Turkish-Cypriot Left: A Historical Overview

Abstract

The Turkish-Cypriot society had entered the twentieth century in fear. This fear was precipitated by a declining Ottoman Empire in turmoil and the Republic of Turkey abdicating its rights on Cyprus after the Lausanne Treaty on the one hand, and rising Hellenic nationalism aiming to integrate Cyprus to Greece (Enosis) on the other. The military achievements of Mustafa Kemal and the foundation of the Republic of Turkey became significant sources of inspiration for the Turkish-Cypriots. The rising struggle for Enosis by the Greek-Cypriot community further accelerated the orientation toward Turkey.