The Turbulent Road to Cyprus Independence: Greeks vs Turks The road to Cyprus's independence was marked by ethnic tensions between Greek Cypriots, who sought union with Greece, and Turkish Cypriots, who feared marginalization and leaned toward partition. After British colonial rule, violence escalated between the communities and against British forces. Cyprus gained independence in 1960, creating a delicate power-sharing agreement. However, persistent strife eventually led to the Turkish invasio