Ayia Napa, Paphos, Larnaca – these may be popular cities of Cyprus you’ve heard of – but these cities only cover the southern part of the country. Have you ever heard of Kyrenia, Famagusta or Güzelyurt? These are big destinations in the northern part of Cyprus, however they are isolated and locked away.
The north of Cyprus is a shadowed area that is isolated from the world as a result of the 1963 “Bloody Christmas” and the later 1974 war that resulted in the country being split into two. The south – which is recognised as the official country of Cyprus and is part of the European Union with all the attendant privileges – is populated with Greek Cypriots, whilst the north – named the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) which is only recognised by Turkey – is populated with Turkish Cypriots.
Since 1964, Turkish Cypriots have been denied receiving trade, direct flights or any kind of recognition – apart from Turkey. Fourth of March of this year, marks 61 years of ongoing isolation.
Some Turkish Cypriots have come to advocate for the recognition of Northern Cyprus and the acceptance of Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus.
I spoke to Young Turkish Cypriots (YTC), which is a group that aims to educate people on the history of Cyprus, using reliable primary and secondary sources and use their voice to advocate for the Turkish Cypriot people.
What affects do the wars have on Turkish Cypriots today?
“This can be a really long answer but essentially it has everything to do with the Cyprus issue today. It is the cause of it all for Turkish Cypriots. Not only were they massacred which has caused generational trauma, but it marks the start of their isolation following their forced removal from government.”
What is one of the biggest disadvantages Turkish Cypriots face due to their isolation?
“Not having direct flights. This is one of the biggest embargoes Turkish Cypriots face today. Direct flights to north Cyprus have been officially banned since 1974 and the only way to fly into Ercan airport is through a flight from Turkey. This of course increases time and financial cost. This is a familiar story for the Turkish Cypriot diaspora.”
Do you believe that Northern Cyprus will be recognised one day?
“Well, we aim to educate people and raise awareness as much as we can. We have petitions that can be signed on our website that can help with the issue. However, the most possible outcome of our recognition is if there is a two-state solution and Cyprus is unified like it was prior to 1974.”
What does isolation mean for the growth of TRNC?
“Isolation of course has forced the TRNC to be solely reliant on Turkey, restricting economic growth and putting Turkish Cypriots in a position of further hardship. The ban of direct travel, economic development, international aid, economic communications and representation means that Turkish Cypriots have become extremely reliant on Turkey for resources which stunts the growth of TRNC.”