Pronunciation: [ɪnˈə͡ʊsɪs] (IPA) 
Enosis is a Greek word that refers to the political union of two or more regions. The word is spelled [ɛˈnoːsis] in IPA phonetic transcription. The symbol [ɛ] represents the short e vowel sound, while the accent mark above the o [oː] indicates a long o vowel sound. The final s sound is represented by the letter sigma (ς). Enosis is frequently used in the context of the historical movement for the unification of Cyprus with Greece.
Enosis is a term that holds historical and political significance, particularly concerning the island of Cyprus. It refers to the concept or quest for union or unification, specifically the desire to merge Cyprus with Greece. Derived from the Greek word "enoosis," meaning "to become one," enosis represents the aspiration to form a single nation or encompassing unity.
Enosis emerged as a prevailing ideology most notably during the 20th century when Cyprus was under British colonial rule. At that time, Greek Cypriots, who comprised the majority of the island's population, sought for Cyprus to become part of Greece. The idea of enosis was primarily driven by ethnic and cultural ties between Greek Cypriots and mainland Greeks, with the belief that amalgamation would solidify their shared heritage and promote national identity.
While enosis captivated many Greek Cypriots, it triggered significant tensions between the communities residing on the island. The Turkish Cypriot minority, fearing potential marginalization and loss of autonomy, opposed enosis, and instead advocated for either an independent Cyprus or partitioning with Turkey. These differing stances formed a crucial aspect of the Cyprus conflict, fueling divisiveness and eventually leading to inter-communal violence.
Over time, the pursuit of enosis has lost its prominence as a political objective due to various factors, including international diplomatic efforts and the recognition of Cyprus as an independent state. However, enosis remains a noteworthy historical phenomenon embodying the desires and aspirations of a particular group within Cypriot society.
The word "enosis" comes from Greek. It derives from the Greek verb "ennein", meaning "to unite" or "to join". The noun form "enosis" is related to the concept of "union", particularly referring to the idea of political or territorial union. The term gained prominence in the context of the movement advocating the union of Cyprus with Greece in the mid-20th century.
