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In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot authorities declared independence, a move that was condemned internationally and recognized solely by Turkey, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. As international pressures increased, Pakistan and Bangladesh eventually withdrew their recognition, leaving Turkish support as the territory's only endorsement.
The Ongoing Division of Cyprus
Today, Cyprus remains a divided island, with the Republic of Cyprus in the south acknowledged internationally, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north, recognized only by Turkey. The physical and ideological divides have persisted for decades, showcasing the complex interplay between colonial legacies, ethnic identities, and the geopolitical aspirations that have shaped both the past and present of Cyprus.