Cyprus-Forum.com

[Gasman]

I've been working very hard this evening. I'm glad you've produced a new bit of artwork. I am laughing now!

*and thinking of Roddie McDowell dressed up as a monkey - eeeyuk!

[Malapapa]

[Malapapa]

[Gasman]

3am - I turn back into a pumpkin soon. WHY do I keep looking in here?

Eroglu Newton John? How about Eroglu Neutron Bomb?

*I know why - coz it makes me laugh! Keep 'em coming!

[Cossie]

I am an Australian citizen, with Cypriot parents. I’ve lived in Cyprus for two 6 month periods in 1963 and 1972. I identify as a Cypriot, and only that, a Cypriot not GC or TC. I am also a committed atheist.

Half of my relatives are refugees from Northern Cyprus, so I have a deep interest in the “Cyprus problem”, despite not living there. I also feel a deep affinity for the island whenever I have been there. I’ve not read all the posts here, but the few I’ve read suggest that nothing will change in Cyprus and those who strongly identify as “Greek-Cypriot” and “Turkish-Cypriot” are to blame. Until the prejudices of religion and race, constructed over thousands of years are overcome, Cyprus will remain divided, both geographically and at its heart.

I am sure I am not saying anything original here, but I think I have a more detached perspective in viewing the problem than some who are born within the conflict. What I see amongst many Cypriots is jingoistic nationalism, with deep roots in history and religion.

I’ve read studies that show, in genetic terms, “Greek-Cypriots” and “Turkish-Cypriots” have more in common with each other than with Greeks or Turks respectively. What does that say? I think, it is irrefutable that some time in the past, they either have common ancestry, or that there was significant inter-breeding. So what happened in the intervening period to divide the population? I am no scholar of the history of Cyprus, but I have read a little. To state the obvious, Cyprus was mostly a Hellenic culture, until the Ottomans came, and then there was a strong Ottoman influence/dominance until the late 19th century. The British took over and did what they have done in all their reluctant colonial conquests- they exploited cultural and religious differences. It’s an old strategy- divide and conquer and of course, it takes little effort to stick a wedge between Christians and Muslims. Yes, there are cultural differences between GC’s and TC’s that may not be religious in origin, but it is mostly a religious divide.

Frankly, the first step along the long long road towards a united harmonious Cyprus is not a Greek Cyprus or a Turkish Cyprus, it will only happen if Cypriots identify as Cypriots ONLY.

I was lucky enough to be born in a country that is an island and a long way away from centuries of bigotry. While not a perfect society, by enlarge, compared to most countries, it is a society that has learned tolerance and even learned to embrace differences. Australia didn’t have centuries of atrocities (except against its indigenous population) due to race or religion to overcome, and there are more than 2 religious/ethnic groups here. I don’t envy the road forward for Cyprus. It won’t be easy breaking free of millennia of religious bigotry and racism, but it must be done. Otherwise look across the sea to the east and you will see what the future holds. Forgiveness and rebuilding a nation will take at least 3 generations.

I humbly suggest one step forward is to stop identifying as Greeks or Turks. Language is a subtle and powerful weapon that can either re-enforces or defeat division. You are all, as I am, Cypriot.

[Gasman]

I humbly suggest one step forward is to stop identifying as Greeks or Turks.

I don't see many Turkish Cypriots calling themselves Turkish. It is the Greek Cypriots who, in the main, want to insist they are more Greek than Cypriot.

Nice sentiments. Not many here will agree with you.

[denizaksulu]

I am an Australian citizen, with Cypriot parents. I’ve lived in Cyprus for two 6 month periods in 1963 and 1972. I identify as a Cypriot, and only that, a Cypriot not GC or TC. I am also a committed atheist.

Half of my relatives are refugees from Northern Cyprus, so I have a deep interest in the “Cyprus problem”, despite not living there. I also feel a deep affinity for the island whenever I have been there. I’ve not read all the posts here, but the few I’ve read suggest that nothing will change in Cyprus and those who strongly identify as “Greek-Cypriot” and “Turkish-Cypriot” are to blame. Until the prejudices of religion and race, constructed over thousands of years are overcome, Cyprus will remain divided, both geographically and at its heart.

I am sure I am not saying anything original here, but I think I have a more detached perspective in viewing the problem than some who are born within the conflict. What I see amongst many Cypriots is jingoistic nationalism, with deep roots in history and religion.

I’ve read studies that show, in genetic terms, “Greek-Cypriots” and “Turkish-Cypriots” have more in common with each other than with Greeks or Turks respectively. What does that say? I think, it is irrefutable that some time in the past, they either have common ancestry, or that there was significant inter-breeding. So what happened in the intervening period to divide the population? I am no scholar of the history of Cyprus, but I have read a little. To state the obvious, Cyprus was mostly a Hellenic culture, until the Ottomans came, and then there was a strong Ottoman influence/dominance until the late 19th century. The British took over and did what they have done in all their reluctant colonial conquests- they exploited cultural and religious differences. It’s an old strategy- divide and conquer and of course, it takes little effort to stick a wedge between Christians and Muslims. Yes, there are cultural differences between GC’s and TC’s that may not be religious in origin, but it is mostly a religious divide.

