History of the Communist Party of Cyprus, 1923–1944

This book traces the historical trajectory of the Communist Party of Cyprus (CPC) from its first public appearance through the newspaper Pyrsos in November 1923 to its informal dissolution at the 5th Congress in November 1944. Drawing on extensive primary sources—many previously inaccessible or unknown—the authors illuminate critical issues that shaped Cyprus's political landscape for over two decades.

By examining the party's political and organizational evolution across different periods, the book reveals the intricate relationship between cause and effect in Cypriot communist history. It brings to light previously underexplored events, including the party's internal conflicts, its communications with the Comintern, the preparatory groundwork for AKEL's formation, and the complex dynamics between the CPC and other political forces.

History of the Communist Party of Cyprus, 1923–1944 will appeal to anyone interested in the operations of a communist party within a British colony during the interwar period and World War II. Additionally, it offers valuable comparative insights for readers already familiar with communist and labour movements across the British Empire, providing a unique lens through which to understand broader patterns of colonial-era leftist politics.

Spyros Sakellaropoulos, Professor in the Department of Social Policy, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Athens, Greece. Recent Books: a) Greece’s (un) Competitive Capitalism and the Economic Crisis (2019) b) The Evolution of the Political, Social and Economic Life of Cyprus 1191-1950 (2022).

Alexis Alecou, Adjunct Lecturer in History at the University of Cyprus, Fellow of the University of London’s Institute of Commonwealth Studies Books: a) Communism and Nationalism in Postwar Cyprus, 1945-1955 (2016) b) (as an editor) Acceleration of History: War, Conflicts and Politics (2016).