Cyprus: A Modern History

by William Mallinson, Alan Sked (Foreword)

This narrative history of Cyprus--the most thorough and up-to-date account currently available--examines the modern history of the island during a period of enormous change. Topics covered range from the British acquisition of Cyprus in 1878, when its strategic importance was cemented, to the more recent American and Soviet involvement during the Cold War. It focuses particularly on the period leading up to and following the Turkish invasion of 1974, the apparent moves towards reunification, and the growing importance of the EU both for Cyprus and for Turkey. The book will be an essential reference tool for all those interested in Cyprus and the emerging politics of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Genres: History

256 pages, Hardcover

First published May 25, 2005

Reviews

[Onur Olguner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though the writer basically follows the thinking pattern of a extreme Greek (Not Greek Cypriot) nationalist; the references are brilliant. Discard his bogus arguments, but definitely read his book...

[Ilja Orix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoever might be interested in getting into the subject of divided Cyprus, this is a great starter. Short but incredibly packed, nuanced and detailed book. Author, unlike many others (namely for instance Kershaw) doesn't put all the blame on the Greek Junta and borderline justify the invasion (srsly go to hell Kershaw) but attributes it evenly between all the culprits - Turkey, Britain, Kissinger and also the Colonels.

One might say that the book is at it's weakest when author predicts the future, but it would be a bit unfair to scorn the author for not having a crystal ball, especially when he isn't all "wrong", as about half of his predictions are chillingly spot on and fulfilled as of 2023.

For anyone interested also in topics EastMed in 20th century, Greek Junta and Turkey, this is a great one.

[Joe Moss · Rating 1 out of 5]

First thing to note is this is not a modern history of Cyprus. It is an extended essay on the political problems in Cyprus from the struggle for independence to the present, with the island effectively partitioned into a (largely) Greek Cypriot independent country and an, unrecognised except by Turkey, Republic of Northern Cyprus populated by Turkish Cypriots and Turkish immigrants. Some background is also given to the origins and early history of the island.

Although it is undoubtedly well-researched and contains plenty of interesting facts and quotes from sources the book loses its way when the author persists in expressing partisan opinions and in a simplistic seeking of villains - the United Kingdom and the USA loom large here also, less explicably the Netherlands, and of course Turkey does not come out smelling of roses. By contrast, though, the Greek military junta of the 60s and 70s is treated quite benevolently. As is Venizelos doomed invasion of half of Anatolian Turkey which led to a catastrophic Greek defeat, ethnic cleansing and the retaliatory burning of Smyrna with thousands of deaths. Strangely, the author still manages to conclude that the enmity between Greeks and Turks in Cyprus was a malicious British construct.

In looking at solutions to the impasse the only suggestion seems to be the Turkish enclaving throwing in the towel and simply agreeing to be governed by their (former) antagonists with the EU leaning on Turkey to this end. It seems a forlorn hope and one less and less likely to materialise as more immigrants with no experience of a united Cyprus move in from Anatolia.

With an impartial approach this might have been an interesting book but there is too much conspiracy theory here, too much speculation and distortion of international politics.

[To · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on Cyprus problem and it's emergence and great references to scarce sources. While the author makes an effort to stay neutral, a sympathy towards Greek Cypriots sneaks in occasionally. At the same time sympathy might be deserved.

[Edit Engelmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good research - well written - very interesting.