A beautiful island

 Blog#2

                                                                                         Cyprus

 

Abstract:

                          Cyprus is an island country holds geopolitical significance; situated in Mediterranean Sea. The Island is divided in four parts- Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The history of this island has been complex but interesting one with several attacks and invasion by different powers and empires and hence, it contains architectural richness and versatile legacy of culture. The country got freedom from British rule in 1960. However, a few years later in 1974, one-third part in north was invaded by the Turks and the rest called Republic of Cyprus, under the influence of Greece. This situation created many conflicts between both the parts of the country this is why, Despite of having good economic growth, she does not have prosperity and peace.

 

Introduction:

Cyprus is an island country situated in the eastern part of Mediterranean Sea. Actually, this country does not occupy the whole island but divided into two part since 1974, administrated by the Republic of Cyprus (holds two third part of the island and internationally recognized country in the southern part) and the northern part occupied by Turkey, excepting the two military bases of the UK i.e. Akrotiri and Dhekelia. However, the situation was not same after getting freedom in 1960. In 1974, the country was divided after a political destabilization due to a coup, we will come to know the details ahead in the History part.

Some facts about Cyprus:

Capital:        Nicosia   (Divided into South and North part of Cyprus)

Population:  1.24 Million (2021)

Area:            9251 square km. or 3572 square mile

Continent:   Europe  (Technically located in Asia, but due to political and  

                               and cultural influence, considered as a European Country)                                                                                                                                                  

Famous for:   Natural beauty, Superb Wines and Minerals

Location on Globe: 35.1264 Degree North and 33.4299 Degree East

Time Zone:    (GMT +2) Eastern European Time (EET)

Literacy percent:      98.7%

Languages:              Greek, Turkish and English

Currency:                The Euro

GDP:                         284.08 billion USD (2021)

Per capita income:   40,380 PPP USD (2021)

Nationality:              Cypriot(s)

Coastline:                  Mediterranean Sea

 Divisions:      Republic of Cyprus, Turkish occupied Northern Cyprus                           Akrotiri and Dhekelia

 Neighboring Countries: Turkey, Syria, Greece, Lebanon, Israel                                                   and Egypt.

In the long journey of civilization, the island of Cyprus had adopted a variety of names that are- Aeria, Aerosa, Aeamantis, Aphrodisia, Amathusia, Aphelia, Collinia, Cerastis, Cryptos, Meinis, Macaria, Sphekia, Opheria and Paphos.

                                        

  The island of Cyprus

 

History:

The archaeological resource evidences say that the existence and life on the Island of Cyprus started near around 10,000 BC in the Neolithic age. Phoenicians, Mycenaean and Assyrians were the known early humans on this island. This island has been attacked and invaded several times in different era by various kingdoms and empires due to its significant  geopolitical locality. Notably, it became a part of the Persian Empire in sixth century BC and hence played a crucial role in Greeco-Persian war. In fourth century BC, this island came under the control of the great Greek king of Macedonia, Alexander. However, in the 7^th century AD, it was conquered by the Arab forces for a short duration of time. In 45 AD, Christianity was introduced in Cyprus and gradually, it became an Orthodox Christian country. Later in seventh century, became a part of the Byzantine Empire and remained under it till 12^th century AD and played a critical role in the early history of Christianity. Cyprus never had been a Greek Island. During the war of third crusade, it became the part of kingdom of Jerusalem. Gradually, Venetians conquered this island around 15^th century AD, but shortly; fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1571 AD. During its reign, the population became predominantly Sunni Islamic. The country saw a variety of successor rulers, such as Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Arabs, Crusaders and Turks. However, conflicts began to grow between the two major communities, the orthodox Christians in the southern part and the Muslims in the northern part. The Britishers had already an indirect control over the island from 1878. Which was eventually, annexed in year 1914 in the British Rule after decline of the Ottoman Empire.

After World War ll, the freedom revolution started against the British rule and finally this island got freedom on August 16^th, 1960 and became an Independent Republic (however, Cyprus celebrate its independence day on October 1st, every year), but the Britishers wanted its control to be continued over the two military bases and hence they took away Akrotiri and Dhekelia. So far, it is being operated as their military bases. At the time of agreement for the leaders, the UK, Turkey, Greece, the Turkish & Greek Cypriots were present. The elected president was Michael Christodoulou Mouskos from Greece and the vice-president was Fazil Kucuk from Turkey. The majority population believed in Orthodox Christianity while the minority population in that of Sunni Islam, so far. Other sects of Christianity also lived there as minority.

For next few years, the political administration worked, but year 1963 onwards, the Turkish Cypriots looked anxious blaming that they were not treated as properly as they should be; and gradually they started protests against the government. Eventually, communal conflicts grew up between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots which further led the country towards ‘civil war’ like situation. The government authorities were unable to manage this situation and the same was extended till the next six to seven years. One of these days, in 1974, Turkey attacked suddenly and invaded the northern part of the island with a justification that they have came to save the Turkish Cypriots facing problems there. Watching this, a coup d’état took place in the country, planned and executed by Greece. Again a situation grew up like that of a war but this time UN came into scenario to handle the situation and called for cease fire. Turkey captured the northern region around one third part of the whole island (nearly 36.25%) called it as ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ on 15^th November and appealed the UN to recognize it as a new country. Nevertheless, this captured region is only recognized by Turkey itself, not internationally. The rest two third part of the island is known as ‘Republic of Cyprus’ under the influence of Greece. At the international level and the UN as well, Republic of Cyprus is the one and only owner of the whole island. For no conflicts in future between both these regions, UN has created a big cease fire zone known as the ‘UN Buffer Zone’ or the ‘Green line’, which is deployed by the UN peace keeping army. The capital of the country, Nicosia is also shared between both the republics and hence the UN buffer zone passes through the city. Cyprus joined European Union in the year 2008.

