Cyprus-Forum.com

[Talisker]

In past centuries clans were important in Scottish history, but have much less influence now. I'm aware of Southern Mediterranean clan systems in Sicily (still influential!) and Greece (the Mani).

Are there, or have there ever been, clan systems in the different Cypriot communities?

If so, did these have a major influence on events which resulted in division of the island?

Regards,
Talisker

[Eliko]

With the advent of newer forms of transport and travel, the old and established communities throughout Cyprus underwent gradual changes which naturally had an effect on the manner in which one area dealt with another.

There may have existed something similar to the 'clan' system of Scotland but certainly not as well defined.

A resident of the Pafos region would have had different values to those of Karpasia and, even to this day, it would seem that those of different regions are assumed to possess certain characteristics which are common to the area from which they hailed.

Throughout the world, regional differences are quite obvious between the residents of those regions, whether or not there were tensions between them would depend on the way they appraised each other.

I like to think that the basic good-natured traits of the original Cypriots survived to this very day, such a pity that the modern world has taken it's toll of those traits, to some extent.

I would base my theory (for that is all it can be) on certain experiences I have had on this very forum.

The Karpasian seems to be quite well mannered, fair minded and perceptive. He possesses the ability to see the opinions of others and has a great deal of compassion for those who suffer at the hands of those who oppress. He is ready to discuss matters in a civilized manner and is ready to concede that he does not know everything. He appears to be quite inquisitive and does not readily accept propoganda and certainly not lies and deceitfulness.

The Pafian however, displays the absolute opposite of the virtues described above, he is loud, vulgar, myopic and quite indifferent to the suffering of others (indeed he agrees with oppression). He will not countenance the slightest variation to his own opinions, will not tolerate any form of contradiction and, I fear would rather die than admit to be in error. He does have one superior weapon (against the Karpasian), he is probably of older stock and has used that extra time to develop the use of foul language and torrential abuse when confronted by his imagined foe, if such attributes could be converted to arrows, the archers of the Pafian would surely have conquered the world.

The Karpasian is far more apt to direct his gentler approach to the tending of his land and the savouring of his 'Souvla'.

Just my considered opinion, nothing to get excited about.

[Oracle]

The Pafian however, displays the absolute opposite of the virtues described above, he is loud, vulgar, myopic and quite indifferent to the suffering of others (indeed he agrees with oppression). He will not countenance the slightest variation to his own opinions, will not tolerate any form of contradiction and, I fear would rather die than admit to be in error. He does have one superior weapon (against the Karpasian), he is probably of older stock and has used that extra time to develop the use of foul language and torrential abuse when confronted by his imagined foe, if such attributes could be converted to arrows, the archers of the Pafian would surely have conquered the world.

.... Did you have a certain Paphian in mind when ascribing this clan?

I wonder if our (militant) man from Stroumbi has tidied up his pots and pans and uncorked the vino yet?

[Eliko]

Oh my goodness gracious me, how extraordinary and how perceptive of you to have noticed the similarities, my word.

[Talisker]

Oh my goodness gracious me, how extraordinary and how perceptive of you to have noticed the similarities, my word.

Tut, tut Eliko, apparently you have hijacked this thread for your own personal agenda! I'm shocked. And from a man with your integrity...........

I guess I wanted to establish on this thread whether a clan system was instrumental in determining and enforcing TMT and EOKA policies and activities. Anyone got any theories or evidence (hard or anecdotal) - yay or nay?

[Eliko]

Talisker, whereas my response to your enquiry may be seen by you as an attempt by me to hijack your post, I assure you that that was not my intention.

In the closing paragraphs, I must confess that I saw an opportunity to illustrate the 'traits' that I indicated in that which preceded them.

Such traits are still quite apparent (in my opinion) among many Cypriots and you will often hear them mentioning the differences between themselves from time to time.

Whether or not a 'clan culture' existed in the past , is a moot point, what is certain is the fact that family ties are very strong and could possibly be rooted in such (or similar) a system.

