Independence
Cyprus gained its independence from the United Kingdom, on the 16th august 1960after an anti-British campaign by the Greek Cypriot EOKA (National Organization of Cypriot Fighters), a guerrilla group which desired political union with Greece, or enosis. Archbishop Makarios, a charismatic religious and political leader, was elected president. In 1961 it became the 99th member of U.N. Archbishop Makarios was elected as the first President of independent Cyprus.

However THE Zurich agreement did not succeed in establishing cooperation between the Greek and the Turkish Cypriot populations. The Greek Cypriots argued that the complex mechanisms introduced to protect Turkish Cypriot interests were obstacles to efficient government. Both sides continued the violence. Turkey threatened to invade the island.

In November 1963, President Makarios advanced a series of constitutional amendments designed to eliminate some of these special provisions. The Turkish Cypriots were opposed to such changes. The confrontation prompted widespread intercommunal fighting in December 1963, after which Turkish Cypriot participation in the central government ceased. Makarios ordered a cease-fire and again addressed the issue to the United Nations. In 1964 U.N.peace keepers were deployed on the island. In the same year the Turkish parliament voted in favour of the invasion of Cyprus but the lack of support that Turkey faced from both the U.N. and NATO prevented it. In answer Grivas was recalled to Athens and the Greek military force left the island.
Because of another outbreak of intercommunal violence in 1967-68, a Turkish Cypriot provisional administration was formed.

A few photographs of the island

Top photo: A piece of the crucifix of Christ is kept here.
Bottom photo: Local stone house.