What is nikos sampson?

Nikos Sampson: A Controversial Figure in Cypriot History

Nikos Sampson (Νίκος Σαμψών), born December 16, 1935, died May 9, 2001, was a Greek Cypriot journalist and politician. He is a highly controversial figure due to his role in the events leading up to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.

• Early Life and Journalism: Sampson began his career as a journalist and photographer for the newspaper Cyprus Mail. He became known for his strong support of Enosis, the union of Cyprus with Greece.

• EOKA Activity: During the Cypriot Emergency (1955-1959), Sampson was an active member of EOKA (Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston), a Greek Cypriot nationalist organization that sought to end British rule and achieve Enosis. He gained notoriety for his involvement in acts of violence. These actions earned him a death sentence by the British, which was later commuted.

• 1974 Coup: Sampson is most remembered for his role as president of Cyprus following the 1974 Cypriot coup d'état, which was instigated by the Greek military junta. The coup aimed to overthrow President Makarios III and install a pro-Enosis government. Sampson was appointed president by the coup leaders.

• Presidency and its Aftermath: Sampson's presidency was short-lived, lasting only eight days. His appointment as president provided Turkey with a pretext to invade Cyprus, citing the need to protect the Turkish Cypriot minority. The Turkish invasion led to the island's division, which continues to this day.

• Later Life: After the Turkish invasion, Sampson fled Cyprus. He was later arrested and tried for his role in the coup. He was convicted and served several years in prison. Following his release, he largely remained out of the public eye. He died in 2001.

• Legacy: Nikos Sampson remains a divisive figure in Cypriot history. Greek Cypriots have varying views on him, while Turkish Cypriots generally see him as a symbol of Greek Cypriot aggression and the cause of the island's division.

Here are some of the important subjects mentioned above, formatted as links:

• Enosis
• EOKA
• 1974%20Cypriot%20coup%20d'état
• Makarios%20III
• Turkey