Independence and Constitutional Crisis
Cyprus gained independence on 16 August 1960 under a complex power-sharing constitution that soon proved contentious. Constitutional deadlocks over Turkish Cypriot veto powers and representation ratios led President Makarios to propose sweeping amendments in November 1963, which Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership rejected outright. The resulting crisis erupted into the 'Bloody Christmas' violence of December 1963, leading to the establishment of the Green Line dividing Nicosia and the effective collapse of the bicommunal Republic.
Cyprus Achieves Independence
Cyprus achieves independence. Archbishop Makarios III becomes President, Dr. Fazil Kucuk becomes Vice-President. The Zurich-London Agreements establish two co-equal 'national communities' with fixed representation: 70% Greek Cypriot, 30% Turkish Cypriot in public service positions, and 60/40 in security forces, reflecting negotiated power-sharing arrangements enshrined in the Zurich-London Agreements and the Treaty of Guarantee. 950 Greek troops and 650 Turkish troops are deployed as guarantor forces.
Britain uses its Sovereign Base Areas at Akrotiri and Dhekelia as a major intelligence and military hub, including signals intelligence operations and, reportedly, nuclear weapons storage. While the SBAs are technically British sovereign territory under the Treaty of Establishment, their use for NATO and Cold War operations effectively compromises Cyprus's declared non-aligned status.
Makarios Proposes Thirteen Constitutional Amendments
President Makarios proposes 13 constitutional amendments that would, among other changes, remove Turkish Cypriot veto powers, abolish the requirement for separate communal majorities, establish unified municipalities, and reduce Turkish Cypriot representation ratios. Makarios argues the amendments are necessary to resolve constitutional deadlocks that have paralyzed governance; Turkish Cypriots view them as eliminating their constitutional protections.
Bloody Christmas Violence Erupts in Nicosia
Intercommunal violence erupts in Nicosia (known as 'Bloody Christmas') following an incident between Greek Cypriot police and Turkish Cypriots near the Turkish quarter. In the initial period from 21 December to 1 January, approximately 136 Turkish Cypriots and 30 Greek Cypriots are killed, according to UN and communal sources. The 650-strong Turkish contingent leaves barracks and takes strategic positions. Turkey threatens military intervention.
During the Bloody Christmas violence, Greek Cypriot irregulars led by Nikos Sampson attack the mixed Nicosia suburb of Omorphita, killing Turkish Cypriot civilians and expelling residents from their homes. Sampson's armed groups take hundreds of hostages. At Ayios Vasileios, a mass grave containing 21 Turkish Cypriot bodies is later exhumed on 12 January 1964 in the presence of Red Cross officials and foreign journalists, with victims showing signs of having been shot with hands bound. Also on 24 December, the wife and three children of Turkish military officer Major Nihat Ilhan are found dead in their home in the Kumsal district of Nicosia, though the exact circumstances remain contested between the communities.