The Turkish state occupied Cyprus on August 15, 1974, with 40,000 soldiers. During the occupation, 6,000 people were killed, and approximately 200,000 Greek Cypriots were forced to leave their lands. Similarly, many Turkish Cypriots were also forced to leave their homes. As a result, Cyprus was divided and occupied. Although the Turkish population on the island was only 18%, the Turkish state took control of 35% of the island through this occupation.

The then Prime Minister of the coalition government of the CHP-MSP, Bülent Ecevit, who gave the order for the invasion of Cyprus, stated on July 20, 1974, “We are not actually entering the island for war, but for peace, and to bring peace not only to the Turks but also to the Greeks.” The claim that the killing of thousands of people, the displacement of hundreds of thousands from their homes, and the division of the island into Greek and Turkish sides was done to “bring peace” reflects the typical mentality of the Turkish state. Because in subsequent massacres and invasions, the Turkish state has continually used terms like “peace” and “olive branch” to create confusion among the masses.

After the occupation of the island, the Turkish state established an administration under the name “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” and sees it as its right to intervene in every possible way, treating it almost like one of its provinces. Additionally, after the occupation, reactionary and fascist elements were brought from Turkey and settled in Cyprus, fostering nationalism and racism on the island.

Currently, in Cyprus, which holds a strategic position for imperialists, there are military bases of five NATO countries: Turkey, the UK, Greece, the USA, and France. These countries, particularly in the context of regional wars, use the air and naval bases in Cyprus. NATO countries, in particular, are supporting Israel through these bases in the genocide that the Israeli state began against Palestinians on October 7.

Let’s Join the Protests on October 10 to Condemn the Cyprus Occupation!

As ATİK (Confederation of Workers from Turkey in Europe), we once again declare our support for the united and independent Cyprus struggle of the Cypriot people, and we will continue to support this fight until the occupation ends.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the occupation of Cyprus, October 10 has been declared a day of solidarity to condemn the occupation internationally and support the struggle for a united Cyprus. On this day, let’s organize and participate in actions to condemn the occupation of Cyprus wherever we are and to demand the withdrawal of the occupiers and the dissolution of the military bases in Cyprus.

All Occupying Forces Must Withdraw from Cyprus!

The Military Bases of NATO Member Countries in Cyprus Must Be Disbanded!

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