in early 1974, a coup d'état instigated by the greek junta overthrew the legal government and took control. shortly afterwards turkey invaded the island occupying a large part, with excuse that turkish cypriot people's safety was threatened. because of this, cyprus and the city of nicosia are divided since. cyprus with its legal government is part of the european union. the northern area, controlled by turkish cypriots, exists as a unilaterally proclaimed "turkish republic of northern cyprus" recognized only by turkey.