Turkish Federated State of Cyprus

The Turkish Federated State of Cyprus refers to the de facto Turkish Cypriot state established in the northern third of Cyprus in 1975, following a Turkish invasion in 1974. This division stemmed from a coup by Greek officers aiming for enosis (union with Greece), which prompted Turkey to intervene to protect Turkish Cypriots.123

Cyprus has a long history of external influences, with Britain administering the island from 1878 and formally annexing it in 1914. The island's population consists of two main ethnic groups: Greek Cypriots (about four-fifths) and Turkish Cypriots (about one-fifth). The demand for enosis by Greek Cypriots was opposed by Turkish Cypriots, creating a significant political division. After gaining independence from Britain in 1960, intercommunal conflict intensified, leading to the de facto partition of the island in 1974. In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot state declared independence as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a move recognized only by Turkey.43512