The Green Line: Why Cyprus is Currently Split in Two

[@bradhobbs6196]

Have the Greeks considered building a Large Horse as a gift of Friendship? Worked for them before.

[@Haste666]

yea we did, problem is that it only works once.

[@mr.skrywer7983]

@@Haste666 How about a Large Wooden Seahorse? 😏 You know, as a gift of friendSHIP..?

[@AdrianMareEWEASANTE]

Lmao!!

[@CP-su6fb]

unfortunetly politicians have other plans

[@bradhobbs6196]

@@CP-su6fb Politicians ruin everything with politics.

[@neofytosneocleous9423]

There is an image of a statue 14:26 implying that that person was part of EOKA B. That person was Gregoris Afksentiou who was burned alive by the British in 1957 so he has nothing to do with EOKA B.

[@bananabestfruit]

I second this. EOKA (A) and EOKA B were not the same.

[@mikrimpoumpou]

Just another example of how illiterate the producer of the video is

[@Nick-kk2xw]

True. Simon lacks information and facts.

[@mastros64]

He completely skipped the EOKA struggle. He literally spent more time talking about Turks in Central Asia in a video about Cyprus than about actual Cypriot history.

[@Greeklady58]

Nothing on EOKA A. and this video may as well be about Turkey.

[@chriskw4362]

I studied the subject a lot over the last 7. I live in Cyprus (Republic) and thus far my research showed me that the problem does NOT lie between the people. In this conflict, there are a lot of shady details or some parts that don't make any sense at all.

[@alizesavim5688]

If it was left to the people of Cyprus we would've had peace decades ago but I guess it isn't that beneficial for the 'great powers'

[@chriskw4362]

@@alizesavim5688 Exactly! NATO, UK, USSR, Greece, Turkey, USA, UN. All of them with a personal agenda but at the same time were serving someone else's. And all of them are still influencing the island to this day.

[@vitaliy-zx1yl]

@@alizesavim5688 true

[@aidanrogers4438]

My younger half-brother is half-Cypriot and is currently doing his army reserves training. Unless you’ve got a legitimate reason, all Cypriot boys have to do it or face repercussions, but most of them hate it like my brother. The Turkish-Cypriots also have a massive Turkey flag drawn onto the side of a sloping mountain on their half of the capital Nicosia which doesn’t help the general attitudes of the Cypriots by having to see a constant reminder of the occupation when they look north. I don’t think there’ll be reunification of any kind for the time being, not with the way the Turkish government is under Erdogan and the state the Greek government has been in recent years, no matter how much the EU want to force a reunification.

[@andrei-cosmin.popa85]

@@ezicarus8216 still is. But aren't all islands like that?

[@FelineJAM]

I'm half Cypriot, but "from" the north :D I'm also half-Bangladeshi. I get to be fucked by colonialism on both sides. The north somehow has more leniency when it comes to military service, in the scenario where you have never lived on the island (it me), but on the south, it is seemingly completely mandatory for everyone (including Turks) - although they don't have any documentation about the specifics in English or Turkish so I honestly couldn't tell you if I'm breaking any laws atm

[@MotoristCY]

A fairly balanced video but with one MAJOR error. The 2004 Annan plan was indeed put to a referendum to both sides of the island. It was rejected by a vast majority of Greek-Cypriots and accepted by a vast majority of Turkish-Cypriots. The 2015-2017 UN-led Cyprus talks in Switzerland sadly came to a crushing halt in the summer of 2017 in Crans Montana...

[@barron4000]

He forgot to mention that the Annan plan was a racist plan based on ethnicity and religious discrimination

[@mastros64]

Not balanced. He did not say anything about Cypriot history since the Greeks hellenised the island. He skipped EOKA. He even showed Afxentiou as part of EOKA B.

[@dimitrismichail7435]

As a Cypriot I can explain why an agreement looks impossible: 1) The people of Cyprus lack a single national identity. People are split into ethnic groups. 2) Turkish role in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean is increasing everyday and they want to be the main influencer in sectors such as Energy, Military and safety. 3) After half a century, the views of the 2 communities have changed significantly. The current Turkish Cypriot leader wants a 2 separate states solution while, the Greek Cypriot leader still insists on creating a federal constitution (theoretically) 4) Cyprus has found gas in its southern EEZ which both communities claim (correct on theory/60's constitution rights) but the RoC (Republic of Cyprus) can't collaborate with the Turkish Cypriot Authorities (TCA) before an official arrangement to the problem, Turkey backs TCA by preventing drills on taking place and arranging their own drilling. 5) The 2 side had agreed on a Federal agreement with political equality after the war but each side understands it differently. 6) The whole middle east is f up, why wouldn't Cyprus. Any ideas how to reach peace and stability?

[@syrianball1875]

Both can share poweres

[@drgeorgek]

Probably just keep the status quo bro... it’s stable and peaceful atm. Any change will reignite old fueds

[@milanstojadinovic7419]

"3) After half a century, the views of the 2 communities have changed significantly. The current Turkish Cypriot leader wants a 2 separate states solution while, the Greek Cypriot leader still insists on creating a federal constitution (theoretically)" but on referendum: Greeks 24% for unification, Turks 64% so - no B-)

[@VisibilityFoggy]

Well, Greece is arming up with Rafales and F-35s...

[@horror11]

@@milanstojadinovic7419 the referendum u dont know what it meaned. the anan solution was build on a thesis that the turks would keep their army on cyprus and would have the right to intervene , while at same time the greek national guard , which was the main factor in the invasion, which kept the turks from overrunning it, would be dissolved. naturally the greek voted no for security reasons.

[@dimitrispvoice133]

Us Cypriots are greek since as far as the Mycenaean times, not the Byzantine. Even our dialect uses ancient greek words that modern day Greece doesn't. Nice video though and I'm hoping for a solution (although impossible...Turks unfortunately done it again)

[@andreaskokkinoftas3770]

