Makarios III was a Greek Cypriot cleric and politician who served as the first President of Cyprus from 1960 until his death in 1977. Born as Michail Christodoulos Mouskos in 1913 in the village of Panayia, Cyprus, he later took on the name Makarios upon his entry into the priesthood. He was ordained as a bishop in 1948 and became the primate of the autocephalous Orthodox Church of Cyprus in the following year, holding the title of Archbishop Makarios III.
As a political figure, Makarios played a crucial role in the independence movement of Cyprus from British colonial rule. He was known for advocating the principle of enosis (union) with Greece, which was a significant sentiment among the Greek Cypriots at the time. However, he shifted his position later on, embracing the idea of a bi-communal, independent state for Cyprus.
Makarios III became deeply involved in negotiations for the country's independence, culminating in the Zurich and London Agreements in 1959, which saw Cyprus gain independence from the United Kingdom and become a republic. He was elected as the first President of Cyprus under the new constitution in 1960.
Throughout his presidency, Makarios faced numerous challenges, including navigating the complex and often contentious relationship between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. His leadership was marked by efforts to promote peaceful coexistence, but ultimately, his tenure was marred by interethnic violence and the subsequent division of the island in 1974.
Makarios III passed away in 1977, leaving behind a complex legacy as a key figure in Cypriot history.
