Abstract:

This study approaches the studies carried out by Nihat Erim concerning Turkey’s Cyprus policy, following the UK’s decision to retreat from Cyprus in the 1950s. Although Nihat Erim was a politician from CHP, he was actively involved in the formation of Turkey’s Cyprus policy by Democrat Party. Erim’s main task concerning Cyprus under the administration of the DP government was to create Turkey’s legal and political thesis and to defend this thesis against the UK and Greece. Accordingly, Nihat Erim prepared a report containing all options of Turkey concerning Cyprus in accordance with the assignment of the President Adnan Menderes in 1956 and assisted in shaping Turkey’s lines concerning Cyprus. In the following process, Nihat Erim defended Turkey’s thesis against the parties of the Cyprus issue. Upon the establishment of an independent republic in Cyprus, Erim’s most important task on Cyprus was to draft the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus to protect the rights of Turks on the island. In this context, the study endeavors to reveal the important mission undertaken by Nihat Erim in the institutionalization of Turkey’s Cyprus policy between 1956 and 1960, in the light of the data and documents acquired.