Cyprus Division and History

Cyprus Division and History

• The Turkish army attacked Greek Cypriot positions near Nicosia airport using tanks and artillery.
• The Nicosia airport stands as a ghost town, empty and falling apart, located within a border zone.
• Cyprus is an island south of Turkey and west of Lebanon and Israel.
• The airport's abandonment resulted from a 1970s invasion, leading to an ongoing conflict.
• The division of Cyprus isn't between two countries but into four distinct parts.
• The island is strategically located in the Mediterranean, near Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

The Four Divisions of Cyprus

• The Republic of Cyprus controls approximately 60% of the island, populated mostly by Greek Cypriots, and is an EU member.
• The UK controls a small portion for military purposes.
• The UN controls a buffer zone, established in the 1960s and 70s, to halt fighting.
• The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a self-declared entity, occupies the remaining portion, though not recognized as a country by the UN.
• Despite its non-recognized status, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus operates with a government, infrastructure, and political systems.

The Ghost Town of Famagusta

• The division of land resulted from a 1970s invasion, displacing Greeks and Turks.
• The once-thriving resort town of Famagusta became a ghost town after its residents fled during a bombing, intending to return but never did.
• Homes in Famagusta were left with belongings intact, remaining untouched for over 47 years.

Historical Context

• Due to its strategic location, Cyprus has been desired and conquered by various empires throughout history, including the Persians, Romans, and more.
• 500 years ago, the Ottoman Empire took control of Cyprus from the Venetians.

The Ottoman Empire and the British Influence

• During the Ottoman Empire's rule, Turkic people arrived in Cyprus, coexisting with the Greek population peacefully.
• As the Ottoman Empire declined in the late 1800s, the British Empire rose to prominence.
• The British sought control of Cyprus due to its proximity to the Suez Canal, essential for their trade route to India.

British Colonial Rule and Rising Tensions

• Under British rule, divisions between Turkish Muslims and Greek Christians were emphasized, leading to growing unrest.
• By the 1950s, Cypriots sought an end to British rule, but Greek Cypriots aimed to unite with Greece (Enosis), while Turkish Cypriots wanted a divided island.
• The power vacuum intensified divisions, leading Cypriots to identify strongly with either Turkey or Greece.

The London Agreement and Independence

• The British proposed a constitution for Cyprus in London, granting independence but retaining British bases and influence for Greece and Turkey.
• The constitution stipulated a Greek president and a Turkish vice-president, intending to balance power.
• In 1960, Cyprus gained independence with this constitution in place.

Escalating Conflict and Division

• Tensions between Greeks and Turks persisted, leading to violence and displacement.
• Violence against Turkish Cypriots led them to form enclaves, altering the island's map.
• Greece's military government attempted to unite Cyprus with Greece, prompting Turkey to intervene to "restore peace."

Turkish Invasion and Further Division

• Turkey launched a full-scale invasion, occupying the north of Cyprus, leading to further displacement and conflict.
• Two narratives emerged: Greek Cypriots viewed it as an invasion and theft, while Turkish Cypriots considered it a liberation and protection.
• The Turkish army seized land in the north and northeast of the island.
• The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was declared, seen as an extension of Turkey.
• The UN established a buffer zone, dividing Nicosia and the entire island, leading to the four divisions: Republic of Cyprus, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, British-controlled areas, and the UN buffer zone.

The Impact of Division

• The division resulted in a nation of refugees on both sides.
• Abandoned churches in the occupied north symbolize immense loss.
• The Greek tourist town of Famagusta became a haunting symbol of the divided island.
• Greek Cypriots fled south, while Turkish Cypriots fled north, each finding empty homes in villages like the converted church/mosque.

Famagusta's History and Personal Tragedy

• The filmer spent months trying to gain access to Famagusta to understand the human tragedy that occurred there.
• Mr. Takis, a Greek Cypriot, lived in Famagusta and owned hotels in 1974 when Turkey invaded.
• Like everyone else, Mr. Takis fled with his family and is now returning for the first time.
• Mr. Takis expresses anger, confusion, and disappointment, and his wife refused to come due to the pain.
• In its prime, Famagusta had a strong economy, culture, and education system.
• Mr. Takis revisited his old home, a cafe, his brother's house, and his school.
• The school is now boarded up, covered with Turkish and TRNC flags, causing him sadness.
• Mr. Takis struggles to connect with the present situation and the memories he once had.
• He notes the town is not what it was and is not the town he was proud of.
• People who left thought they would return in a few days, taking only clothes and food.

The House and the Beach

• As they approached his old house, Mr. Takis felt caught off guard and unprepared.
• The filmer felt regret for subjecting Mr. Takis to this traumatic reopening of old wounds.
• Mr. Takis wanted to approach his home from the beach side, which still retained some of its former glory.
• From the beach, Mr. Takis felt deep pride for the place, the beach, and the city.
• The beach has turquoise water and is a stunning place.
• Though the city is a ghost town occupied by an invading power, the feeling is less intense on the beach.
• Beaches like this are rare, especially with turquoise water.

Reflections on Loss and Division

• Mr. Takis hadn't seen his home in 47 years and can't connect with the nice memories because of what it has become.
• Famagusta was once a tourist resort belonging to the Greeks, but now it's a ghost town.
• Mr. Takis feels tortured because he can't go to his home or town and can only see his house from a distance.
• Mr. Takis's daughters took a photo in front of the Turkish military border, barred from entering their almost-home.
• The filmer felt profound sadness for the situation.
• Conversations like these are important because they highlight the human impact of great power conflicts, including loss of identity and homes.
• Both Greek and Turkish Cypriots suffered violence and loss of homes in 1974.
• The filmer wants to shed light on the history and the experience of living in a divided country with buffer zones and barriers.
• The division in Cyprus was constructed by outside powers due to its strategic location.

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