You seem to be trying to make the point that since the late 16th century the communities were harmoniously mixed, but my impression is that longstanding separate villages existed which contained either Greek/Christian or Turkish/Muslim inhabitants. Perhaps there were long periods of peace and harmony, but the distinctive cultural and religious differences persisted. I've heard of exceptions, and many instances of 'best friends' being from the 'other' community, but overall the communities appear to be distinct. Correct?
This is correct, but not really relevant because the dwellers until the advent of the Modern Age were isolated, and predominantly rural. Separate communities were the norm, generally speaking, even within the same village, however, the demands of their lifestyle was improved by their cooperation, and in harmonising their practice as farmers and as artisans. Only when the Greece that we know today was founded was it possible to realistically believe any dream of an enosis was tangible.
I looked for maps indicating the demographics within Cyprus in the 1960s and in 1974. This website:
http://www.kypros.org/Occupied_Cyprus/o ... ctives.htm indicates (i) distinctive Greek and Turkish villages in 1960, with scattering of both throughout the island, and (ii) the extent of movement of Turkish Cypriots to enclaves by 1964 (sources within this website not referenced, so not sure how authoritative they are). Can't find map for 1974. I can't understand your proposal that 'the island remain divided as it is', and yet you advocate the (re)introduction of enclaves, for the minority community within either of the two 'zones' in the bizonal arrangement. Surely there is no chance of the Greek Cypriots agreeing to your proposal, mainly I'd have thought, because there is no negotiation on land redistribution. I also worry about the concept of enclaves - to me they imply isolation and exclusion, although, of course, I recognise the need for security which can be enhanced by such an arrangement. But enclaves resist integration surely?
Land distribution has not been a point of discussion, although it is probably the most important issue to the affected. Some redistribution of the land is necessary in any case. Historically it was the desire of all the interlocutors to divide it between them. The line that exists today is eerily similar to several which were proposed before Cyprus' independence. It was TPap himself who said that it was unimaginable to consider the demographics of the island without a Turcophone population which as he described it, were cast across the island like grains of sand cast over its map. Today, there is a need to recognise the Right of Return, for both, as well as due consideration toward the Settlers. There has always been a need to allow for the self representation of people as persons, rather than individuals. There are articles in the Constitution to this effect, for example, in the administration of municipalities, that were very quickly found to be unwieldy. Enclaves, for the most part, are a solution which were used by people under threat, historically. They were a very important part of Turkish Cypriot society and they provided a direct contribution to the founding of these peoples' identity. They have the advantage of allowing for communities, isolated as they are to develop distinctive qualities, and to organise themselves for their own sustainability. Having several enclaves of different sizes in the north as well as the south will allow for the re population of the island, as well as a fairer redistribution of the land without the risk of tearing the fabric of the societies which surround them, and they will not necessarily promote integration, but they will allow for free movement and greater respect between neighbours and communities. Most importantly, I think, for either Nationality, vitality and diversity is added to their considerations within their respective National Assemblies because there will be a number of competing forces which will seek to draw its attention. The sustainability of each as a culture is also promoted because it will be enriched for the same reasons.
To be more clear I hope, a "Zone", for which a National Assembly will have Jurisdiction, will comprise of its "Part" less the enclaves which pocket it, having the enclaves within its counterpart's "Part" as its own.
I think I get your three vote system, the idea being that each voter has a say in the representatives for the other community as well as their own, in additional to a vote towards the Cyprus national government. Sounds reasonable, but is it workable? Is a similar model used elsewhere?
I am no expert, but do the math and extrapolate. You will see that this system of voting will assure that both cultures can remain relevant and useful to the Cypriot population, even if the demographics are completely reversed, which in the long run is a distinct possibility.