Good and informative video for one of Europe's forgotten Cold War conflicts. However I feel that the creator has left out some inmportant aspects/events of the story. 1st. A crucial part left out is the Greek Cypriot anti-colonial struggle against the British Empire in 1955-59, which aimed at Enosis. Supposedly that conflict was a military defeat for the British, however the aim of the Greek Cypriots (union with Greece - Enosis) was not achieved and the harsh compromise of the Zurich agreements, created an unstable and doomed to fail, racist state, which divided everything along ethnic lines and put the two communities against each other like never before. Britain's role in the formation of this agreement is evident, as it wanted to create an unstable independent state with rival communities in order to keep control of the two military bases without much trouble. Suprise-suprise it failed 3 years later, when the turkish Cypriots left the new state, proving that their leadership never wanted to compromise for an independent state. That in turn created more upheaval and radical elements in the Greek Cypriot side (formation of EOKA B ten years later). 2nd. The video mentions the paramilitary role of EOKA B and Greek officers, but fails to mention the organized plan by the Turkish secret services and the Turkish Cypriot paramilitary organization TMT, for creating division in order to achieve seperation of the two communities (Taxim). At the same note, the video fails to mention the Turkish bombings in Tilliria in 1964. 3rd. The turkofication of Anatolia and Cyprus did not happen by Turkic immigration that much, but much more by islamization (i.e by gradual changing of the inhabitants religion and culture, due to high taxes and generally harsh conditions for non-muslims. 4th. The Cyprus conflict is set during the World War. USA, the USSR, Greece, Turkey and Britain were all interested and influenced the events. The coup in Cyprus resulted in the Greek Junta to collapse (some claim it was used by the US secret services and Foreign Minister at the time Henry Kissinger, to install a democratic, right-wing government in Greece, make sure that Cyprus will not fall under communism and also appease NATO's strongest ally in the E. Mediterranean and the Levant - Turkey). Makarios's role in the Non-Aligned Movement and connections with the USSR, impacted the situation significantly, by making the USA afraid of a communist Cyprus (although Makarios was not a communist and it was highly unlikely to become one). Additionally, Britain was in many cases acting to secure its own interests in the area, resulting in neglecting behaviour towards Cypriots and never acctually attempting to resolve the problem, since its easier to just informally "divide and conquer". Funny that the British creator dont mention anything about that. :) 4th. When talking about the paramilitary organization EOKA B, the creator used a statue of EOKA's (1955-59) second in command Grigoris Afxentiou who died in 1957 (considered as a national hero by the Cypriot Republic and many Cypriots). Different organization in different decades.

[@willmcmahon7491]

Very good points. I thought there was some great information overall. Of course there will be some information missing in such a concise video. For me, there could be more on the reluctance of the US to intervene and why this was and also the British influence on the division of the communities. The divide and conquer tactic (India/Pakistan, Ireland, Korea etc.) can't be ignored here. Britain knew it would eventually have to grant independence but wanted to keep its strategic naval bases. You can't ignore the fact that the division worked in Britains favour long-term. Often the side of the Greek Cypriots is taken but this was pretty well balanced. What you have to remember is that the two communities used to coexist peacefully and what had happened between Greece and Turkey on the mainland wasn't so important to the Cypriots. Would love to know more about the outside political influences. More information on the green line would be good. The green line (not called this at the time) was drawn up long before the Turkish invasion. The borders we see today fit almost exactly. It was drawn along a meridian, can't remember which one. Almost as though it was an inevitability...

[@Spirosbotos]

Thank you for this comment

[@huso1947]

Yeah one morning (20 December 1963 aka Bloody Christmas) out of the blue Turkish Cypriots said we are out of here for no reason. Omitting information does not speak highly of your personality and integrity.

[@malthuswasright]

The lack of UK action was a result of pressure from the US (the UK had acted as the guarantor power a few years before and the US had been pretty displeased about that). When the Turks took action in 74, the UK asked the US if they could do what they were supposed to do as guarantor power, only to be told to not intervene. (I believe the US wanted an intelligence base on Cyprus and they knew the Greek side at the time wouldn't grant it, while the Turkish side would.) So the UK was partly to blame, but there were extenuating circumstances.

[@valonreijk7393]

U missed that makarios III try to change 13 statement in constitution of republic of cyprus which takes the rights of TCs andboth EOKA and EOKA-B is hostile towards turks and poeple with left idiology(TMT also hostile towards to people from left as both orginizations are made from radicalized right )

[@TOM2RN]

I vacationed there in 1983 while working in Saudi Arabia. The Green Line was ever present. Very nice place to visit. My favorite place? Lefkara. I picked up some nice Lefkara lace there.

[@darkemperor95]

I'm so happy that you covered my island since I've been watching you for a long time. Thank you for talking about our situation and love your videos ❤️ Edit: By my island I mean the island I'm from and was raised in. I don't see why so many people are commenting on me typing that when it is clear what I meant by the phrase.

[@jessicakoenigsbach]

You guys have it rough, let's hope Cyprus will be united in the future 👍🏻

[@dianapennepacker6854]

I have read a ton in history yet this is such a video where I'm 100%! Bravo!

[@socas_nic]

Too many Socrates's to handle here

[@anthillmobstars]

You're island? You mean Cyprus? Yeah, it's mine. You're a madman.

[@socas_nic]

@@anthillmobstars Your* may I also add Cyprus belongs to its people if you are not one of them, just leave.

[@petros.cy24]

excellent video! just a correction: Annan Plan was voted for by the Turkish Cypriots and against by the Greek Cypriots!

[@tophers3756]

"An island divided by an age old rivalry" Ireland?

[@kieronparr3403]

My thoughts exactly

[@didi_cy0528]

not that old for Cyprus though

[@sophiafinucane1724]

I’m irish-Cypriot how u think I feel

[@timhocking529]

@@sophiafinucane1724 double screwed by the brits I see.

[@ednammansfield8553]

An interesting video. I was based in Cyprus at RAF Akrotiri 1973-1975 so was there at the time of the invasion by the Turkish forces. I lived in Limassol and had to have my wife and daughter evacuated to RAF Akrotiri which was in the sovereign base area. They were eventually flown back to the UK but I stayed in Cyprus.

[@tda2806]

Back in the 90's I was working with an ex British serviceman who was stationed on Cyprus during the invasion, he told the story that he was a heartbeat away from launching air defence missiles at the evading Turkish air force, as their aircraft came within meters of entering the air space around the Crown bases. If he had launched, the resulting conflict between Turkey and the UK could have had a very different outcome for the island.

[@mathewhex7045]

Id have unleashed the dogs of war

[@ajstevens1652]

Certainly a good thing he didn't.

[@tda2806]

@@ezicarus8216 I used to his story to illustrate how close the conflict came to escalating and how the Turkish forces were aware of the Crown bases. He was obeying rules of engagement, which makes him neither a hero or a coward.

[@saladinbob]

Byzantine Empire: Ethnically Greek, Politically Roman.

[@jessicakoenigsbach]

Culturally marvelous

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

Very accurate

[@jamesmeppler6375]

Edit, realized I only said half what I thought sorrt...Romans are technically Greek as were the Carthaginians. The early Greeks had spread across the whole Mediterranean. But I'll do some more research on Carthage to make sure I'm right still ^_^ Someone is pointing out the Carthaginians came from east of Greece, the levanth? like the Turks moved west from the Stan countries of mid east Asia. Same too happened with the Carthaginians, unless everything in the history book was wrong

[@jamesmeppler6375]

@@asgdhgsfhrfgfd1170 Hmm I seem to remember a piece about the early Greeks sailing and "colonizing" for a lack of better word, it's escaping my mind. The full Mediterranean coast, from the straight of Hercules to Troy and Egypt, granted Egypt happened after the ptolomys took over. But technically the Greeks immigrated from turkey and down from Africa but that was prehistory and only trackable through dna, 23and me haplogroup info is very facinating.

