Cyprus Emergency: What Happened
From 1955 to 1959, Greek Cypriot fighters waged an armed campaign against British rule in Cyprus, known as the Cyprus Emergency. Cyprus had been under British control since 1878, and it became a British colony in 1925. The majority of the island's population was Greek Cypriot, and many of them wanted enosis, or union with Greece. In 1950, a referendum organized by the Orthodox Church showed overwhelming Greek Cypriot support for union. The campaign was led by the National Organization of Cypriot Fighters, known as EOKA, whose military leader was Georgios Grivas, a Cypriot-born officer of the Greek army, with the political support of Archbishop Makarios III. EOKA launched attacks on British military and government targets in April 1955, and British forces responded with a large counterinsurgency campaign, including curfews, detentions and executions of EOKA fighters. The conflict also increased tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, as Turkish Cypriots opposed enosis and supported partition. The emergency ended with the Zurich and London Agreements of 1959, which created an independent Republic of Cyprus instead of union with Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Cyprus Emergency?
The Cyprus Emergency was an armed campaign from 1955 to 1959 by Greek Cypriot fighters of EOKA against British rule in Cyprus.
What was EOKA?
EOKA, the National Organization of Cypriot Fighters, was the Greek Cypriot guerrilla group that fought for Cyprus to unite with Greece.
Who led EOKA?
EOKA's military leader was Georgios Grivas, a Cypriot-born officer of the Greek army. Archbishop Makarios III provided political leadership.
What was enosis in Cyprus?
Enosis was the goal of uniting Cyprus with Greece. A 1950 church referendum showed overwhelming Greek Cypriot support for it, but Turkish Cypriots opposed it.
How did the Cyprus Emergency end?
It ended with the Zurich and London Agreements of 1959, which created an independent Republic of Cyprus instead of union with Greece.
