Cyprus-Forum.com

[newgeneration]

In researching the history and current state of affairs In Cyprus there seems to be little information concerning TC land, in particular information relating to my questions posed above.

I have read reams of information on GC land in the South, but what of those TC's that lived in the South pre 1974?

Looking at old maps of the island which indicate the villages that were mixed or predominantly TC, there was a high concentration of TC's around Paphos and Larnaca. Also many TC's were farmers and therefore likely to have been large landowners.

Does anyone have any factual information or sources regarding my initial post?

To give some background, I have visited both sides of the island numerous times. I've read widely about the history and heard many personal accounts from both sides. I am trying to fill in some of the gaps as this is one area I have had trouble finding info on.

[GreekIslandGirl]

Your question is rather vague. There probably isn't something of what you ask available, even for GC land and property. Unless you mean maps. These are available at the various land registries. They have numbers for the plots - but data protection might not allow you to find out which plot belongs to whom unless it's for some lawful reason. You can get print-outs for just a couple of euros for specific areas (usually covering about a village and surrounding areas).

As for some register of the condition of property; well that's asking a bit much because property deteriorates very fast if not looked after (weeds grow, tiles tumble, mortar crumbles, stones fall, lizards burrow, insects devour). Even if done once a year (a mammoth, costly, undertaking for surveying) it would become inaccurate very quickly. Many GC properties are in dire strait because the old folk have died and their inheritors live abroad or cannot be bothered to maintain them. No one goes around and checks on their condition to say, "look at the mess this place is in, put it in a catalogue"!

[newgeneration]

I am not really asking about condition of properties - I acknowledge that they would be left in disrepair if abandoned and I don't think the GC gov should necessarily pay to maintain private dwellings.

Have TC's who left Cyprus prior to '74 and hold British/Australian or any other passports, been allowed to visit their former homes before the green line was opened?

Have any TC's taken up full time residency of the South - is freedom of movement but not settlement applied to the South as well as the North, considering the South is subject to EU and International law?

In my personal experience I know of 2 TC families whose former homes have been knocked down/ used by GC's. One home is now used as an agricultural building and the other has been knocked down and a new house built on the site. One family left prior to 1974 and the other family have accepted land in the North and lived in Cyprus throughout and after 1974.

I know many GC's find themselves in similar situations and I am not trying to provoke an argument or response that favours either side. Just trying to find out what the situation is on the other side, for TC families who also lost their homes. Let's not forget the majority were innocent victims and good people.

[loyalcypriot10]

The land situation in Cyprus is very complicated and is the main obstacle to a solution.In theory the TCs can reclaim their lands in the South , but there are many obstacles for anyone determined enough to try. The complications are increasing by the day as a result of the emigration of a large portion of the Cypriot population.There are many English families in the UK who have a large claim on valuable Cypriot land that has been passed to them through Cypriot parents and grandparents.These English people are not interested in all the crap being discussed on this Forum , such as EOKA , Hellenism and Turkification.EU membership allows them many legal avenues for reclaiming their inherited land.

[newgeneration]

I agree alot of the younger generation are oblivious to their history but it happens. They are British citizens and usually go by the experiences and opinions of the elders in the family.

Thanks for your reply Loyal Cypriot, the most informative so far. It seems I'm still drawing a blank on detailed facts re TC land in the South.