[@Spirosbotos]

Indeed

[@plums547]

I was posted to this buffer zone in 2008 with the UN, eye opening to see the differences between both sides economically.

[@AgathoChristus]

Seriously, you dont use Gregoris Avxentiou's statue to mention EOKA B'... major foul..

[@TucsonHat]

"queue the ominous music. " Plays very non-ominous "music"

[@ChrisMelville]

Cue

[@glendonmorgan7253]

Simon's voice is like honey for the ears.

[@Frankenspank67]

I use it to fall asleep every night. lol

[@chrisbeadle6287]

Yes!! :)

[@ekremjones7732]

Annan Plan was rejected by 76% of Greek Cypriots but 65% of Turkish Cypriots accepted the plan

[@Sdcreech04]

By far one of the more fascinating videos you've produced. Thumbs up earned

[@user-xr7td7zq5v]

15:52 correction: Annan plan was rejected by the Greek Cypriots.

[@georgewilliams8448]

If you think that Cyprus had a bad governmental setup take a look at the setup in Lebanon!

[@thinwaifer]

I used to work in document legalization for intellectual property - oh my GAWD Northern Cypress was a THORN in my side. Thank you for explaining what in the holy hell happened there, I appreciate my new understanding.

[@vasosglykeriou9252]

the north part of Cyprus is OCCUPIED by Turkey since 1974 ! MILITARY OCCUPIED AREA ! just their military put people in costumes for to play political games.. The majority of ALL THOSE are still our STOLEN PROPERTIES ..! PLEASE , we expect from you people to ..RESPECT that ..! ..You see .. The nation of Turkey played Dirty games against my country/CYPRUS since 1958..through our compatriots Turkish cypriots , a minority of 18%..been found with rights like they were..30 %-40% with the establishment of our common republic of Cyprus at early 60s and yet , they blow them UP..following instructions from Turkey.. TODAY, our compatriots Turkish cypriots, they past the DIMANT for EQUALITY..( the 18% of the population, to be equal with the 82%)..and they are asking for a state on OUR STOLEN PROPERTIES ..! AGAIN TURKEY.. through our compatriots Turkish cypriots, is trying to put a hand on the islands NATURAL SOURCES..! The way they are going.., ( the Turks)..one day they gonna ask from US CYPRIOTS to leave from our island..!

[@georgeconstanti8416]

A very laudable historical narrative of the history of the "Cyprus problem" but, just a couple of observations. Firstly, the narrative gave the erroneous impression that Turkey's invasion of Cyprus five days after the Greek junta-led coup was a spur of the moment, almost last straw initiative by Turkey, in exercise of its rights as a guarantor power. It was later revealed that Turkey's invasion was planned well advance and (orchestrated by the US) and triggered by the Greek junta's coup against Makarios. Secondly, in the referendum on the Annan plan, the majority of the Turkish Cypriots voted in favour of the proposed solution. It was the Greek Cypriots who voted overwhelmingly against the plan, by a majority of 75%!

[@mryilly6446]

Hi, I live in Northern Cyprus, Great Video just 2 bits I think are wrong statements If Turkey had the rights under the 1960 agreements to intervene militarily if required they simply did not invade they intervened in a military operation Number 2 the Turkish side voted in support of the Annan Plan it was the Republic of Cyprus that rejected it.

[@menuria]

"Intervening" in July is one thing. Invading in August another, and remaining since then a totally different one!

[@Randomman9989]

a good video but one small caveat, I believe the Annan Plan was rejected by the Greek Cypriots, not the Turkish Cypriots

[@pauld6967]

I had long been curious about this but never took the time to look into the background of how Cyprus got this way. Thank you for covering this.

[@socas_nic]

There are other stories into the conflict that no one talks about because they will unveil things that shouldn't... It's a mess really. Though this video did a good job covering the main parts of the topic and everything mentioned is correct. It's the other things that are covered up that is the problem that's not gonna give us a solution any time soon

[@hestikakala3027]

@@socas_nic are you referring to the US navel base?

[@theshoebooty]

@@hestikakala3027 There’s no US naval base in Cyprus

[@socas_nic]

@@hestikakala3027 I'm not referring to anything really because everything ia covered up by stupid cowards who don't deserve to be on this planet.

[@andrigeogiou8420]

The nation of Turkey played Dirty games against my country CYPRUS since..1958 , through our compatriots Turkish Cypriots .A minority of..18%, been found with RIGHTS like they was..30%-40% ,with the establishment of OUR COMMON REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS at early.60s , ..and yet they" blow them UP".. following instructions from Turkey..! heading for their TAKSIM/ DEVIDED plans . TODAY.. our compatriots Turkish Cypriots , they past the dimant for equality ( the 18% ,to be equal with the 82%)..and they are asking for a state on OUR STOLEN PROPERTIES. ! AGAIN TURKEY.. through our compatriots Turkish Cypriots is trying to put a hand on the islands NATURAL SOURCES..! the way they are going..( the Turks).one day , they gonna ask from US CYPRIOTS to leave from our island..

[@atan7260]

as a Cypriot I appreciate these videos, because they demonstrate how the Cypriot people were only ever pawns to be moved by bigger powers. Turkey and Greece didn't care about the people, they still don't. These countries only ever cared about pulling one over the other, it used to be about the geographical position, now its about the natural gas, in a few years it'll be about some other pretense. And let's not forget that the island was a British colony from the 1870s until the 1950s, and a large reason for why the ideas of complete separation between Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots were even birthed, was the British rule over the island. Edit: also the UN are clearly following their own little Agenda as currently Turkey is moving into dead zoned areas and giving tours, and the UN are just presumably unable to stop them from violating no man's land.

[@cemoguz2786]

I am turkish and I belive as soon as people there care about each other and think they are complitly sparate from any thing and manipulation. You guys should have another goverment. However if you look in to history and some people. It is kind of imposible. Maybe later. When there is no greeks and turks on cyprus.

[@mastros64]

The Greek government did not care because it was filled with American agents. But to say that Greeks don't care is dishonest. Who was ELDYK fighting for?

