Cyprus 1974: A Wargamers Guide

2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus conflict, which began in 1974. The conflict escalated when Greek Cypriot nationalists, supported by the Greek military junta, executed a coup d'état aimed at unifying Cyprus with Greece, known as enosis. In response to this coup, Turkey launched a military intervention, citing its role as a guarantor under the 1960 Treaty and expressing concerns for the safety of Turkish Cypriots.
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The Turkish military operation consisted of two phases. The first phase, in July 1974, involved an amphibious landing on the north coast, supported by airborne troops inland. This operation established a Turkish-controlled zone in the northern part of the island. After unsuccessful peace talks, the second phase occurred in August, expanding Turkish control to approximately 37% of Cyprus. The events of 1974 ultimately led to the ongoing partition of the island.
This book explores the background of the conflict and details the armed forces involved, including regular units from Turkey and Greece, the Greek Cypriot National Guard, and Turkish Cypriot militia units. British and UN forces were also present on the island. It outlines the military operations conducted on land, at sea, and in the air, drawing on interviews with veterans and published memoirs.
Additionally, the book offers modelling suggestions for the various forces involved and presents eight scenarios to re-enact key actions on the tabletop. These scenarios are illustrated with wargames, maps, and orders of battle that can be adapted to popular wargame rules-providing gamers with everything they need to recreate this fascinating, albeit tragic, conflict.