Why is Cyprus Divided? (Short Animated Documentary)

Cyprus, like many countries, isn't whole. However unlike most nations which are split, it's split into three parts with Cyprus itself holding the south, Turkish-backed Northern Cyprus in the north and with Britain holding on two other parts of the island because of course they are. To find out how this strange status occurred watch this short and simple animated history documentary.

A special thanks to all of these Patrons below, without whom the show wouldn't be possible:

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[sarpbakrsoy]

An accurate, objective and unbiased telling of the Cyprus events? That's a rare sight. This is why I love this channel.

[Matt_JJz]

"Entering British Territory, previously known as your country"

This channel's sense of humour is golden

[Peachistan]

Mankind trying not to divide an random island to 3

[zelkovas]

Fun fact: Cyprus was also "kind-of" divided between the Greeks and Muslims for 300 years in the Middle Ages in an agreement between the Roman Emperor and the Arabs. The island was ruled jointly by both the Romans and the Arabs and the taxes were divided equally between them and, while there was constant warfare between the two parties in the mainland, the agreement on Cyprus remained mostly consistent and respected by both parties except for a few exceptions.

[natherahmed]

What i love about this channel is that he is just telling the story without trying to defend the actions of someone. Or misses out important facts to support one side.

[notthetypicalcanadian]

I knew about Cyprus and it being divided but knowing the full story is quite useful thanks for the content.

[Percin]

I love the unbiased, to the point and concise explanations here. Thanks!

[AverytheCubanAmerican]

"As with many badly drawn borders, it starts with the British!" - Jay Foremantzu, the Art of Geography. Maybe they didn't draw it this time, but they still played a role. Fun fact: The flag of the Republic of Cyprus was designed by a Turkish Cypriot painter. The flag has no blue or red not to resemble flags of Greece or Turkey and the two olive branches symbolize the hope for the two communities to live together in harmony

Something you left out: the UN's Annan Plan. This plan was a big reason why Cyprus was able to join the EU, it's been in the making since the late 90s. If Cyprus wanted to join, it needed to allow the referendums as a condition. The EU and UN hoped that with the accession of the south part of the island that the northern part would want to join them as one unitary island state joining the EU. But fun fact, no. Greeks didn't support this plan because it heavily favored Turkey, like allowing the Turkish military to remain and not returning Greek Cypriot homes given to Turks

[nuryruso]

As a Turkish Cypriot it is unbelivably rare to see an objective documentary about our situation.

[cardenassolisrodrigo]

"They were busy being poor" while happily frolicking in Recession.

I love the kind of humor this channel has

[cagriozlutas]

As a Cypriot I can totally tell you that this is a very objective video. My grandad who also was a part of the war back in 1974 always tells us stories and how it used to be when the country was a colony of England and he always says that, it was the best time of his life both financially and systematically and he always says that England took good care of the island back then. In addition to that, as a cypriot young man, i can clearly tell you that all of us, the young generation wants peace and reunification because this island can be described as heaven… The beaches, the weather, the food, the people ( i mean the original Cypriots of course:)).. everything has so much potential yet we still live seperately.. That’s a shame.. For all my cypriot people doesnt matter if you are Turkish cypriot or greek cypriot.. We are just Cypriots with no other label, and i love you all my people.

[StrongBalloonChris]

Britain: *Stays in Cyprus*
Turkey: *Follows suit*
Britain: *Wait, that's illegal*

[Rollo]

"They were too busy being poor"
Not everyone can have James Bisonette.

[putinpunhere]

Divided countries and British involvement, now THAT is an iconic duo.

[SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

Cyprus hasn't peacefully reunified because they've yet to elect James Bissonette for the Republic of Cyprus leadership and Kelly Moneymaker for Northern Cyprus leadership to show the way. Here's some more Cypriot history, the earliest confirmed site of human activity on Cyprus is Aetokremnos, situated on the south coast, indicating that hunter-gatherers were active on the island from around 10, 000 BC. Remains of an 8-month-old cat were discovered buried with a human body at a Neolithic site in Cyprus, with a grave estimated to be 9, 500 years old (7500 BC), predating ancient Egyptian civilization and pushing back the earliest known feline-human association significantly!

[AdidtyaTheMulticrafter]

I love Cyprus.I traveled there many times, even planning on moving there

[adamlakeman]

When Britain took over the island the Greeks expected it was a pathway to enosis and the Turks expected Britain would keep to it's agreement with the Ottomans. So neither got what they wanted.

[lordbonney]

Could you look at the Yugoslav collapse? It’s quite interesting and complicated event.

Edit: It appears I’ve caused war.

[charliepea]

Cyprus gives me OCD problems just by looking at it. It's one little island, the flag of Cyprus has that very island in it, yet the nation doesn't own everything in that land. I'd always imagine Cyprus as just a whole ilsand without its borders.

[shastrachakshu]

There's a funny saying-"If you see too fish fighting in a pond, know for certain that the pond was a former British Colony"