In the serene setting of the Mediterranean, the island of Cyprus has been a beacon of natural beauty for centuries, drawing travelers with its majestic mountains, fertile valleys, and sun-kissed beaches. Yet, beneath this tranquil surface lies a complex history that has left the island divided for over half a century. As the sound of sirens echoes across the island, it serves as a stark reminder of a past that continues to shape the present.
Fifty years ago, Turkey invaded Cyprus, a Mediterranean island that has been ethnically split between Greek and Turkish Cypriots since then. While Turkish Cypriots celebrated this milestone on Saturday, it was a day of mourning for Greek Cypriots. The event, which Turkish forces called a "peace operation," is commonly referred to by Greeks as the "barbaric Turkish Invasion." Despite the absence of violence in recent years, the island remains a persistent source of tension between Greece and Turkey, two NATO partners with numerous disagreements.