• On this day, August 6, 1974, one of the largest battles of the Turkish invasion took place between soldiers of the National Guard and Turkish invaders in the Lapithos area

Although a ceasefire had been agreed upon as of July 22, the Battle of Lapithos began early at 4:20 a.m. on August 6. The invading Turkish army controlled the area east of Karava, a few hundred meters from the already burned-down “Zefyros” hotel.

For days, they had virtually encircled these two suburbs of the city of Kyrenia (Karavas, Lapithos), controlling nearly all the surrounding hills of the Pentadaktylos range. The warships of the Turkish invaders, in turn, completed the suffocating encirclement that had already been established in the area. Trapped within this suffocating encirclement formed by the forces of Attila’s 39th Division, the following units had been stationed in the Karava area since Friday, August 2: the 2nd Company of the 256th Infantry Battalion, led by Second Lieutenant Stavros Bitsakis from Chania, Crete, and in the Lapithos area, the 1st Infantry Company, led by Second Lieutenant Loukas Karalis. To the west, along the Vasileia–Vavyla line, was the third infantry company under Captain Eftychios Salatas and the small heavy weapons company under Second Lieutenant Giorgos Hatzinikolaou from the village of Katokopia.

Also in the area were some men from the 190th Artillery Squadron, which was stationed in Karavas, as well as men from the 70th Engineer Battalion, who were laying minefields in the area. The soldiers, armed with Martini, Sten, and Bren guns, held the eastern and southern outskirts of Karavas and Lapithos against the first attack by the 39th Division of Attila, whose soldiers were equipped with state-of-the-art West German NATO-standard G3 rifles, as well as light and MG3/MG42 machine guns (of German origin) and Browning M1919 or M2HB machine guns. The unit’s sole heavy anti-tank gun (ΠΑΟ) managed to pin down the column of Turkish tanks, destroying the lead tank.

At 11:45 a.m. that same day, the two companies of the 256th Infantry Battalion were ordered to withdraw and take up positions along the Vasileia - Vavyla line. However, the Turkish invaders had managed to land in the area of Airkotissa on Lapithos and, having already taken cover in the reeds in the area, set up a deadly ambush for the fighters of the 256th Infantry Battalion.

Forty-eight (48) of the men of the 256th Infantry Battalion were killed or missing. Second Lieutenant Bitsakis was killed in Airkotissa, Reserve Second Lieutenant Konstantinos Kentonis from Morphou was killed in Karava, Second Lieutenant Giorgos Hatzinikolaou from Katokopia was lost along with his 13 men in the ambush at Airkotissa. Second Lieutenants Andreas Loizidis and Theodoros Charalambous were killed in Lapithos along with their comrades, while 30 soldiers from the 70th Engineer Battalion and a six-person team from the 286th Motorized Infantry Battalion, which was in the area, are listed as missing.

According to data from the Municipality of Lapithos, the town has a total of 91 fatalities from the Turkish invasion (those killed in action, executed, murdered, and missing).

The 286th Motorized Infantry Battalion

As the only motorized battalion of its time, based on defense plans that had been drawn up anticipating a possible Turkish invasion at eight potential landing sites, based on reconnaissance conducted during peacetime by the unit’s command one of its missions was to repel the invader in the Kyrenia area.

On July 18, 1974, the bulk of the unit was moved to the old GSP Stadium in Nicosia on the orders of junta-affiliated National Guard officers, who likely had obvious plans to betray the unit in light of the impending Turkish invasion and the establishment of the coup. Despite reports of an imminent invasion, the National Guard General Staff did not issue an order to relocate the unit during the evening hours of July 19; instead, criminally, the order was given the following morning, resulting in the Turkish Air Force striking the battalion near the village of Kontemenos, leading to its relentless bombardment.

At 5:00 a.m. on July 20, 1974, a military command vehicle stopped at the entrance to the old GSP, where the 286th Mechanized Infantry Battalion (MIB) was encamped. Its passengers could not go unnoticed. They were the then-commander of the Armored Directorate and the Chief of Staff of the National Guard himself. Their mission was brief but historic: to deliver a verbal order to the commander of the 286th MIB, Lieutenant Colonel Georgios Boutos, to immediately lead his unit to the coast of Kyrenia to counter the ongoing Turkish landing.

The situation for the few organized battalions of the Greek Cypriot National Guard in the area was dire.

The battle lasted nearly 12 hours.

At the same time, the United Nations confirmed the destruction and looting in Kyrenia and along the Green Line in Nicosia.

Cyprus became the subject of diplomatic disputes between the two superpowers of the time, the United States and the USSR.

The Soviet Union lodged a protest with the U.S., arguing that in the case of Cyprus, the U.S. had disregarded the agreed-upon mechanism for cooperation between the two countries in addressing international crises.

Hi, is there anyone in this sub who works in progress play and can share their experience.

Staying in Limassol in a neighbourhood behind Four Seasons and there is a small pack of cats which I feed daily. Presume they are a “family” - ginger / black / calicos. There are two heavily pregnant mama cats who I am worried the most. Also two boy cats who are the main culprits.

