Cypriot Coup of 1974: What Happened
On 15 July 1974, the Cypriot National Guard, led by officers from Greece and backed by the military junta in Athens under Dimitrios Ioannidis, staged a coup against Archbishop Makarios III, the elected president of Cyprus. Makarios had angered the junta by resisting its influence and by moving away from the goal of immediate union with Greece, known as enosis. He had also opposed EOKA B, a Greek Cypriot paramilitary group supported by the junta that sought union by force. Days before the coup, Makarios had written to the Greek president demanding the withdrawal of the Greek officers commanding the National Guard. The coup forces attacked the presidential palace in Nicosia, but Makarios escaped and eventually left the island with British help. The coup leaders installed Nikos Sampson, a former EOKA fighter known for his hostility toward Turkish Cypriots, as president. Fighting followed, with many killed. Turkey, a guarantor power under the 1960 agreements, saw the coup as a step toward union with Greece and invaded Cyprus five days later, on 20 July 1974.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the 1974 coup in Cyprus?
On 15 July 1974, the Cypriot National Guard, led by Greek officers and backed by the junta in Athens, overthrew President Archbishop Makarios III.
Why did the Greek junta overthrow Makarios?
Makarios had resisted the junta's influence and opposed EOKA B, a paramilitary group seeking union with Greece by force.
What happened to Makarios during the coup?
Coup forces attacked the presidential palace in Nicosia, but Makarios escaped and left the island with British help.
Who was Nikos Sampson?
Nikos Sampson was a former EOKA fighter installed as president by the coup leaders. He was known for his hostility toward Turkish Cypriots.
What did the 1974 coup lead to?
Turkey saw the coup as a step toward union with Greece and invaded Cyprus five days later, on 20 July 1974.
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