[@kvlcmkorkmaz9620]

There are some missing info on this video. 1. Annan Plan was accepted by Turkish Cypriots. Rejected by Greek Cypriots. 2. There have been regular massacres taking place between both parties. One of the most famoust one was bloody christmas(1963) which created huge discomfort among Turkish politicians and public. So the intervene was also based on the violances against Turkish Cypriots. 3. Nowadays Turkish Cypriots are mildly more open to reunification. As you can see from the Annan Plan voting, which includes reunification of Cyprus 4. Watching the video made me feel like you have approached the topic from one side usually. Mostly blaming the Turkish side. The first intervene diddnt face much opposition from the global powers since the climax during that time made Turkish side rightful to intervene. But the second intervene did receive negative reception. Since the occupied territory was larger compared to Turkish Cypriots making up the population. Also I believe that you could include that Armenian Genocide claims are not accepted by Turkey if you would have liked to portray the topic from the both sides. 5. Unlike the Greek Cypriots Turkish Cypriots suffers from the unrecognition of their current status. The only country to recognize them is Turkey and supporting them on their most requirements. 6. I believe that to find a solid solution for this problem, both parts should meet on some logic compromises and safe matters. Trying to empower one sides desires to another side would add new problems over the existing ones. Also the other comments like "why nato diddnt kick out Turkey?" are so shallow on my opinion. Since the topic is far beyond to accuse single country to be guilty over it. All including countries have their mistakes and guilts over it.

[@Gene0695]

Regarding your point 4, actually Turkish Cypriots generally owned alot more land compared to the greek Cypriots at the time. So the Turkish forces capturing around a third of the island despite the Turkish Cypriots making up around 20% of the population was the reasoning and justification of that.

[@kvlcmkorkmaz9620]

@@Gene0695 yes perhaps. Im not aware on that but will check of course.

[@Gene0695]

@@kvlcmkorkmaz9620 Another point that this video conveniently omits to mention is the role that Britain and the US played in deliberately stirring up trouble and creating friction between the 2 communities for their own benefit, exacerbating this conflict.

[@filipposchristoforou6730]

@@Gene0695 not really.. close to 20% was the t/c population. I think the land that belonged to t/c was around 12%

[@Gene0695]

@@filipposchristoforou6730 No. When looking at the enclaves that the Turkish Cypriots moved into as a result of the events of 1963, then maby what you said is the case, but the percentage of land that the Turkish Cypriots owned prior to that was around 33%

[@ignitionfrn2223]

0:55 - Chapter 1 - A long history 4:40 - Chapter 2 - Istanbul not constantinople 7:15 - Chapter 3 - Independence ? 11:15 - Chapter 4 - My way or the highway 13:10 - Chapter 5 - Operation atilla 15:20 - Chapter 6 - The green line

[@coli.s6909]

Annan Plan was rejected by the Greek Cypriots, thank you for covering this from an objective point

[@Zen-Mit-Chips]

WOW, I can't be critical, what you said was accurate, unlike some I have seen. A few elements missed, but you can't make a video long enough to include it all with all the background activities also.

[@andreaspanayiotou628]

You cannot leave out major facts though, like British role

[@seaycyp]

CORRECTION @ 15:45... The Annan Plan was NOT rejected by Turkish Cypriots but by Greek Cypriots. Until 2020, Turkish Cypriots were always the side favouring a peace and unification but this changed last year as the Greek Cypriots, for many years, repeatedly refused and openly showed that a "fair" peace deal, in which they do not have any advantage. Now the Turkish Cypriot policies have changed recently as the Eastern Mediterranean has been found to have great riches in terms of gas.

[@zdm5290]

Simon: This is going to be a rather long video Me, used to Casual Criminalist videos: *Checks video length* **Is disappointed**

[@--enyo--]

I know, right. 😂

[@alphaxneo]

I feel called out bc I did the same xD

[@andreaskimonos6400]

You had failed to make the point that the English had exploited the relegious devide of the twe communities and preprogrammed the situation to reach to the Turkish invasion so once again as everywhere they have been they had applied the their famous doctrine of devide and govern. Since the 1960 independence of Cyprus the English had taken every possible step to armed the Turkish Cypriots even through the United Nations English participants in the island. You have also completely failed to mentioned that all historical evidence proves that Cyprus has always been a Greek island. You have failed to mentioned the horrific atrocities committed by the NATO Turkish army towards the women and children of the island. You have failed to mention the British hungings of young people in Cyprus during the EOKA war of independence of 1955 -1959. Your video makes the English who were also quarantors of the Cyprus indipendence an INNOCENT party to the whole situation. Shame on you.

[@davidioanhedges]

The island was a key base in many wars including several since ... there is a reason why Akrotiri is where it is ... Dhekelia is in the Green Zone it is an active base on the border between two still low level warring states Akrotiri is where UK soldiers are sent to train and to convalesce, Dhekelia is considered active duty

[@badluck5647]

Next: The Russian occupation of Georgia 🇬🇪. It is like the occupation of Ukraine, but less well known.

[@billpolychronidis7805]

The troubles started long before, when the island was a British colony, both UK and turkey didn't want Cyprus to end up as another Crete, meaning a big strategically positioned island uniting with Greece. That's why we still see UK holding military bases on the island and turkey trying to shift the population numbers through illegal settlement.

[@vasosglykeriou9252]

Unfortunately , the plan for the island to be divided been found by the British since 1956 , .that SO , we had the nation of Turkey played Dirty games against our country CYPRUS since 1958 , through our compatriots Turkish cypriots , a minority of 18%..been found with rights like they were 30%-40% , with the establishment of our common republic of Cyprus at early 60s and yet,they blow them UP..following instructions from Turkey.. he for their TAKSIM/ DIVIDED plans..! ..That so , we had our compatriots Turkish cypriots , giving to our common state , arm troubles , from 1963-1967 , trying to show to the world that our two communities couldn't live in peace together .. ! ..Then , since , after all those arm troubles, our compatriots Turkish cypriots , they never manage to do , and much about , ..UNFORTUNATELY .. we had Greece , from 1971-1974 , following instructions from the American's/ Kissinger , NATO , and OFCOURSE England , to play its Dirty games against US GREEK CYPRIOTS , ..and after that coup against our loyal government on July 1974..to give the legal chance to Turkey, only 5 days later to invate the island..! ACTUALLY , GREECE ..HELPS Turkey , to sucsseed..it's invasion plans ..! ..WE ALL KNOW that ..1974 , was a SET UP war for US CYPRIOTS to loose it..! ..by end NO MATTER WHAT ! .. GREEK HANDS..are the once who ..gave a GREEK ISLAND to the Turks !

