North Cyprus
History
Cyprus was under the conquest and the rule of the Ottoman Empire between the years 1571 - 1878. With a defence-alliance between Britain and Ottoman Empire, the rule of the island passed to Britain.
Britain ruled the island between the years 1878 – 1960 until the foundation of Cyprus Republic, guaranteed by Britain, Greece and Turkey.
In 1963, inter-communal violence started between the two communities and they fought for 11 years. In 1974, the island divided and the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus was declared in 1975. In 1983, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was declared.
In 1990, “The Republic of Cyprus” applied for full membership without the consent of the Turkish Cypriot Community. The negotiations to unify the island carried on by the leaders of the two communities.
After 30 years, the borders between North and South opened in 2003. The Annan Plan-prepared by the Secretary General of United Nations Kofi Annan, was discussed by the two communities.They voted the plan a by twin-refenadum which was accepted by the Turkish Cypriots but rejected by the Greek Cypriots.
