Cyprus Independence Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Cyprus

Cyprus Independence Day, celebrated annually on October 1st, is a commemoration of the island’s independence from the British and a tribute to those who labored tirelessly to make Cyprus a sovereign nation. When exactly did Cyprus gain independence from the British? Cyprus gained independence from the British on August 16, 1960, not October 1. Nevertheless, Cyprus commemorates its Independence Day annually on October 1. Join us to discover the history, significance, significant historical events, and other fascinating facts about Cyprus.

The background of Cyprus Independence Day

Cyprus, also known as the Republic of Cyprus, is an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and it is one of the most gorgeous and remarkable islands that many people adore. In 1960, after gaining complete sovereignty from Britain, Cyprus attained independence. Although the London-Zurich Agreements went into effect on August 16, Cyprus commemorates its Independence Day on October 1 in order to avoid the summer heat and accommodate the tourist season.

The origins of Cyprus Independence Day date back to the 1877 Russo-Turkish War. The series of conflicts mirrored the decline of the Ottoman Empire and led to the expansion of Russia’s borders and influence into Ottoman territory. Cyprus was leased to the British Empire at the conclusion of the Russo-Turkish War in 1878 and subsequently annexed by Britain at the conclusion of World War I. Since the time of Ottoman rule, however, many Greek Cypriots have held the view that the term ‘enosis’ signifies union with Greece.

This concept became a military objective on April 1, 1955, leading to the launch of the Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston (E.O.K.A.) guerrilla campaign. Their primary objective in a war with the British was to unite Greece. This campaign lasted four years, until a cease-fire was declared in August 1960, and Cyprus gained independence following the London-Switzerland Agreement between the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Greece. On August 16, 1960, the Republic of Cyprus came into existence. Cyprus proclaimed its Independence Day a national holiday in 1979, 19 years after gaining freedom from British rule.

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5 fascinating facts about Cyprus

According to legend, Aphrodite, the Greek deity of love, was born on the island of Cyprus.

Cyprus was among the wealthiest nations during the Copper and Bronze periods.

Despite being an island nation, Cypriots dislike fishing and do not engage in the activity.

The form of Cyprus resembles that of a Cyprus pipe!

The oldest wine label in the world, “Commandaria,” pertains to Cyprus.

CYPRUS INDEPENDENCE DAY DATES