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

The sort answer is that Greeks and Turkish don't trust each other to the point of willing to fight each other out of fear and distrust By the way am quite sure that the comments section will be a charm

[@vitaliy-zx1yl]

you're right, ethical separation was the best way to divide locals +Fanatic Turks to north and Greeks to south.This will newer end:(

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

@@vitaliy-zx1yl that's the problem with a stand off, no one dares to take a step back.. To be honest as long there are Turkish occupation forces in the north and Greece and Turkey aren't solving their issues, Cypriots will be like the children of two very bad divorced parents, Greece and Turkey..

[@RRHardyHar]

This is awesome. I want more videos explaining history I don't fully understand

[@pepesarmpit]

I always found it funny that from both the countries I'm from (Cyprus and ireland) are both divided by 2 ethnic/religious groups and the north part is the part that has been taken over

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

And both used to be British colonies A coincidence?

[@pepesarmpit]

@@Pavlos_Charalambous I think not

[@zaxarispetixos8728]

Divide and rule

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

@@pepesarmpit me either

[@jasminejackson5400]

My mum's mum (Greek Cypriot) and family came over from Cyprus in the 70's because of this

[@stelapaya]

The division has led to many years of peace. Unlike East and West Germany that is mentioned in the video, the Turkish and Greek people are ethnically and religiously different (on the whole - but see comment below), and the division of the island instigated by the Turks is proving to be a good longterm solution. Hopefully they will continue to live in peace and both sides allowed to prosper. My experience (in the UK) is that there is a lot of negative propaganda directed towards the Turkish Cypriots, with hatred through totally irrational association with Ottoman rule (we don't blame current day Italians for what the Romans did!). It's almost forgotten that fundamentally the Greeks undermined the peace in the island through enosis and eoka (in total disrespect to the Turkish Cypriots - some of whom have Venetian, Roman and indeed Greek DNA ancestry connections it is emerging, reflecting the history and conquests of the island, and the equal rights of all its residents).

[@stefanoschristodoulou6295]

Wow, another video talking about cyprus. I am surprised!

[@detroyes2]

Here's a Side Project video I'd like to see: How about something on Bir Tawil, the area of land between Egypt and Sudan claimed by neither country and the largest segment of unclaimed land on Earth.

[@Bill_N_ATX]

Indeed, a very unique piece of land. Great subject for study.

[@ekremjones7732]

After 1963, there was no Turkish Cypriot representation in Parliament. We lived in poverty stricken ghettos. For 11 years we lived in absolute fear with hundreds being killed or going missing

[@vasosglykeriou9252]

Yes , tose days , unfortunately your leadership drives you in this very bad situation ..! ..you should know that the nation of Turkey played Dirty games against our country CYPRUS since 1958 , ..through YOU , our compatriots Turkish cypriots , a minority of 18%..been found with rights like you were 30%-40% with the establishment of our common republic of Cyprus at early 60s and yet , you blow them UP..following instructions from Turkey..! Heading for your TAKSIM plans ! ..I must say , that since your "kind "..stoped giving arm troubles to our common state , at about the end of 67 , the loyal government of that time , many times , asked your people to returned back to their homes, villages .. lifes ! ..your leadership NEVER let you do this .,!

[@vasosglykeriou9252]

..TODAY , you should know that there is a Turkish cypriot member in the EUROPEAN parliament , been elected , from Greek Cypriots votes !

[@vasosglykeriou9252]

for more search about.. Dervis Ali kavazoglou kendi sensinden...

[@beamteammom5431]

Fascinating! I try to stay at least marginally informed on what’s happening in the world and I don’t remember ever hearing anything about this or learning about it in school (US in the 1980’s). Thank you for broadening my horizons a bit.

[@luckmandan]

This is your best video yet!! Well done sir.

[@ΔημήτρηςΧριστόπουλος-υ8η]

A very well done video! I just want to point some things out about Greece. The Centrist union party wasn't a left wing party. In fact its leader George Papandreou was very famous for his hatred of communists. He even used to brag about how quickly he sends communists to exile. The party had only a small fraction that could be considered left wing (including Papandreou's son). Greece at the time had a left wing party that was actually run by the communist party but since it ( the communist party )was technically banned it was involved in greek politics through that "seperate" party. Also i would like to point out that there is a dispute on whether the king had something to do with the coup directly. Some claim he had taken part in it others say he was caught off guard as well ( am not voicing a personal opinion am just saying was is currently said about his involvement). At some point later on he did try to stage a coup against the dictatorship but he tremendously misjudged the force in the army that was still loyal to him and the coup was a huge failure. What can be said for certain however is that he was responsible for the dictatorship indirectly because as the video pointed out he meddled in Greek politics (which was actually a constitutional power given to him and which led to severe clashes with most greek governments when they tried to take it from him by changing the Constitution) by appointing the minister of national defence in each government which only led to more instability within greek governments and which only helped in re-enforcing the narrative of the army officers responsible for the dictatorship ,who claimed to have intervened to combat the instability and the subsequent fall of Greece in communist hands (which was a lie)

[@angelitabecerra]

2:16 Was that a John Greene reference? If so, well done 🙌🏾

[@aliibrahim1512]

Correction: The Anan plan was accepted by the Turkish Cypriots and rejected by the Greek Cypriots

[@themisthemistocleous1404]

Correct

[@veritasvirtuslibertas3787]

this video s goal is manipulation.I would suprise if there is no lie and bigotry within it.

[@nenadradic1759]

Their no Turkish Cypriots onlu turk on cyprus!

[@edylcnostrebor9722]

Thank you Shannon for your Channel update God bless you

[@unclesamuk8687]

"I made an error, my bad" is an understatement on that scene. Also "the coup is sponsored by the United States" why am I not surprised.

[@papa2k]

Coincidentally, the US got themselves a nice military air base in the north which really annoyed the Russians given its strategic location.

[@philc8703]

Was just about to post, the Greeks said no to a US base on Cyprus, then the Turks invade, the UN does nothing and the US gets its base...hmmm

[@ogunduman836]

I'd rather have him quote Job from Arrested Development: "I have made a HUGE mistake!"

[@Zeus-ez6rf]

also the invasion of cyprus is done by the USA! Specifically from Henry Kissinger

[@vasosglykeriou9252]

@@philc8703 it was NEVER a mutter of a base ! ..we( Cypriots) was Never so idiot's , to be NEGATIVE even to the Americans ! after all , we still have two British bases ..! ..Just , the British wanted to satisfy Turkey ,since the plans for the island to be divided has been made from them since 56 ! ..We must know that whatever Turkey never manage to succeed through our compatriots Turkish cypriots , from 1963 till 67 ,by gaving to our common state , arm troubles ..! heading for their TAKSIM/ DIVIDE plans , ..we had GREECE , following instructions from the American's/ Kissinger , NATO ..and ofcourse ENGLAND ( was/Tillis behind everything ) , playing Dirty games against US GREEK CYPRIOTS , from 71 till 74 , and finally with the coup against our loyal governmen to finally gave the ligal excuse to Turkey to.. mate a step on the island , .. ..GREECE actually let Turkey to invade , and after a short SET UP war for US CYPRIOTS to loose it , to steal almost the half of the island ..

