Почему КИПР разделен на две части?

Summary

The video explores the complex history and political divisions of Cyprus, a small Mediterranean island with a turbulent past. Originally part of the Ottoman Empire, Cyprus changed hands and demographics over centuries. The island was later under British control, and tensions between the Greek and Turkish communities escalated. Following independence in 1960, ethnic violence and political unrest led to the island's division, culminating in a Turkish invasion in 1974 after a Greek-led coup. Despite peacekeeping efforts, Cyprus remains divided today, with the northern part under Turkish control, unrecognized internationally, and the south part a member of the European Union.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cyprus, a small island in the Mediterranean, has a complex political history, marked by divisions between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
• 😀 The island's demographics changed significantly in 1571 when it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire, introducing Turkish Cypriots alongside Greek Cypriots.
• 😀 Under British colonial rule, Cyprus became a strategically important location, especially during the two World Wars, but tensions grew due to the Greek Cypriot push for Enosis (union with Greece).
• 😀 Following Cyprus's independence in 1960, tensions between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities escalated, leading to violence and political instability.
• 😀 In 1974, a Greek-backed coup triggered a Turkish invasion, leading to the division of the island, with Turkey occupying about 37% of the territory.
• 😀 The division of Cyprus created a long-standing conflict, with the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north, the latter unrecognized by most of the international community.
• 😀 The United Nations has maintained a peacekeeping mission on Cyprus since 1964, but the island remains divided despite numerous peace efforts and international involvement.
• 😀 The US and UK were both heavily involved in the events leading up to and following the 1974 invasion, with the US, under Kissinger, even encouraging the invasion as a way to prevent Cyprus from falling under Soviet influence.
• 😀 The 1974 invasion resulted in thousands of deaths, displacement of Greek Cypriots, and further entrenchment of the island's division.
• 😀 Despite Cyprus joining the European Union in 2004, the island remains divided, with continued efforts for reunification, although these have largely been unsuccessful so far.

Q & A

What political division exists on Cyprus?

Cyprus is divided into two main regions: the Republic of Cyprus, a member of the United Nations and the European Union, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is only recognized by Turkey. The international community views the northern part as occupied territory.

How did the demographic makeup of Cyprus change in the 16th century?

In 1571, Cyprus was conquered by the Ottoman Empire, marking the beginning of significant demographic changes. Turkish settlers arrived, and the Greek majority population was joined by a growing Turkish minority, which significantly altered the island's demographic structure.

What caused the rise of tensions between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots in the 20th century?

The tensions stemmed from political and ethnic differences. After Cyprus came under British control in 1878, Greek Cypriots pushed for union with Greece (Enosis), while Turkish Cypriots advocated for partition (Taksim). These differing goals led to violence and divisions between the communities.

What role did the British play in Cyprus during the 20th century?

The British initially controlled Cyprus through a secret agreement with the Ottoman Empire and later annexed the island during World War I. Despite granting Cyprus self-rule in the 1950s, Britain maintained strategic military bases on the island and resisted full independence, leading to conflicts between the Greek and Turkish populations.

What led to Cyprus' independence in 1960?

Cyprus gained independence in 1960 following negotiations between the British, Greek, and Turkish governments. The island's new constitution allowed for both Greek and Turkish Cypriots to hold key political positions, but tensions continued as both communities remained divided over the future direction of the island.

What was the significance of the 1974 coup in Cyprus?

In 1974, a Greek-backed coup aimed at uniting Cyprus with Greece led to widespread instability. The coup triggered a Turkish military invasion under the pretext of protecting the Turkish Cypriot minority, further dividing the island and leading to the current division between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot populations.

How did the international community respond to the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus?

The international community was largely sympathetic to Turkey's actions, citing the coup and the protection of Turkish Cypriots. However, the subsequent invasion led to strong condemnation as Turkey took control of about 37% of Cyprus, causing significant displacement and suffering among Greek Cypriots.

Why did the United States and the United Kingdom seem to support Turkey's invasion of Cyprus?

During the Cold War, the U.S. and the U.K. were concerned about Cyprus potentially falling under Soviet influence due to its strategic location. They saw Turkey as a key NATO ally and believed that controlling the island's northern part would prevent the spread of Soviet influence in the region.

What was the outcome of the 2004 referendum on Cyprus reunification?

In 2004, a referendum was held on a reunification plan, but it was rejected by the Greek Cypriot population despite approval by the Turkish Cypriots. The failure of the referendum demonstrated the deep divisions on the island and the difficulty in reconciling the two communities.

How has Cyprus's geopolitical location influenced its history?

Cyprus' location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa has made it strategically valuable throughout history. Its control was contested by various empires, and its geopolitical importance continues to shape the island's conflicts, particularly in the context of Cold War politics and the interests of NATO and the Soviet Union.