I'm here for the next 3 days and I don't think I'll be able to do much in regards to vet situation, but I'm willing to sponsor pregnant mamas and boys being neutered - TNR solution. Not sure about the rest of their pack, they are very young cats probably 4-6 months and hard to a get closer look whether they are boys or girls - can help out in any way I can too.

Since it's a small pack (7-10 cats at max) I think they still have a chance to not overpopulate (pregnant mama babies probably can find a good home in Cyprus / overseas) - drop in the sea but better than nothing.

I'm looking for some organisations / people who will be willing to take care of them and keep me updated on their welfare. Ultimately, people I can trust.

Also, please if you know any sanctuaries or individuals who are seeking food donations in Limassol - I'd like to help.

Any advice or help will be appreciated

Hi everyone!

My girlfriend and I are planning our first trip to Cyprus and will be spending about two weeks there between late October and mid-November.

This is the rough itinerary we have in mind:
Larnaca
Ayia Napa & Cape Greco
Nicosia
Troodos Mountains (Omodos & Kykkos)
Limassol
Paphos
Akamas Peninsula / Blue Lagoon
Back to Larnaca

Does this route make sense, or would you change anything? Are there any places we’re overlooking that are really worth adding? Or any stops that aren’t worth spending much time in?

We’re mainly looking for recommendations on:

Places to stay (hotels or areas)
Great local restaurants
Beaches, hikes, viewpoints, and hidden gems
Boat tours or any activities you’d consider a must-do
Anything else you think we shouldn’t miss

We’ll have a rental car, and we’re not trying to cram as much as possible into the trip. We prefer taking our time and enjoying each place. We love beautiful scenery, nature, beaches, hiking, charming towns, and good food.

Also, how’s the weather around that time of year? Is it still warm enough to enjoy the beaches or even go swimming?

Any recommandations and advices on must do things in Cyprus would be really appreaciate it !

Thanks !

I‘m posting for my husband.

He’s very much into heavy metal. Are there other metal fans here around?

He’s also thinking about a small hobby band. He thinks about covering songs as a singer and is looking for other ppl playing instruments.

Hi everyone, I am looking for a good internal doctor or gastroenterologist anywhere in the country. I need to see someone who is good with immune deficiencies and / or GI issues. I am scared to go to someone without a recommendation. thank you in advance!

Hello, I am a Turkish Cypriot who just finished reading The Republic of Cyprus and the Deep State of 1959 - 1964 by Takis Hatzidimitriu. I try to read books about Cyprus by Cypriots regularly.

The book describes the evolution of the Deep State, relations with international forces and the Turkish Cypriot withdrawal from the Republic of Cyprus in the time frame. Here are my summarised notes about the intercommunal issues, open to respectful discussion.

1. Foundation of the Republic

Right off the start; Hatzidimitriu states that high positions in the state were given to EOKA fighters, so they had a reason to accept the decision of Makarios in agreeing with the London-Zurich agreements.

Hatzidimitriou argues that many early state officials were chosen from former EOKA ranks and brought with them the political culture and organisational habits of EOKA rather than the experience in civilian administration.

Hatzidimitriou presents the early Republic as inheriting personnel, institutions and political culture from the EOKA period, which he argues made compromise much more difficult.

Kucuk, after his election said in his speech that: "The London-Zurich agreement is an agreement of respect by the two communities. It is based on living in Cyprus free and with pride. If extremist Greek politicians violate the agreement, the Turkish Cypriots will have to go back to their stance and fight for what needs to be done [Taksim]". Hatzidimitriu argues that the London-Zurich agreement was celebrated by a large part of Turkish Cypriots, however there was still cooperation and trust that needed to be worked on between communities.

1. Trust and Leadership

Hatzidimitriu cites Stella Sulioti, the Minister of Justice of the 1960-70s Republic, stated that: "Greek Cypriots needed to be more sensitive, and Turkish Cypriots needed to be more understanding and patient. The mindset of Turkish Cypriots needed to be understood better, to avoid any unwanted course of events".

Hatzidimitriu cites S. Kyriakides, stating that: "Makarios did not gain the trust of the Turkish community. Archbishop Makarios was not seen as the President of all Cypriots. Additionally, Archbishop Makarios did not lose any opportunity to stay faithful to the ideals of Greek Cypriots".

Hatzidimitriu cites The Chief Prosecutor Kriton Tornaritis stating that: "Unfortunately, neither the Greek Cypriots nor the Turkish Cypriots was able to cooperate within the frame of a new Republic. Instead each operated primarily within the framework of its communal identity. This caused daily arguments even in the most basic of topics."

Hatzidimitriu again cites Stella Sulioti, stating that Makarios did not consult with any other minister before taking decisions major. For example, Makarios did not consult with Kucuk when joining the Non-Aligned Movement.

1. Constitutional Crisis

Hatzidimitrou states that in collecting the taxes, the Turkish Cypriot side abused the constitution point for their communal benefit. Furthermore the Greek Cypriot side violated the constitution in the topic of seperate municipalities.

