# 52nd anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/1974-turkish-invasion-of-cyprus > Updated: 2026-08-15T09:13:00.000Z. Sources: 29. Developments: 6. In August 2026, commemorations continued for the 52nd anniversary of the second phase of the Turkish invasion, known as ‘Attila II’. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias characterized the situation as an “illegal military occupation” of a sovereign member of the European Union, paying tribute to those who died fighting for the island’s freedom and noting the ongoing issue of missing persons. The Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus reaffirmed its commitment to a free and reunified homeland, noting that the 1974 invasion forcibly divided the country and displaced thousands. In Northern Cyprus, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel commemorated victims of the 1964 Cengiz Topel incident and the 1974 massacres in Muratağa, Sandallar, and Atlılar, where 126 unarmed civilians were killed. He expressed a determination to continue the struggle against isolation and embargoes with Turkish support. Following the anniversary, President Nikos Christodulides characterized the current status quo as ‘unacceptable,’ alleging that Turkey is expanding its occupation through specific plans, specifically citing the occupation of the Varosha (Maraş) closed zone, Morphou (Omorfo-Güzelyurt), and various villages. He emphasized that ending the occupation remains a top national priority and referenced ongoing efforts by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to facilitate renewed negotiations within a UN framework, aiming to resume discussions from the 2017 baseline. Other Greek Cypriot leaders, including Speaker of the House Annita Demetriou and AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou, reaffirmed their refusal to compromise on a divided homeland. Historical records confirm the second phase began on 14 August 1974 following the collapse of Geneva negotiations. The operation resulted in Turkish forces controlling approximately 36–37% of the island's territory. Estimates indicate between 162,000 and 170,000 Greek Cypriots were forcibly displaced, and over 1,500 people remain missing. ## Claims - The second phase of the Turkish invasion, codenamed 'Attila II,' began on August 14, 1974. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Turkish forces occupied Famagusta and Morphou during the second phase of the invasion. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The Turkish military invasion of Cyprus took place in two phases: July 20 and August 14, 1974. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The completion of the Attila II operation resulted in approximately 37% of Cyprus being under Turkish occupation. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Nikos Dendias stated that the Cyprus issue remains a matter of illegal military occupation of a significant part of the Republic of Cyprus, a sovereign EU member state. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The phrase 'Ayşe can go on holiday' was used as a code to initiate the second phase of the Turkish military operation. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Between 162,000 and 170,000 Greek Cypriots were forced to leave their homes in northern Cyprus. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Between 45,000 and 60,000 Turkish Cypriots moved from the southern part of the island to the occupied northern part. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The organized movement of populations was completed in 1975 following the Third Vienna Agreement. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The number of Greek Cypriots and Maronites trapped in the occupied territory decreased from approximately 20,000 to 347 by 2012. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus stated that the second phase of the Turkish invasion divided the country by force, placed it under occupation, and displaced thousands of citizens. (corroborated by 2 sources) - During the massacre in Muratağa, Sandallar, and Atlılar, 126 unarmed Turkish Cypriots were killed, with ages ranging from 16 days to 95 years. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-15: Greek Cypriot leaders mark 52nd anniversary of Peace Operation Greek Cypriot leaders marked the 52nd anniversary of the Peace Operation, with President Christodulides calling the current status quo unacceptable and urging a UN-led solution to the Cyprus dispute. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-cypriot-leaders-mark-52nd-anniversary-of-peace-operation ### 2026-08-14: Northern Cyprus marks 52nd anniversary of Taşkent massacre Northern Cyprus officials held ceremonies to mark the 52nd anniversary of the Taşkent massacre, with President Erhürman criticizing the European Parliament for ignoring Turkish Cypriot suffering. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tufan-erhrman-commemorates-murataa-sandallar-and-atllar-martyrs ### 2026-08-12: Cyprus marks 52 years since second phase of Turkish invasion Cyprus commemorates 52 years since the 1974 'Attila II' invasion, which left 37% of the island under Turkish occupation and displaced up to 170,000 Greek Cypriots. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cyprus-marks-52-years-since-the-attila-ii-invasion ### 2026-07-28: Stavros Mauresis recounts 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus Stavros Mauresis, former National Guard shooter, details his 1974 experience during Turkey's invasion of Cyprus, describing the alarm, air attacks and chaotic withdrawal. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stavros-mauresis-recounts-1974-turkish-invasion-of-cyprus ### 2026-07-27: Cyprus community marks 52 years since 1974 Turkish invasion Cyprus commemorated the 52nd anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion, with a peace council statement and a Darwin ceremony attended by officials Nikolaos Varellas and Luke Gosling. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cyprus-community-marks-52-years-since-1974-turkish-invasion ### 2026-07-22: Greek Air Force Downs Turkish Jets Amid 1974 Cyprus Invasion The 52nd anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus was marked, recalling historic dates and the July 22 air clash where Greek pilots downed two Turkish F‑102 jets over the Aegean. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-air-force-downs-turkish-jets-amid-1974-cyprus-invasion --- Cite as: 52nd anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/1974-turkish-invasion-of-cyprus