Archbishop Makarios Proclaimed President of Cyprus in 1959

Name: Archbishop Makarios Proclaimed President of Cyprus in 1959
Start: 1913-12-14
Location: Unspecified

The Historic Moment of 1959

Archbishop Makarios and His Rise to Power

In 1959, Archbishop Makarios was proclaimed the first President of Cyprus, marking a pivotal moment in the political landscape of the island. His ascension to power came after years of struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Makarios had been a leading figure in the *EOKA* (National Organization of Cypriot Fighters), which fought for the union of Cyprus with Greece.

The Road to Independence

The journey towards independence was fraught with challenges. The struggle didn’t just involve the Greek Cypriots, but also the Turkish Cypriots, who had their own aspirations. The Zurich and London Agreements of February 1959 laid the groundwork for Cyprus’s independence, leading to Makarios’s election as president, thus illustrating his significant role in the liberation movement.

Archbishop Makarios: A Symbol of Unity

Makarios as a Leader of the People

As president, Makarios emerged as a unifying symbol for the Cypriots. He advocated for a multi-ethnic society, aiming to bring the Greek and Turkish communities together despite the tensions that existed. His leadership style was characterized by diplomacy and a desire for peace, drawing upon his experience as a religious leader to foster dialogue among different factions.

Challenges Faced During His Presidency

Despite his intentions, Makarios's presidency faced numerous challenges, including intercommunal violence and political unrest. The tensions escalated into open conflict, leading Makarios to navigate a complex political landscape while trying to maintain stability and sovereignty in Cyprus.

Fun Fact

Archbishop Makarios’s Interesting Fact

Interestingly, Archbishop Makarios was not just a religious leader but also a skilled politician. His ability to move between religion and politics served him well, making him one of the few clerical leaders to rule a state in the modern era.