Part 8/9:
By the 1950s, mounting ethnic conflicts resulted in revolts against British rule. Following decades of unrest, Cyprus achieved independence in 1960, yet this liberation soon spiraled into a new cycle of tension, particularly between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. The island was divided following a coup and subsequent Turkish invasion in 1974, leading to a protracted conflict and the establishment of a buffer zone monitored by United Nations peacekeepers.
Today, Cyprus stands as a testament to resilience, with its people gradually bridging historical divides. The Republic of Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, marking a contemporary affirmation of its identity as a European nation while grappling with historical complexities.