Cyprus Independence Day – October 1, 2024

History of Cyprus Independence Day

Cyprus, or the Republic of Cyprus, is an island country located in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. It is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and this stunning island is one of the most beautiful and amazing islands loved by many. Cyprus became independent from the British in 1960 after the nation won full sovereignty from Britain. Although the effective date of the London-Zurich Agreements was on August 16, Cyprus celebrates its Independence Day on October 1 to avoid the summer heat and to accommodate the tourist season.

The history of Cyprus Independence Day started during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877. The series of wars reflected the decline of the Ottoman Empire and resulted in Russia expanding its frontier and influence into Ottoman territory. At the end of the Russo-Turkish war in 1878, Cyprus was leased to the British Empire and was annexed by Britain at the end of World War I. But there was a concept called ‘enosis’ since the time of Ottoman rule which signified a union with Greece, an idea held by many Greek Cypriots.

On April 1, 1955, this idea became a military aim, leading to the start of the guerrilla campaign of the Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston (E.O.K.A.). Their sole aim was unification with Greece through a war with the British. This campaign lasted for four years until a cease-fire was reached in August 1960, and Cyprus attained independence after the London-Zurich Agreement between the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Greece. The Republic of Cyprus came into existence on August 16, 1960. In 1979, 19 years after the independence from British rule, Cyprus declared its independence day as a national holiday.