Paphos People

Today is a public holiday in Cyprus but unlike in previous years, due to the restrictions, there will be no parades or public remembrance events taking place.

Cyprus National Day, also known as EOKA Day or Greek Cypriot National Day, marks the date in 1955 when the EOKA rebellion for the island to secure independence from colonial Britain officially got underway.

Cyprus had been under British administration since 1878 after the island was handed over in an agreement with the Ottoman Empire in exchange for British military support.

EOKA stands for Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston, and was a Greek Cypriot nationalist guerrilla organisation that fought a campaign for the end of British rule in Cyprus, for the island’s self-determination and for eventual union with Greece.

Whilst today marks the official start of the rebellion sixty five years ago, Cyprus Independence Day, is celebrated on October 1st.

http://www.newsincyprus.com/news/229786 ... ated-today