[@stephenskinner7347]

PLease correct me if I am wrong; the Greek Cypriot population voted against the Annan Plan, the Turkish Cypriots voted for acceptance.

[@mikrimpoumpou]

In the occupied territotry, the majority is now not the Cypriot Turks, who have no problems with the Cypriot Greeks, but Settlers from Anatolia. These settlers cause all the problems

[@nrcpn]

The Annan plan was actually approved by Turkish Cypriots, not rejected 15:40

[@MIGBMWLOVER]

and rejected by the Greeks....

[@socratessocratous3864]

@@MIGBMWLOVER Hell yeah

[@MIGBMWLOVER]

@@socratessocratous3864 it was bs...

[@dimitrispvoice133]

@@MIGBMWLOVER It was logic. That plan didn't guarantee the safety of Cypriots neither the removal of Turkish army from the island. It was disgraceful, especially since Turkey was never punished for the invasion and still going illegal occupation of the nation. The Turks accepted it because they literally had NOTHING to lose, they already stole the land of the Cypriots and their homes, the plan would only give them more access to all of Cyprus.

[@pidgeon2008]

Correction regarding the Annan plan. When it was put to a vote it was rejected by the majority of Greek Cypriot and not the Turkish Cypriots. Turkish Cypriots actually voted in favor of the Annan plan.

[@Zeus-ez6rf]

Annan plan was going to destroy Cyprus independence and it would have given turks control on how to to run Cyprus

[@jacksonstarky8288]

Turkey has been a member of NATO since 1952. Why wasn't it kicked out for the 1974 invasion? On the other hand, the biggest thing I've come to realise since spring of last year is how sadly arbitrary all national borders are.

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

The Turkish forces..

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

As a matter of fact Greece left nato for some years after the American born prime minister won the election with the slogan " out for death bases". The death's bases was the American military in the country - basically it was a huge middle finger towards United States since it was obvious that CIA was involved in the 1967 and Kinssiger was obviously pro Turkish, he even had proposed a full occupation of Cyprus b

[@Simonsvids]

'Why wasn't it kicked out for the 1974 invasion?' Due to it's handy proximity to the USSR.

[@AlexanderNigbor]

due to the controling the helispont which give access in and out of the black sea where most of the russian fleet is based

[@davidebusato2476]

Maybe because kicking Turkey off NATO would have given a new ally to the Soviet Union, giving them easy access to the Mediterranean? I guess the same problem is right now between EU and Turkey.

[@davidkugel]

Interesting video. You don't hear much about Cyprus in the US news. Thanks for informing us of the reason for the partition.

[@mikrimpoumpou]

So to make a long story short: The US armed Turkey, Turkey invaded Cyprus, similar to what the US at the time had a habbit of doing to cure Vietnamewounds, and play bully on smaller nations, and since then 40% of the island is occupied.

[@raccoonking888]

love the research! Keep up the good work!

[@Green-tf8uw]

at this point I don't know how many Simon channels I'm subscribed to.

[@Simonsvids]

'Germany was divided for 45 years, Cyprus for 47'. And Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland (The Irish Republic) even longer than that.

[@uncleghandi5771]

Internationally recognised border and the majority likes it that way.

[@Simonsvids]

@@uncleghandi5771 It won't remain that way for long unless the UK joins the European single market and customs union.

[@jonnunn4196]

@@Simonsvids Those in the remainder of the UK - they would be happy to see Northern Ireland go as long as it doesn't cause a war in their backyard (by those in Northern Ireland not wanting to join the Republic.)

[@uncleghandi5771]

@@Simonsvids According to whom?

[@Simonsvids]

@@uncleghandi5771 Says me, and is just as valid an opinion as anyone else.

[@michaela3274]

One of the major reasons to why the US don't want to interfere and tell Turkey to redraw their troops from Cyprus is pretty simple: Like the US, Turkey is a member of NATO thus being an allied. A pretty handy allied that is. Turkey has several airbases that are useful to the US Air Force when they have missions in the Middle East, so if the US starts to tell Turkey off they would most likely be refused to use these airbases in the future. This is the same reason as to why the UK wants to keep their bases in Cyprus (RAF Akrotiri, SBA Dhekelia, the radar station at the peak of Mt Olympos and the former listening station at Cape Greko east of Agia Napa): As long as they have a foothold in Cyprus they have the facilities to conduct strikes in the Middle East

[@dogoku]

Small correction at 15:49: The Anan plan was rejected by the Greek Cypriots, not the Turkish Cypriots. Whether that was the right choice or not, only time will tell...

[@mikeemery2484]

Nice vid Simon, very informative 👍

[@brentdaniels4811]

i have been there and going to both sides is interesting as to how they live.Both sides have sites of interest but entry from one side to the other is very different, One interesting thing I found is Disney's Snow White castle was influenced by the castle on the Turkish side, The castle was broken down in many parts but still worth seeing. The funny thing about the castle is you could see the training site of where the turkish special forces train. as you travel to get to the castle you see a ramboesque statue they will not allow you to take pictures of

[@tomseggie9929]

I did some peacekeeping there with the Canadian contingent, in 1984. It's a beautiful iskand.

[@Nerathul1]

Armenia Genocide? Welp, I guess Simon is now wanted in Turkey.

[@jeffk464]

Free Constantinople

[@Pooneil1984]

Not quite, he attributed it to the Ottomans. Not the Turkish republic that, in their view, liberated Anatolia from the Empire to found a new state.

[@warwickeng5491]

Yeah, I thought to myself "and there goes all the Turks clicking off the video" lol

[@dimitrispvoice133]

@@warwickeng5491 I hope so, better of without them

[@williamjones1590]

Any chance you guys could delve into the ancient history of Cyprus in another video. My reading is one of a fascinating history with any and all superpowers having a go a running the island. There is also the Mesolithic history and the debate about Cyprus giving its name to copper or vice versa.

[@cossie60]

Could argue something similar with Ireland. Northern Ireland occupied by a non EU country. Republic of Ireland in the EU. Different currencies, laws etc.

[@warwickeng5491]

Not really given that Northern Ireland is a de-facto part of the UK, with Ireland having given up their claim to the region in 1999.

[@flammie000]

As a piece of rhetoric, it is great and persuading. A suggestion would be to provide and share a bibliography for further reading. “Every mistake is a lesson in humility that shows how much remains to be learned” Walter Skeat, An etymological dictionary of the English language (preface to the first edition)

[@stasinossofroniou7430]

Dear Sir. Great video. You really did your homework. I've watched many videos about Cyprus, but yours is by far the most accurate. I've subscribed!!!