Frankly, the first step along the long long road towards a united harmonious Cyprus is not a Greek Cyprus or a Turkish Cyprus, it will only happen if Cypriots identify as Cypriots ONLY.

I was lucky enough to be born in a country that is an island and a long way away from centuries of bigotry. While not a perfect society, by enlarge, compared to most countries, it is a society that has learned tolerance and even learned to embrace differences. Australia didn’t have centuries of atrocities (except against its indigenous population) due to race or religion to overcome, and there are more than 2 religious/ethnic groups here. I don’t envy the road forward for Cyprus. It won’t be easy breaking free of millennia of religious bigotry and racism, but it must be done. Otherwise look across the sea to the east and you will see what the future holds. Forgiveness and rebuilding a nation will take at least 3 generations.

I humbly suggest one step forward is to stop identifying as Greeks or Turks. Language is a subtle and powerful weapon that can either re-enforces or defeat division. You are all, as I am, Cypriot.

[denizaksulu]

I am an Australian citizen, with Cypriot parents. I’ve lived in Cyprus for two 6 month periods in 1963 and 1972. I identify as a Cypriot, and only that, a Cypriot not GC or TC. I am also a committed atheist.

Half of my relatives are refugees from Northern Cyprus, so I have a deep interest in the “Cyprus problem”, despite not living there. I also feel a deep affinity for the island whenever I have been there. I’ve not read all the posts here, but the few I’ve read suggest that nothing will change in Cyprus and those who strongly identify as “Greek-Cypriot” and “Turkish-Cypriot” are to blame. Until the prejudices of religion and race, constructed over thousands of years are overcome, Cyprus will remain divided, both geographically and at its heart.

I am sure I am not saying anything original here, but I think I have a more detached perspective in viewing the problem than some who are born within the conflict. What I see amongst many Cypriots is jingoistic nationalism, with deep roots in history and religion.

I’ve read studies that show, in genetic terms, “Greek-Cypriots” and “Turkish-Cypriots” have more in common with each other than with Greeks or Turks respectively. What does that say? I think, it is irrefutable that some time in the past, they either have common ancestry, or that there was significant inter-breeding. So what happened in the intervening period to divide the population? I am no scholar of the history of Cyprus, but I have read a little. To state the obvious, Cyprus was mostly a Hellenic culture, until the Ottomans came, and then there was a strong Ottoman influence/dominance until the late 19th century. The British took over and did what they have done in all their reluctant colonial conquests- they exploited cultural and religious differences. It’s an old strategy- divide and conquer and of course, it takes little effort to stick a wedge between Christians and Muslims. Yes, there are cultural differences between GC’s and TC’s that may not be religious in origin, but it is mostly a religious divide.

Frankly, the first step along the long long road towards a united harmonious Cyprus is not a Greek Cyprus or a Turkish Cyprus, it will only happen if Cypriots identify as Cypriots ONLY.

I was lucky enough to be born in a country that is an island and a long way away from centuries of bigotry. While not a perfect society, by enlarge, compared to most countries, it is a society that has learned tolerance and even learned to embrace differences. Australia didn’t have centuries of atrocities (except against its indigenous population) due to race or religion to overcome, and there are more than 2 religious/ethnic groups here. I don’t envy the road forward for Cyprus. It won’t be easy breaking free of millennia of religious bigotry and racism, but it must be done. Otherwise look across the sea to the east and you will see what the future holds. Forgiveness and rebuilding a nation will take at least 3 generations.

I humbly suggest one step forward is to stop identifying as Greeks or Turks. Language is a subtle and powerful weapon that can either re-enforces or defeat division. You are all, as I am, Cypriot.

Welcome aboard Cossie. Like you I too am a Cypriot. I agree with most of your post but one item. I believe that Cyprus is more Byzantine (religion) than Hellenic (too far fetched IMO) but do not deny that there have been Hellenic influences in the distant past (as shown archaelogically).

I am a Turkish speaking Cypriot but you will find some zealots here who will even deny that we are also Cypriots too. Here lies a problem.
You are right, we need to rid ourselves of this sectarian nationalism (call it what you may).

Have a good time here and beware the fireworks.

[Malapapa]

I am an Australian citizen, with Cypriot parents....

Some intelligent points... some sensible suggestions... etc.


You are all, as I am, Cypriot.

Cool but you're wasting your time. The hoi polloi will never swallow it. And even if they were to, Turkey still wouldn't budge. But enjoy the posters anyway.

[Omer Seyhan]

Why is Christofias the man and Eroglu the woman? Are you suggesting Eroglu is submissive sexually as well as politically?