Yeoryos Grivas

military leader

Yeoryos Grivas was a Greek Cypriot military officer and the founder of the nationalist guerrilla organization EOKA, which sought to end British colonial rule in Cyprus and achieve union with Greece. Active during the 1950s, Grivas was instrumental in organizing armed resistance against British authorities, leading to a significant and violent campaign for Cypriot independence. His controversial legacy remains a subject of debate, as EOKA was also responsible for numerous violent acts against both British forces and Turkish Cypriots, contributing to the complex and turbulent history of Cyprus. Grivas's influence is still felt today, as his actions and ideology continue to shape the political landscape of the island.