Cyprus is marking 40 years since the invasion by Turkey and its split into Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot areas. The island's capital, Nicosia, is the only divided capital in Europe.

Decades of hostility has in the last few years given way to meetings between leaders of the two separate areas, with a view to coming to a peaceful agreement on the island's future.

In the lead up to the anniversary of the July 20 invasion, Al Jazeera asked 500 residents on both sides of the divde whether they thought they would see the island reunited in their lifetimes.

Al Jazeera's Simon McGregor-Wood reports.

BACKGROUNDER | Cyprus: 40 years on



