Why is North Cyprus Not Recognized?
Northern Cyprus, officially known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), is a self-declared state that is recognized only by Turkey. Its international status has been a subject of controversy and legal challenges, mainly due to its origins following Turkey’s military intervention in Cyprus in 1974. This intervention led to the division of Cyprus into a Greek Cypriot south and a Turkish Cypriot north. In 1983, Northern Cyprus declared independence, but this was immediately condemned by the United Nations, which passed resolutions declaring the TRNC’s independence legally invalid.
International Isolation and Relations
The TRNC faces significant international isolation. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, such as Resolution 541, prompted most countries to avoid recognizing Northern Cyprus. Only Turkey has consistently supported the TRNC, maintaining diplomatic relations and aiding in the establishment of representative offices abroad. Despite several attempts by the TRNC to gain wider recognition, including efforts in the early 2000s and more recent initiatives, no other state has granted formal recognition.
Several countries, such as Bangladesh and Pakistan, initially considered recognizing Northern Cyprus but withdrew under international pressure. Azerbaijan has also shown sympathy toward the TRNC, particularly the Nakhichivan Autonomous Republic, which recognized Northern Cyprus’ independence unofficially. However, Azerbaijan has refrained from officially recognizing the TRNC, likely due to its own territorial conflicts, such as the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, and the potential diplomatic fallout with Cyprus.
Efforts to Ease Isolation
In 2004, following a United Nations-sponsored referendum on reunifying Cyprus, which was accepted by Turkish Cypriots but rejected by Greek Cypriots, the European Union (EU) expressed a desire to reduce the economic isolation of Northern Cyprus. However, efforts have been limited by political opposition from Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, particularly regarding the use of EU aid. As a result, EU funds directed toward Northern Cyprus can only be used for projects that do not affect Greek Cypriot land or public bodies, limiting the benefits to around 29 percent of the island’s population.
The TRNC continues to operate representative offices in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and others, but these offices do not constitute formal diplomatic recognition. These offices are unofficial and often limited in scope, but they help maintain certain types of international contacts.
Recent Developments
There has been some progress in the TRNC’s diplomatic activities. In July 2024, at the summit of the Organization of Turkic States, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev congratulated the TRNC on the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. He also indicated that Northern Cyprus’ participation in the summit was a step toward international recognition. Additionally, high-level contacts between the TRNC and Azerbaijan have increased in recent years.
Turkey remains the TRNC’s closest ally, supporting its bid for greater recognition and providing substantial economic, political, and military aid. Turkey also represents the TRNC’s interests in international forums where the TRNC lacks direct representation.
Diplomatic Outreach and Setbacks
Over the years, Northern Cyprus has attempted to establish relations with countries like The Gambia and Equatorial Guinea, but these efforts have largely been unsuccessful. In 2005, The Gambia’s then-President Yahya Jammeh expressed support for recognizing the TRNC, but the Gambian government ultimately did not follow through.
Northern Cyprus also maintains observer status in international organizations like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), under the title “Turkish Cypriot State.” These memberships have allowed the TRNC to participate in international dialogues, but the state still struggles with full-fledged diplomatic recognition beyond Turkey.
What is the population of Northern Cyprus?
The population of Northern Cyprus has been recorded through several censuses. The first official census in 1996 showed a population of 200,587, and by 2006, it had increased to 265,100. The 2011 census recorded 294,906, though this figure was disputed, with claims that the actual population might be as high as 500,000. Of the Turkish Cypriot citizens, around 82% are native Cypriots. In addition to the citizens, there are also many non-citizens, including students and workers. The population also includes a mix of Turkish Cypriots, settlers from Turkey, and a small number of Greek Cypriots and Maronites.
Religion in Northern Cyprus
Religion in Northern Cyprus is predominantly Sunni Muslim, with 99% of the population identifying as Muslim. Despite this, Northern Cyprus is a secular state, and the community practices a moderate form of Islam. Alcohol is commonly consumed, and most women do not wear headscarves, although some do on special occasions or as a sign of Turkish culture. Religious customs, such as male circumcision, are still followed. There is a small minority of non-Muslims, but Islam is the overwhelmingly dominant religion in the region.