  

The Annan Plan, 2004:

           On April 24^th, 2004, a referendum was held in both the regions as an effort for unification of the island under the UN’s Annan plan as an important case, under which 65% of the Turkish Cypriots accepted while 76% of the Greek Cypriots rejected, in which the youth wanted to unify the region whereas the old people did not favor it.

 

Economy:

               This country is economically sound. The main economic occupation of the country is based on its Tourism. The tourist attracting places and its natural beauty make it a unique country to spend vacations on. The country is famous for its mineral wealth, superb wine production and the golden sand beaches. The other economic occupations of this country are building passenger and cargo ships and providing financial services as it provides a favorable tax condition which makes it a perfect destination to invest money on. The economy of this country is also strong in the fields of exports and imports. The country exports refined petroleum in a very large amount which makes around 35% of its total economy. Other exports are packaged pharmaceuticals and passenger-cargo ships which contribute nearly 7% and 3% respectively to its economy. The country also has a very big plantation known as Morokambos Plantation in Paphos with around 15,000 plants in it. The plantation cultivates many citric fruits such as avocado, palm, mango, and guava. Per capita income of this country is more than $40,380 (PPP) which classifies it as the higher income group economy.

 

Relation with Bharat:

The official relation of Cyprus with Bharatvarsh was established on February 10^th, 1962. Cyprus has been India’s one of the closest and the most dependable friend in the entire Europe. India has been serving the Republic by three force commanders since the establishment of UN Peace keeping force in Republic of Cyprus (UNFICYP) IN 1964: Lieutenant General PS Gyani, General KS Thimayya and Major General Diwan Prem Chand. In honour of Mahatma Gandhi, a statue was placed in the Parliament of Republic of Cyprus in July 1972. An avenue just in front of the statue is named as ‘Jawaharlal Nehru Avenue’ in 1983. On the 150^th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, they issued a stamp on 10 September 2019, whereas, India had issued a stamp respecting of Cyprus’ Folk Dances in 2006. PM Narendra Modi met president Anastsiades during UNGA summit in New York on 26^th September 2019 and earlier in CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) in London on 20^th April 2018. India named avenue in New Delhi in honor of Archbishop Makarios, the first president of Republic of Cyprus. The Indian Military forces join the United Nations Peace keeping in Cyprus at all occasions.  Cyprus’ supports to India were also outstanding in the India-United States Civil Nuclear Agreement, Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and also in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The leaders of both the nation also had visits to each other in their countries time to time, such as:

 High level visits of leaders:

               President V.V. Giri                       in July 1972

               President R. Venkataraman          in September 1988

               President Pratibha Patil                in October 2009

               P.M. Indira Gandhi                       in September 1983

               P.M. Atal Bihari Vajpayee            in October 2002

              

               External Affairs Minister:

               Shri Pranab Mukherjee                on May 2007

               Dr. S. Jaishankar                          on 29-31 December 2022 

 

                Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos also visited India in April 2006.

           External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar had a virtual meeting with the Foreign Minister of Republic of Cyprus Mr. Nikos Christodoulides on 16^th February 2021 about high level and Economic Exchange.

 

The case of invasion of Turkey in the northern Cyprus is similar to the invasion of Pakistan in the northern part of Kashmir called Gilgit-Baltistan, officially this region is known as the Pak Occupied Kashmir or PoK. This is why Turkey always takes an aggressive stance in favour of Pakistan on Kashmir Issue. Somehow, it is just an act to justify and seeking support from Pakistan like countries to protect his own invasion in Cyprus. Bharat has recently changed its foreign policy and started intensive defense pacts and other cooperation deals with Cyprus and Greece to counter Turkey.

The ‘TRNC’ Day:

        The Northern Turkish Cypriots celebrate the anniversary of Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC), every year on 15^th November as a Muslim Holiday since they were successful in capturing the north part of the island on the given date in the year 1974. 

 

Conclusion:

               The Republic of Cyprus has always attracted the invaders due to its rich resources and geopolitical significance. With time the divergence took place in the country in terms of belief and faith which led her struggle despite of being good in economic growth and business. The island has always been a center of the politics of the then military powers, so far. In modern time also it is an example of how the small countries suffer due to the power play and dirty politics of big countries and the failure of the international peace keeping organizations like ‘United Nations’.

               The country is still struggling to unify its people and the split territory to make it really an independent and sovereign Republic. It is a very good example to understand the theory given by “Chanakya” in his famous book “Arthshastra” that says “A country must have power, not to dominate the others but to keep herself protected and independent”.