Northern Cyprus Is Tired of Waiting: Why Turkish Cypriots Are Increasingly Calling for a Resolution to the Conflict That Has Lasted Half a Century

A new study has found that most residents of the northern part of the island are no longer willing to accept the status quo, but do not unconditionally trust any of the settlement scenarios either

For almost half a century, the Cyprus problem has remained one of Europe’s most protracted conflicts. During that time, the divided island has become a familiar reality, but fresh data suggest that Turkish Cypriots’ patience is running out.

According to a study by the Center for Migration, Identity and Rights Studies (CMIRS), 65.09% of residents support reaching an agreement on the Cyprus issue, while 59.96% consider the current situation unacceptable. The survey was conducted in June 2026 through face-to-face interviews with 500 people.

Demand for change is growing stronger

The main conclusion of the study is that society is becoming increasingly unwilling to accept the absence of a solution.

According to CMIRS Director Mine Yücel, the status quo is no longer viewed by a significant part of the population as a viable strategy. People are tired of the uncertainty affecting the economy, security and quality of life.

The model receiving the strongest support was a bicommunal, bizonal federation based on political equality. It was considered acceptable by 75.94% of study participants.

But there is still no unconditional trust in any scenario

The study revealed an important paradox: while supporting a federation, 63.52% of its supporters simultaneously acknowledge that this option causes them concern.

This suggests that society supports the idea of a settlement itself, but has doubts about how it will be implemented and what consequences it may bring.

A confederation model was considered acceptable by 61.37% of respondents, while the idea of a unitary state was supported by only 25.95%. At the same time, the researchers note a gradual rise in support for the latter option, linking it to disappointment over the lack of progress.

Half of residents are ready to live together

The response to the question of whether it would be possible to live together with Greek Cypriots again was also noteworthy.

This prospect was supported by 50.31% of respondents. According to Mine Yücel, society is practically split down the middle: some are ready for coexistence, while others remain cautious about the idea. This means that long-term peace will require not only a political agreement, but also the restoration of trust between the communities.

Uncertainty is the main source of concern

The study shows that the Cyprus issue remains one of the main sources of public concern.

Thus, 88.38% of participants are troubled by the continuing uncertainty, 82.36% fear the failure of negotiations, 92.58% are concerned about increased international isolation, while 91.98% believe that the absence of a solution will continue to restrain economic development.

More than 90% of respondents also expressed concern about the energy and security situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, including recent agreements concluded by the Greek Cypriot side.

Society is looking not for an ideal model, but for a workable solution

Even the idea of creating two states is not seen as an unequivocal way out: 44.09% of participants admitted that this scenario also causes them concern.

According to Mine Yücel, the study results show that residents of northern Cyprus are not ready to unconditionally support any one settlement model. Their main demand today is a solution capable of ensuring security, political stability and economic prospects.

It is this demand, rather than commitment to a specific political formula, that is emerging as the main signal from the new CMIRS study.