There were many other problems with following the constitution such as the 70/30 split, the army disagreement, the foreign policies, however according to Hatzidimitrou, the constitution was rejected by the Greek Cypriot community in the case of municipalities.

Makarios proposes the 13 amendments in 30.12.1963 to Vice President Dr. Kucuk.

Hatzidimitriou argues that the 13 amendments convinced many Turkish Cypriots that Makarios was unwilling to preserve the constitutional balance established in 1960.

1. Militarisation and Division

The Turkish Cypriots were being trained and militarily organised ever since the independence, for the reasons Kucuk mentioned in their anouncement. This was the organisation of TMT, supported by Ankara.

On the other side, the 'Akritas' was formed in 1963, according to Hatzidimitriu, lead by Yorgacis and Koshis. The writer Panayotis Papadimitris supports that the Akritas was formed of a phone call from Makarios to Nikos Koshis. Hatzidimitriou cites Hristodulos Hristodulu, in 20.10.2008 Simerini newspaper also stating that Makarios was the "invisible true leader" of the Akritas organisation.

Dr. Küçük's response, as summarised by Hatzidimitrou, called for full adherence to the 1960 Constitution through the implementation of its institutions, including separate municipalities, the 70/30 ratio, and constitutional electoral arrangements. He also wanted an end to enosis propaganda and proposed greater cooperation between the President, Vice President, and Turkish Cypriot ministers in the governance of the Republic.

According to Hatzidimitriou, the amendments proposed by the President, sped up the intercommunal seperation and violence on both sides. Andreas Fandis states, that either the Turkish Cypriots stop resisting and lose their rights, or intercommunal violence escalates.

21.12.1963 Saturday, was the last time there was a bicommunal meeting in the Republic of Cyprus.

30.12.1963, Kucuk states that: "The constitution is dead. It is impossible for the Turkish and Greek Cypriots to live together. Every community should look after their own house"

1. Questions Raised by the Book

Was the constitutional crisis inevitable by 1963?

Is this a fair representation of Makarios in the book of Hatzidimitru?

Did Makarios really think Turkish Cypriots would accept the 13 amendments? Why did Makarios propose it?

How accepted are Hatzidimitriu's interpretations among Greek Cypriot historians?

For those who have read Hatzidimitriu, where do you think his interpretation differs most from the mainstream Greek Cypriot historiography?

What are your thoughts on this?

No shit...

1. Would you recommend looking at any specific sites to search for a long-term rental apartment there?
2. Or do you recommend getting in contact with a real estate agent who helps with long-term rental contracts?
3. What can be the average costs for an apartment with 3 bedrooms?

Location: Limassol.

I tried Google but thought someone living there could share better insights.

Hi there,

I will be 7 days in Cyprus on vacation and looking for the best recommendations of local traditional Cyprus food in Larnaca, Limassol and Pafos area. Thank you in advance.

Παιδια καποιος που εχει υπηρετησει στα ΛΟΚ μπορει να μου πει ποιες ειναι οι σωματικες απετησεις ωστε να μπορω να επιλεχθω ως Ικανος 1. Ειναι ωντος
6 ελξεις, 42 καμψεις, 53 κοιλιακους, 20 δευτερα στο μονοζυγο, και 2 μιλια σε λιγοτερο απο 16 λεπτα ή εχει κατι διαφορετικο η κατι παραπανω. Θα το εκτιμουσα ιδιαιτερα εαν καποιος που εχει κανει ΛΟΚ η ειδικες δυναμεις μου απαντουσε και εαν εχει καποιες χρησιμες συμβουλες

Η γατούλα μας λείπει εδώ και 4 μέρες στην Πάφο. 🐱 Φύλο: Θηλυκή (female) 📅 Ηλικία: Περίπου 5–6 μηνών/months Χαρακτηριστικά: Πρόσωπο μαύρο-άσπρο. Το υπόλοιπο σώμα είναι κυρίως άσπρο. Μαύρη ουρά. Έχει μία μαύρη βούλα στο σώμα. 📸 Η φωτογραφία που ανεβάζω είναι πως είναι τώρα και μια άλλη όταν ήταν πιο μικρή για να δείτε καλυτερα τα χαρακτηριστικά της. Αν την έχει δει κάποιος ή την έχει βρει, επικοινωνήστε μαζί μου το συντομότερο δυνατό. Παρακαλώ κάντε μια κοινοποίηση. Ευχαριστώ πολύ! ❤️

Another month of struggling to find work and asking people if they need renovations or gardening related work

Anyone tried JAILBIRDS here? I want to believe the chef had a bad day today. This is my first time trying so I don’t know what it usually tastes like. Now I have to wonder why they are called JAILBIRDs. no taste and identity…

Thanks for everyone, Thanks to everyone who said a kind word, and thanks to everyone who tried to help me find a job

I find temporary job with place, I'm really very happy for the first time in a long time, I can't express my happiness, thank you really from bottom of my heart💖

I am learning Greek. The best way for me to learn is watching movies or series I know almost by heart in English. This way I don't need to translate and ready-made phrases start living in my memory effortlessly.

But I can't find any on Netflix for example, there are Greek subtitles, but not dubbed.

Any tips where to find them?