THE DIVISION OF CYPRUS

Many people who go on holiday to Cyprus don't even realise that the island is effectively two countries: the Republic of Cyprus, which is a popular holiday and retirement location and the Turkish-occupied northern section of the island, a pariah state recognised only by Turkey. The division of Cyprus is the result of the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island and, more than 30 years later it remains a divided country, with its capital, Nicosia being the only divided city in the world.

When Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974, many Greek Cypriots who lived in the north were forced to escape to the south, leaving their homes and possessions behind. The island was partitioned and for almost 30 years, neither Greek nor Turkish Cypriots were allowed to move freely between the north and the south of the island. During the last few years, movement between the two parts of the island has been relaxed considerably but the Green Line, which separates the two parts of Cyprus remains in place. Our map shows how and where it divides this beautiful island.

Cyprus to most people means the Republic of Cyprus, the southern two-thirds of the island which is part of the EU and has a booming economy. English is widely spoken and it's a perennially popular spot for holidays and for those looking for a property abroad, especially retirees.  For those who buy property within the Republic of Cyprus, the division will have no effect whatsoever. Cyprus Property World and the agents we work with only list properties which are within the Republic of Cyprus because properties in the northern section of the island often have uncertain, and sometimes illegal, ownership.

If you want to find out more about what led up to the division of Cyprus, follow the link to Anne Hall's book which is called Buying a Home in Cyprus. Although the majority of the book deals with property purchase in the Republic of Cyprus, one chapter is devoted to the recent history of the island and the background to the Turkish invasion of the island.