BHistoryPartially recognized
The events of 1974 and the division of the island
After a coup backed by the Greek junta, Türkiye launched a military operation on the island (the "Cyprus Peace Operation" in Türkiye), and the island was effectively divided.
On 15 July 1974 a coup ordered by the Greek military junta took place in Cyprus with the aim of uniting the island with Greece (enosis), overthrowing President Makarios.
On 20 July 1974 Turkish troops landed. The operation proceeded in two phases and left the north under Turkish control. Türkiye and the Turkish Cypriots call it the "Cyprus Peace Operation", while the Republic of Cyprus and the international community regard it as an invasion and occupation. Most Greek Cypriots in the north moved south and Turkish Cypriots in the south moved north.
Since then the island has been divided by a UN-controlled buffer zone. In Northern Cyprus 20 July is celebrated as Peace and Freedom Day, and talks on the island's future continue.
Sources
Updated: October 3, 2026