northern part of the island. Professor Ata Atun emphasized the significant impact of this intervention on Turkish Cypriots, comparing their past suffering to current events in Gaza. Without the Turkish intervention, the Turkish population on the island faced complete annihilation under systematic violence from 1963 to 1974.
The Turkish Committee on Missing Persons continues to locate mass graves, with nearly 20 Turkish mass graves identified so far. The massacre of Turkish Cypriots in 1974 led to the killing of 40 relatives of Ahmet Asir, including his mother, siblings, and grandmother. The Turkish soldiers’ arrival restored peace in Northern Cyprus, preventing further atrocities and providing hope for the future.
The history of Turkish intervention in Cyprus highlights the continuous turmoil and ethnic conflicts on the island, leading to the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Despite diplomatic efforts, the dispute between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots persists, reflecting the complex history of the region.