Cyprus Independence Day

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 when the British governor Sir Hugh Foot declared Cyprus’s independence. Instead of unifying with Greece, Cyprus was declared independent due to the Turkish minority groups not wanting to become an even smaller minority group under the rule of Greece. The agreement for Cyprus’s Independence became known as the London-Zurich Agreement which was signed between the United Kingdom, Turkey and Greece. Archbishop Marakios III, the leader of the island’s Greek community, became the first President of Cyprus.

In 1979, 19 years after independence from British rule, Cyprus declared its independence day as a national holiday. Although shops may be closed the day is marked by festivals and a parade in Nicosia composed of units from the National Guard, Greek forces in Cyprus, the police and fire services.  The President of the Republic of Cyprus traditionally gives a speech after the parade.