1974 Cypriot coup d'état

Part of Cyprus dispute

Date	15 July 1974
Location	Cyprus
Result	Coup successful, leads to Turkish invasion of Cyprus

Belligerents

EOKA-B

Progressive Party
Factions of Cypriot National Guard

Supported by:

Greece

Government of Cyprus

Factions of Cypriot National Guard
EDEK militias
Anti-coup protesters

Commanders and leaders

The 1974 Cypriot coup d'état was a military coup d'état by the Cypriot National Guard and the Greek military junta of 1967–1974. On 15 July 1974 the coup plotters ousted President Makarios III and replaced him with pro-Enosis (Greek irridentist) nationalist Nikos Sampson as dictator. The Sampson regime was described as a puppet state, whose ultimate aim was the annexation of the island by Greece; in the short term, the coupists proclaimed the establishment of the "Hellenic Republic of Cyprus".

The Republic of Cyprus was established in 1960 with the London and Zurich Agreements, and the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots were the two founding communities. However, following constitutional amendments that were proposed by Makarios III and rejected by Turkish Cypriots,intercommunal violence erupted throughout the island, the Turkish Cypriot representation in the government ended partially due to forced prevention and partially due to willing withdrawal, and Turkish Cypriots started living in enclaves.

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Wikipedia