Cyprus: An Island Divided into Two
- rosadilaoravisionf
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Author: Thea Demetriou
Cyprus is a small Mediterranean island in Europe. Most people do not know of its existence, while others compare it to a dot on the map due to its small size. However, this small island hides a huge and complex history throughout the years. Cyprus has been politically and physically divided since 1974. This division followed a military coup supported by the Greek junta, which aimed to unite the island with Greece. In response, Turkey invaded the northern part of the island, citing protection of the Turkish Cypriot community. Since then, the island has been divided into the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus in the south and the self-proclaimed "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", which is recognized only by Turkey.
In this article, we will dive more into the history of the divided Cyprus, analyze what the Green Line and Buffer Zone are, how the decisions of the two sides conflict, as well as various challenges that arise.
What is the Buffer Zone?
After the Turkish invasion of 1974, the Turkish army occupied about 37% of the island, the northern part. In order to stop the clashes and prevent further advances by the two sides, a dividing line was created between the two sides, up to where the army had occupied at that time. This line was drawn across the entire island, from its eastern to its western tip, and became the “Green Line”. This line became the “de facto ceasefire” line. Although no formal peace agreement was signed, it acts as a border, and no one can cross it militarily.
In short, the Green Line is where the armies came to in 1974, and the Buffer Zone is the area around it. Since then, it has become the "border" between the North and the South, and is controlled by the UN (United Nations) to keep the peace. This is the "ceasefire" — no formal peace, but no fighting.
Property Disputes: Whose Land Is Cypro?
And this is how the displacement of the residents from their homes came about! One of the most sensitive and unresolved issues in Cyprus involves property rights. When the island was divided, around 200,000 people (mainly Greek Cypriots, but also Turkish Cypriots) were forced to abandon their homes. Specifically:
Around 160,000 Greek Cypriots fled or were expelled from the north.
Around 45,000 Turkish Cypriots left or were relocated from the south.
This mass displacement created a huge property crisis. Thousands of homes, lands, and businesses were left behind and now sit within the buffer zone or in the opposite side’s territory. Many of these properties are occupied by others, have been sold or developed without the original owner’s consent, or have remained in legal limbo, especially within the buffer zone. Greek Cypriots who lost land in the north continue to seek restitution or compensation.
These disputes are further complicated by the lack of international recognition of the northern administration. Any legal transactions made there are not recognized under international law, leading to complex cases in both Cypriot courts and international institutions.
Legal Ambiguities and International Law
The legal situation in Cyprus is extremely complex because the Republic of Cyprus is internationally recognized as the only legitimate government on the island, while the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) is recognized only by Turkey. Therefore, any property agreements or decisions made in the north are not legally valid under international law. This creates problems such as:
People buying properties in the north that originally belonged to Greek Cypriots (which can later be challenged in court)
Difficulty resolving property claims within the security zone, where no one has full legal control
The UN acts as a neutral force, but has no authority to resolve legal disputes — it only keeps the peace.
The Role of the European Court of Human Rights
Because national courts on either side often cannot agree or enforce decisions, many displaced people — especially Greek Cypriots — have turned to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
The ECHR has issued important rulings, such as:
Recognized the right of displaced persons to return to or be compensated for their property.
Held Turkey responsible for human rights violations in the north (since it has military and political control there).
Reassured that the Republic of Cyprus retains sovereignty over the whole island, even if it doesn’t exercise effective control over the north.
However, enforcing these decisions is difficult, especially when local or Turkish authorities refuse to comply.
Everyday Challenges in the Buffer Zone
In 2003, crossing points opened between the north and south for the first time in decades. Since then, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can visit each other's side (with ID checks), but the division is still deeply felt. But, joint projects such as business ventures, cultural projects, or real estate development face serious restrictions, bureaucratic and political obstacles such as mistrust and legal uncertainty over land and jurisdiction. Even simple construction within the buffer zone is often blocked unless approved by the UN by both sides - a rare occurrence.
To conclude, the buffer zone is more than just a line on a map — it reflects the ongoing complexity of a frozen conflict:
Thousands of displaced people are still waiting for justice.
Properties remain unusable due to conflicting legal systems.
The zone itself is a symbol of division and an obstacle to peace.
Until both communities — and their supporters — agree on a shared future, the buffer zone will remain a place of legal ambiguity, personal loss, and missed opportunities.
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