Cyprus-Forum.com

[pantelis]

Samuel Huntington, author of 'The Clash of Civilizations,' thinks Turkey has three strategic options ahead: European Union membership; a break-off from secularism and a return to the Islamic world it once ruled; and political isolation built on a nationalistic sentiment. But US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice signals there may be a fourth option: Turkey’s EU bid failing and rebuilding a strained alliance with the United States as a 'Western anchor.'

After reading this article from the Turkish Daily News,

http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/arti ... wsid=14642

I began to wonder. How about the TCs? If Turkey does not get a place in the EU, what would happen to the north part of Cyprus?

What do the TCs want?

The "state" is not recognized by the world, friends or not. (The power and connections of the ROC cannot stop the US, UK or the newly "Islamic puppets" from recognizing the trnc). Turkey does recognize a country it occupies and controls, as independent. the "state" is not recognized by the TCs themselves, otherwise they would have their own bank, currency, police, laws, etc. Why would they allow their economy to depend on the ever falling Turkish lira, if they were independent?

What would happen if Turkey is rejected by the EU, or if Turkey rejects the EU? How would the Turkish Cypriots react if any of the other (non-EU) scenarios come to life?
Can some of the TCs give me an idea on where they see themselves in any of the scenarios?
Your answers may help the GCs understand you better; as well they will help them understand the alternatives and consequences to prolonging of the current “no-solution” environment.

[pantelis]

By the way, this is my last attempt in trying to have a meaningful discussion about the future of Cyprus, without getting into a pissing match of who did what in the past and who holds the biggest portion of blame for the present situation. If you are not interested to have a good discussion, please stay out; I promise not to bother with this forum again.

[suetoniuspaulinus]

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[brother]

A fair question but its like asking if GC are more greek or cypriots but in an attempt to answer i feel that tc and gc according to research are more identical in DNA then mainland turks and greeks so i guess the answer is cypriot imo.

[garbitsch]

By the way, this is my last attempt in trying to have a meaningful discussion about the future of Cyprus, without getting into a pissing match of who did what in the past and who holds the biggest portion of blame for the present situation. If you are not interested to have a good discussion, please stay out; I promise not to bother with this forum again.

Panteli calm man. We always want to see you here

Anyways, back to the topic. I think there is no consensus among Turkish Cypriots whether they are more Cypriot or Turkish. IMO the majority think of themselves as BOTH TUrkish and Cypriot equally. And they are ready to accept an artificial Cypriot nationality, but people still see Greek Cypriots as foreigners, since both communities were kept divided for more than 30 years. I, by myself, do not see Greek Cypriots as compatriots. No offence but I've been taught that I am living in a Turkish State, whose neighbour is the Greek State. But still I am ready to accept Greek CYpriots as part of the whole Cypriot society.

[erolz]

Personaly I do not consider myself Turkish at all. I consider myself Cypriot or Turkish Cypriot. I accept the cutural and historic links between TC and Turkey but I do not consider that makes TC Turkish.

My father, his father and his father before him were born in Cyprus not Turkey. My family (on my fathers side) comes from Cyprus not Turkey. I have Cypriot citizenship not Turkish. I have a love for Cyprus as a homeland not Turkey. I am Cypriot - I have many connections emotional, physcial and material with Cyprus. I have no such connections with Turkey. I live in Cyprus not Turkey.

[garbitsch]

Yes, but prior to 74, the Greek CYpriots were Greeks and Turkish Cypriots were Turks. Just read the Rep. of Cyprus Constitution. The nationality thing had evovled during the years of seperation!

[cannedmoose]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASI ... 94-5462070

Read this... delves into the evolution of nationalism(s) in Cyprus

[pantelis]

Rebecca Bryant demonstrates how Muslims and Christians were transformed into Turks and Greeks

The quote is from book above. Without having to give references, this is what I also remember from my history books: during the Ottoman years and for most of the British colonial years, the Cypriots were referred to as Muslims and Christians. The Turkish - Greek labels were introduced by nationalists on both sides and adopted by the British, later on, a fact that promoted more division and conflict among the people.

Regardless of the history, I am more concerned about the future.
I have asked your opinions on where, as TCs or Turks, you would like to be or prefer to see happen, if the following scenarios occur in Turkey:

1. European Union membership;
2. A break-off from secularism and a return to the Islamic world it once ruled;
3. Political isolation built on a nationalistic sentiment.
4. Turkey’s EU bid failing and rebuilding a strained alliance with the United States as a 'Western anchor.'

[Rahmi]

Why would they allow their economy to depend on the ever falling Turkish lira, if they were independent?

The Turkish Lira has been revalued around 20% over the Euro and the Dollar during the last two years. The Turkish Economy has grown more than 9% in 2004, with a growth expectation of 5% for the year 2005.

Well, we are not rich or anything, but we are strong enough to stop you guys from getting your hands on TC's throats. Living poor, rather than being killed, harrassed, deported.