EOKA facts for kids
Quick facts for kids EOKAΕθνική Οργάνωσις Κυπρίων Αγωνιστών National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1955–1959 |
| Ideology | Enosis Greek nationalism Anti-imperialism Anti-communism Religious conservatism |
| Political position | Right-wing |
| Leaders | George Grivas Grigoris Afxentiou |
| Headquarters | .svg){kind=small} British Cyprus |
| Succeeded by | EOKA-B |
| Allies | .svg){kind=small} Kingdom of Greece |
| Opponents |  United KingdomTMT AKEL Black Gang 9 September Front |
| Battles and wars | Cypriot intercommunal violence Cyprus Emergency |
The Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston, known as EOKA, was a group of Greek Cypriot fighters. They wanted to end British rule in Cyprus. Their main goal was for Cyprus to unite with Greece, a goal called Enosis. The EOKA campaign was very important for Cyprus to become independent. It also shaped the political situation on the island that we see today.
Contents
Why EOKA Fought: The Background of Cyprus
Cyprus is an island in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Most people living there are Greek Cypriots. The island was ruled by the Ottoman Empire from 1571. In 1878, after a war, the British Empire took control.
At this time, many Turkish Cypriots also lived on the island. As people started to feel more nationalistic, Greek Cypriots wanted Enosis. This meant uniting Cyprus with Greece. This idea was part of a bigger dream called the Megali idea.
By 1915, many Greek Cypriots were unhappy with British rule. They felt that the British were not investing enough in Cyprus. Also, the dream of Enosis had not come true. At first, only a few people, mostly from rich families, supported Enosis. But this soon changed. Many Cypriots who studied in Greece became strong supporters of Enosis when they returned home.
On October 21, 1931, about 5,000 Greek Cypriots protested in Nicosia. They were mostly students, priests, and important city leaders. They shouted slogans supporting Enosis. This event is known as the October Events. The revolt caused problems for the Enosis movement. It also hurt relations between Britain and Greece.
After the revolt, the British changed the rules. They stopped local elections. The governor of Cyprus gained more power. It became illegal to spread ideas about Enosis. Flying foreign flags was banned, and groups of more than five people were not allowed. This period of strict rule was called Palmerokratia. It was named after Governor Richmond Palmer. This strict rule lasted until World War II began.
How EOKA Was Formed
EOKA was created in 1955. Its leader was Georgios Grivas, a Greek Army officer. He used the secret name "Digenis." Grivas had fought in World War I and World War II. During World War II, he led a small group against communists in Greece.
EOKA's main goal was "Enosis," which meant Cyprus joining Greece. The group believed in Greek nationalism. They also had strong religious, conservative, and anti-communist beliefs.
What EOKA Did: Their Activities
EOKA began its armed fight against British rule on April 1, 1955. They started with bomb attacks on government buildings in Nicosia. EOKA used different methods, including damaging property, surprise attacks, and targeting British soldiers. They also targeted Greek Cypriot police officers and anyone who did not support Enosis.
Because of EOKA's actions, the British declared a state of emergency in November 1955. This meant strict rules were put in place. The fighting caused a lot of trouble on the island. It also made relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots difficult.
EOKA's methods were debated. Some people saw them as heroes fighting for freedom. Others saw them as a terrorist group. There were also claims that British forces used harsh methods in response to EOKA.
The End of the Campaign
By late 1958, everyone involved wanted to find a solution. Greece was worried that the situation could lead to war with Turkey. On December 5, the foreign ministers of Greece and Turkey met. They held a series of meetings that led to the London-Zürich Agreements.
These agreements were a compromise. They decided that Cyprus would become an independent country. On March 9, 1959, Grivas announced that EOKA accepted these agreements.
According to historian Heinz Richter, EOKA's actions led to the deaths of many people. This included 104 British soldiers, 54 police officers (some Greek Cypriot, some Turkish Cypriot, and some British), and 238 citizens (including British, Greek Cypriots, and Turkish Cypriots).
EOKA's Impact on Cyprus
The EOKA campaign was largely successful in ending British rule. In 1960, Cyprus became an independent republic. However, this did not fully solve the disagreements between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
EOKA's Legacy Today
The government of the Republic of Cyprus sees the EOKA struggle as a fight for national freedom. Its members are considered heroic freedom fighters. April 1st, the day EOKA's campaign began, is a national holiday in Cyprus today.
However, in Turkish Cypriot history books, EOKA's fight is described differently. It is seen as violent and against the law. These books often say that "Cyprus is and will remain Turkish."
Museums and Monuments for EOKA
A museum dedicated to the EOKA campaign opened in 1960. It is located in the center of Nicosia.
There are also many monuments for EOKA members who died during the fighting. Greek Cypriots largely see them as war heroes. Part of the central jail in Nicosia, built by the British, is now a museum. It includes the prison cells, the gallows, and the "Incarcerated Graves." These are the graves of 13 EOKA fighters who were either executed or killed by the British authorities.
See also
- EOKA B
- Grigoris Afxentiou
- Evagoras Pallikarides
- Markos Drakos
- Michalis Karaolis
- Nikos Sampson
- Battle of Spilia
- Field Marshal Harding
- Migrated archives
