One-Sided Resolutions on Cyprus: Why Turkish Americans Must Speak Up
Across the United States, a concerning trend is unfolding: several state legislatures are adopting resolutions regarding the Cyprus issue that promote a one-sided narrative, portraying the 1974 Turkish intervention solely as an “invasion” or “occupation.” These resolutions ignore the historical context, the 1974 coup backed by Greece, and the rights and safety of Turkish Cypriots.
The latest example comes from Ohio, where House Resolution 13 (HR13) was adopted in April 2025. HR13 marks the 50th anniversary of the events in Cyprus and calls on the U.S. government to support a unified Republic of Cyprus. However, the resolution refers to the events of 1974 as a “Turkish invasion and occupation” without acknowledging the Greek military coup that overthrew the Cypriot government or Türkiye’s legal right to intervene as a guarantor state under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee.
This type of historical omission is not just inaccurate — it is harmful. It erases the lived experience of Turkish Cypriots, who were under existential threat in 1974. It also fosters a biased understanding of modern Türkiye and reinforces a misleading narrative that contributes to prejudice and misinformation.
What Turkish Americans Can Do
Monitor Legislation in Your State
Use tools like LegiScan or OpenStates.org to stay informed about bills referencing Cyprus or Türkiye.Engage Local Lawmakers
Reach out to your state legislators. Offer historical context and resources. Help them understand there is another side to the story.Build Local Advocacy Teams
Each state should have Turkish-American representatives who can speak up, write letters, and attend hearings.Create Educational Materials
Share fact-based articles, videos, and brief summaries that offer a balanced perspective on Cyprus.Partner with Other Communities
Collaborate with other ethnic or religious groups to promote historical integrity and fair representation.
Why This Matters
Historical distortion: These resolutions ignore key facts, such as the 1974 coup and Türkiye’s international legal right to intervene.
Polarization: Biased language fuels division rather than promoting understanding or reconciliation.
Long-term damage: Once resolutions are passed, they often inform educational materials and public perception.
The Cyprus issue is complex and deeply emotional for many communities — but that is exactly why it must be approached with balance and integrity. Turkish Americans have a duty to ensure that state legislatures do not become platforms for political bias or historical revisionism.
It’s time to get organized, stay vigilant, and make our voices heard — with dignity, with facts, and with unity.