[@zaxarispetixos8728]

It is one of the worst videos i have seen about cyprus.

[@-XArchLinuxEnjoyerX-]

@@zaxarispetixos8728 can you explain why you think this? He made a few factual errors but other than that ts decent

[@zaxarispetixos8728]

@@-XArchLinuxEnjoyerX- A few quick ones i do not have time now. 1. In the chapter Armenian genocide. The greek turkish war was turkey, russia, france and italy on one side and greece and britain on the other but britain did nothing the other countries paid and trained the turkish army. 2. The coup in greece was not supported by the king and the usa the army leaders had no idea about it. That is why the king tried to overthrow them and failed 3. The coup in greece fell in 1973 because of some riots and some young officers took charge fun fact:( around the time the coup fell greece had denied the calls from the usa when asked to help israel and support them in their war. And they had free elections coming in a few months.) So maybe those riots were not spontaneous 4.Greece never tried during the first coup to intervene in cyprus they withdrawed the greek army because turkey was a pain in tha ass. 5. After the coup in 1973 during 1974 someone gave to those officers the go ahead to organize a coup in the island 6. The coup leaders did not expect the invasion from turkey and left, greece became a democracy when turkey had 4% of the island. 7. Greece had no army in the island they send some commandos after the invasion in the island with planes and they were shot down by cypriots because no one notified the gunners at the airport and then they were like sorry can not help good luck. They were not allowed by someone to send help 8. Afteramath the usa was happy because they had half of the island under nato control (makarios had relations with the soviets) and the conflict around cyprus ended. Greece and turkey became friends again.

[@ekremjones7732]

I feel you have really glossed over the events of 1963. There is a reason Turkish Cypriots call it “Bloody Christmas”. After the Turkish Cypriots were forced out of government, the Greek Cypriot paramilitary groups (mainly EOKA) attacked Turkish Cypriot villages and burnt them down. 25,000 Turkish Cypriots were made refugees and 103 villages were abandoned. Turkish Cypriots didnt choose to live in enclaves, they were forced to. They simply had nowhere else to go. Over 300 Turkish Cypriots were slaughtered during bloody Christmas, including women and children. I recommend you research the “Bathtub Murders”

[@vasosglykeriou9252]

bro ..! You really know ..NOTHING ! ..everything you mentioned are .. LIES , FAKE NEWS and BLACK PROPAGANDA .. from your site ..! PLEASE learn better .! ..oh , you forgot the .."Akritas plan " ..RIGHT ? PLEASE search for better informations..

[@vasosglykeriou9252]

"Rauf Denktash's shocking confession "

[@timkatsapas]

I live in Lemesos in the South. I'm glad you covered Cyprus. The green line is really interesting because there are some buildings and land that are exactly how they were from the war itself.

[@EdgeSoloBeats]

Your wrong about the Annan plan among a few other things, the plan went to a referendum and was rejected by the Greek side (75.38% against) not the Turkish side (64.91% in favor). Also any Greek civilians that died would have been collateral damage, whereas as you mentioned Eoka was targeting civilian enclaves.

[@hasunoushasu9710]

Yeah, read that plan again and you'll see why it was rejected. Becoming a satellite state is something people tend to dislike

[@EdgeSoloBeats]

@@hasunoushasu9710 I was just pointing out his mistake, it was indeed a terrible plan for all parties involved apart from UN & EU.

[@roddychristodoulou9111]

I live in Cyprus and can tell you that if the two mother countries left Cyprus for good we the Greek and Turkish Cypriots would find a solution in months .

[@vitaliy-zx1yl]

we all do (mostly) think so, but no body want new independent country in such strategic place:(

[@gsss]

What about the many thousand turks turkey send at north over the last decades?

[@roddychristodoulou9111]

They are still there as far as I know , they are free to come and go so we don't know the exact figures .

[@Timberland1963]

Maybe someone should ask them why they insist on acting like a bunch of quarreling five year olds. It’s been more than long enough for them to get over whatever problems there are and learn to get along.

[@nikkilee3106]

“Cue the ominous music”, in comes the rave music.

[@Sdcreech04]

Cool video idea, the fernald feed materials production plant, it was a uranium processing facility in southwest Ohio thats now a nature preserve with a large mound of low level nuclear waste still on site. I live nearby and it was always an entertaining, albeit scary, story growing up

[@agathor86]

One day I hope the island is re-unified. I hope in my lifetime too... Alas I don't see it happening.

[@tomsnow925]

But we the Turkish Cypriots would never get equal recognition we would be second class citizens again

[@josephj6521]

As an Australian, I’m puzzled how the Turks got to claim any part of Cyprus? I’ve always thought Cyprus was never ethnically Turkish but had its own identity for thousands of years. Trust is a big problem I noticed.

[@josephj6521]

@kuvikina who said I did?

[@tomsnow925]

@@josephj6521 there has been a large Turkish Cypriot minority since the 1500’s. And we’re oppressed and ethnically cleansed for decades after WW1 until turkey intervened

[@josephj6521]

@@tomsnow925 since the Ottoman invasion of Greece, Cyprus and other Balkan nations? The Greek Cypriots are understandably angry.

[@jacobzaranyika9334]

Thank you 🙏 Simon. You are always there, in one way or the other, with your billions of KZbin channels. You do a lot of good work - educating people

[@AcornElectron]

Keep up the good work fella and stay safe

[@FLORATOSOTHON]

Actually the Turkish invasion was based on the 1956 NIHAT ERIM studies regarding the partition of the Island in a first stage operation and the conquest of the entire Island at a later date. The TAXIM was part of this Turkish plan. The London Zurich agreements put the Turkish plans on halt, until the 1974 coup against Makarios, that gave the Turks the excuse to invade. The strong man in Greece at the time Brigadier General Ioannides thought he was doing the Americans a favor since they considered Makarios as the Fidel Castro of the Mediterranean so he tried to get rid of Makarios hoping for the union of Cyprus with Greece. The first ATTILA invasion, was a failure the Turkish Forces were contained in a pocket about 1 Km on each side of the landing area and the Turkish Cypriots lost about half the land they controlled before the invasion. Things however changed after July 23rd, when the military in Greece turned over the government to the politicians, who accepted a UN cease fire. The regime change in Greece was the result of the inability of Greece to effectively reinforce Cyprus (with the exception of the airlift of one Raider Squadron in operation NIKI) and the refusal of Army Generals to invade the European part of Turkey in Eastern Thrace, for the sake of NATO. Keep in mind that the Cold War was still at it's peak and for may officers in Greece the "Red Danger" and NATOs integrity were far more important. The Turks used the cease fire to consolidate and reinforce their positions, while the Greek forces were ordered not to violate the cease fire (given the responsibility they had for the mess in the first place). Of course when the UN talks led no where because of the Turkish positions regarding the partition of Cyprus, when the Turkish forces became strong enough (36000+ troops and well over 300 tanks), Turkey launched ATTILA 2 on August 14, taking the part of the island it has today, that represents about 36% of Cyprus. Given that the blame at the beginning was Greek, but once the legitimate government in Cyprus return, there was no excuse for the Turks to advance the UN condemned the Turkish Invasion with at least 22 UN Security Council Resolutions. Today the Cyprus problem is considered one of Invasion and Illegal Occupation by Turkey. The Annan plan (actually it was created by Lord Haney) was rejected by the Greek Cypriots, because it's provisions were legalizing the partition of the Island, while gave the Turks through the Turkish Cypriots influential control over the rest of Cyprus.

