Disy marks 95th anniversary of 1931 uprising against British colonial rule

Nicosia, Cyprus. Disy commemorated the 95th anniversary of the October 1931 uprising, calling it an important moment in Cyprus’ resistance to colonial rule. The party said remembrance carried an obligation to keep pursuing reunification and freedom.

Disy calls for remembrance and continued efforts

The party urged Cypriots to honour those who resisted colonialism in pursuit of freedom and self-determination.

It said historical memory “set a duty to continue the struggle for a free, reunified Cyprus, free of occupying forces and anachronistic guarantees”.

Grievances preceding the revolt

Opposition among Greek Cypriots had grown over an education law intended to limit Greek influence within schools, alongside a newly introduced penal code allowing torture.

In September, governor Ronald Storrs prevented a legislative council decision from stopping tax increases intended to close a budget shortfall. Greek Cypriot council members resigned.

On October 18, bishop Nikodemos of Kition called for civil disobedience to continue until the demand for Enosis, or union with Greece, was fulfilled.

Demonstrations and the attack on government house

Known in Greek as Oktovriana, the uprising broke out on October 21, 1931, continuing into early November. Greek Cypriots seeking Enosis led the revolt, which is regarded as the fiercest rebellion confronted by Britain during the interwar period.

Around 5,000 Cypriots gathered in Nicosia on the first day, with students, priests and prominent city figures making up most of the demonstrators. They chanted slogans supporting Enosis.

The crowd surrounded the old government house, which was later set ablaze.