As to the influences determining the policies and acivities of those you enquire after, I would personally be more inclined to accept that the usual chicanery of outside political pressures from those intent on controlling the affairs of the island would be responsible, rather than the ordinary indigenous population.

Of course, as is usual, it is the ordinary innocent folk who end up bearing the brunt of any hardships imposed on them in furtherance of the political agendas, the outcome is ever the same, NOTHING for SOMETHING.

Perhaps there may be a fuller and more detailed answer to your enquiry, I merely present that which occurs to me from my own experiences.

Assuring you of my best intentions Talisker, Good Luck and 'Aga Go Bragh'.

[Talisker]

Talisker, whereas my response to your enquiry may be seen by you as an attempt by me to hijack your post, I assure you that that was not my intention.

In the closing paragraphs, I must confess that I saw an opportunity to illustrate the 'traits' that I indicated in that which preceded them.

Such traits are still quite apparent (in my opinion) among many Cypriots and you will often hear them mentioning the differences between themselves from time to time.

Whether or not a 'clan culture' existed in the past , is a moot point, what is certain is the fact that family ties are very strong and could possibly be rooted in such (or similar) a system.

As to the influences determining the policies and acivities of those you enquire after, I would personally be more inclined to accept that the usual chicanery of outside political pressures from those intent on controlling the affairs of the island would be responsible, rather than the ordinary indigenous population.

Of course, as is usual, it is the ordinary innocent folk who end up bearing the brunt of any hardships imposed on them in furtherance of the political agendas, the outcome is ever the same, NOTHING for SOMETHING.

Perhaps there may be a fuller and more detailed answer to your enquiry, I merely present that which occurs to me from my own experiences.

Assuring you of my best intentions Talisker, Good Luck and 'Aga Go Bragh'.

Eliko, Many thanks for clarification regarding your post, and for your assurance regarding lack of intent on thread hijacking. I was intrigued that the two Cypriot 'types' you described are polar opposites - I assumed you were Karpasian! And your adversary Pafiot........

Thanks too for your thoughts on mechanisms of enforcement, coercion, etc - makes a lot of sense.

You often display complete disdain for politicians/powerful people and any positive effect they may have on 'normal' people. How does positive change occur if not made possible by those at the top? In other words, is it too easy to blame the politicians when things go wrong, and to refuse acknowledgement when change for the good occurs? Are we TOO cynical about our politicians, who, after all, are only human themselves?

[Talisker]

Kept searching for information on Cypriot clans and found something completely unexpected at:
http://theunitedcherokeenation.com/cyprus.html

There is even a (minor) Scottish connection!

Not the information I was seeking, but entertaining nonetheless.

[miltiades]

Miltiades , being his usual impeccable self and a considerate gentleman , but above all a Paphian wishes to bring to the attention of all concerned that he does not tolerate , and never has tolerated , fools easily . I have a sense of humor just as much as Eliko has with that obnoxious avatar of his.
Let me just say that the correct name of the village that gave birth to Miltiades , (and to the finest donkeys in Cyprus ) is not Stroumbi but Stroumbi the Great .
Let me also say a few words about the clan system in Cyprus .
My late father who was a well known master Tailor and a diabolical tavli player , belonged to what was then known the Father Spanos Clan , Spanos being the then local priest of my fathers village Theletra . Spanos was a man of very strong convictions and commanded the utmost respect of the villagers , but had a terrible temper and would explode with immense fury when faced with tribulations and misdemeanours .
I'm told he was rather fond of his wine which he produced himself , he died at the young age of 104 , my own grandad , also produced his own wine lived till the age of 98 , my own father who also loved his wine made it to 85 , so I suppose I , who also likes an odd glass or two would make it to about 80 !! They lived longer , I think as a result of the natural foods and preservative free wine coupled with the fresh air of the mountains.
The Spanos clan is very much alive in that part of Cyprus still today .

[Nikitas]

It took me some time to work it out, Eliko is from Karpasia!