[@Kameeho]

Great leaders throughout history: "Man, trying to unify all these lands is a megaproject in itself!" Advisor Simon: You know what would be a great sideproject? Splitting countries in two.

[@yannisliosis8108]

Would you like your country to be split in two? First with war, then with decades of having it politically unsolved and being a dead zone? Unless you support Turkish insane plans to continue genocides around the area according to their plan of expanding their borders like we live in 18th century..

[@B.tt.ne_A]

Amazing video as always- but god do I love the background music!

[@Janiece1077]

Thank you for your videos, I love how you break everything down in sizable chunks to “digest” Blessings from the USA 🇺🇸

[@alexkyriacou5408]

Blessings from the USA ? What blessings the island is divided and it is somewhat USA fault

[@Janiece1077]

@@alexkyriacou5408 my comment was to Simon the host of the video.

[@michaelroberson2546]

I'm not sure about using the re-unification of Germany following WW II as an example here. Prior to the outset of the war in September 1939, Germany had been a unified country for what, about a hundred years from the fall of the HRE. So here's Germany with a common language, society, customs, history, etc 'divided' for 35 years and even with this the struggles with that are still echoing about the country. Now, here's Cyprus with centuries of division based on religion, history, language, culture, etc. and 40 years seems too long? I'm not saying the division is right, wrong, or anywhere in between. Just that the comparison with Germany seems...inapt.

[@mr.100rupees3]

The Greek Cypriot dialect uses more ancient Greek than what mainland modern Greek uses

[@dimitrispvoice133]

As a Cypriot, that's correct 👍

[@Snake_Juntt]

Trying to find a good Boer Republics video from side projects or mega projects

[@constantinoskozakos9681]

It's not only the old people of the island who want unification,it's the majority as far as I know being Cypriot greek

[@alizesavim5688]

I can confirm that the vast majority of Cypriots (Tcs and Gcs) want unification, as a Cypriot who lives in the northern part of the island.

[@matthew7027]

@@alizesavim5688 ölmeyi bayılmak sanıyorsunuz da ondan.

[@alizesavim5688]

@@matthew7027 Barışı ölüm zannedersan yazık

[@alizesavim5688]

@@matthew7027 gerçekten yazık ne deyim

[@matthew7027]

@@alizesavim5688 aynen yazık. Sizin için dökülen kana.

[@mayoite160]

why isn't this a proper 20+ minute geographics episode??

[@joedow873]

It is not split, it is occupied by Turkey. Because USA traded Cyprus for patriot rockets base in Turkey.

[@alexbowman7582]

1973 saw Israel involved in Middle East wars. The Americans asked the Cypriots for a military base, the Cypriots declined then in 1974 the Turks invaded and America got their base.

[@benjaminsagan5861]

That final observation is a sobering thought. Of course, the divided Germany was also uncontroversially recognized as basically legitimate, the world over. Cyprus' status has been one of permanent limbo.

[@Stant123]

Not to mention the fact that East and West Germans all considered themselves Germans. Reunification was only a matter of time. North and South Cypress consider themselves Greeks and Turks, not Cypriots. Unification is not in either's best interests.

[@josephj6521]

To add to the complexity, there are 2 vastly different religions (Muslims and Christians). Are there nations out there with split religious groups living peacefully where at least 30% is Muslim? I need to research this.

[@benjaminsagan5861]

@@josephj6521 Lebanon springs to mind. For most of its history anyway.

[@wilberator9608]

My father spent a lot of his childhood on a UK military base in Cyprus during the conflict, quite a few of the local friends he made got murdered.

[@mariosmario1048]

What do you mean ..? ..can you write somethink more about. ?

[@wilberator9608]

@@mariosmario1048 Some of the Greek children he knew were killed by Turkish paramilitary groups simply because they were greek (and vice versa for Turkish children). There was bitter fanatisicm on both sides in some communities and practically nowhere on the island was safe. :(

[@ademkader3945]

Good video, minor fault : Annan Plan was rejected by the Greek Cypriot population. As 65% of the Turkish Cypriots accepted the annan plan but 76% of the Greek Cypriot population rejected it.

[@stelvis1984ify]

This is true, Greek Cypriots mainly rejected on the basis that Turkey would still keep its 50,000 strong, military force on the Island.

[@ioannapanayidou6525]

As a Cypriot citizen I clicked on this video with caution but I knew your videos are always good so I gave it a go. I just wanted to say a huge thank you for covering the history of our island. Appreciate this video so much. Thank you !

[@Nick-kk2xw]

Covering what? Afxentiou is portrayed as an Eoka B member at 14:23. Does not even mention 1955-1959. Open a book kid.

[@mettz]

Great video on a sensitive subject. Things were left out on both sides which is understandable. But a balanced video influenced by fact and history rather than the bias mob that attack anyone who talks about the Cyprus issue. No matter how many times you try and change the facts, history is history. We have the right to exist.

[@mikrimpoumpou]

There is no such thing as a balanced video. There is clearly an invading force, a force still with thousands of troops on site. a force that has been systematically changing the population of the island by bringing in settlers from Anatolia. This is a PAID advertisement for Erdogan

[@skagerstrom]

Got a travel add for Cyprus before this video.. :P

[@duncanbrock7303]

I love hearing him say it's going to be a long video on other channels because come on man 17 minutes really I'm sure I've watched videos that are over an hour long from you

[@graemecameron5685]

@@yourenemystraightwhitemale Simon's gotta make his money.

[@duncanbrock7303]

Actually most of his longer ones that I was referring to are not monetized so he has sponsors to make his money.

[@d2rat]

@@duncanbrock7303 epic blaze

[@duncanbrock7303]

@@d2rat I love the casual criminalist.

[@alexandrebacci6589]

You guys are getting better and better. Congrats 👏 👏