Declaration of the Cyprus Peace Operation

Historical Significance and Background

On February 1, 1968, Turkey declared the Cyprus Peace Operation to intervene in the political crisis in Cyprus. This operation aimed to protect the Turkish community on the island.

Towards the end of the 1960s, political tension began to rise in Cyprus. After gaining independence, the island experienced conflicts between the Greek and Turkish communities. The Greeks wanted to join Greece with a movement called Enosis, while the Turks demanded the division of the island. This situation deeply affected the political and social structure of Cyprus.

The political crisis in Cyprus became even more complex with a military coup in Greece in 1967. The new regime supported the demands for the union of Cyprus with Greece. While this caused concern among the Turkish community, Turkey decided to take action to protect the Turkish minority on the island.

Development of the Event

Turkey's Decision

On February 1, 1968, Turkey declared the Cyprus Peace Operation. The Turkish Armed Forces took action to intervene militarily on the island. This decision aimed to protect the Turkish community in Cyprus and change the political balance on the island.

Military Operations

After the Turkish Armed Forces started the operation, they carried out a series of military operations on the island. Turkish soldiers tried to seize control by capturing strategic points on the island. There were conflicts and casualties during these operations.

International Reactions

The Cyprus Peace Operation caused a significant international backlash. The United Nations Security Council called on Turkey to stop the operation and demanded a peaceful resolution to the situation on the island. However, Turkey defended its right to protect the Turkish community in Cyprus and stated that the operation was a legitimate intervention.

Consequences and Effects

In terms of short-term effects, the Cyprus Peace Operation changed the political balance on the island and protected the Turkish community. As a result of the intervention by the Turkish Armed Forces, Turkish sovereignty was established in the north of the island, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was declared.

The long-term consequences are complex. The operation deepened the division between the Turkish and Greek communities. The island was politically and socially divided, making the resolution process more difficult. This is one of the main reasons why the Cyprus issue remains unresolved.

The Cyprus Peace Operation affected the political and social structures of both Turkey and Greece. The success of the operation in Turkey created great satisfaction among the public, while it caused disappointment in Greece. This situation had a long-lasting impact on the relations between the two countries.

Historical Significance and Reflections to the Present

The Cyprus Peace Operation is a significant turning point in Turkey's foreign policy. The operation demonstrated Turkey's power and influence in the region and was a manifestation of the policy to protect the Turkish community.

Today, the Cyprus issue still continues, and the division created by the Cyprus Peace Operation and the difficulty of the resolution process are still felt. This event has laid the groundwork for political and social changes and has provided many lessons to be learned.

The Cyprus Peace Operation holds an important place in Turkey's history and is an event that should be taken into account in international relations. This event still maintains its importance today as part of an issue that is still debated and awaiting a solution.