To mark the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, the Cypriot Youth Brisbane (CYB) has produced a powerful 14-minute documentary capturing the enduring pain of refugees who fled to Australia.
The film, available on Facebook, features interviews with over 10 families across three generations, recounting their harrowing experiences and the conflict’s lasting impact.
The documentary highlights stories of loss and survival, including a sister who never had the chance to bury her brother, parents forced to uproot their families, soldiers unable to save their comrades, and children who hid in trenches to escape danger. These accounts reflect the trauma endured by Cypriots who sought refuge in Australia after the invasion, which saw Turkey occupy the northern part of the island.
CYB President Luis Nicolaou emphasized the importance of preserving these narratives. “In this documentary, it’s evident how deeply the invasion has affected people now living in Brisbane,” he said. “But it’s not just those who lived through it—the generations that followed have also been impacted. We set out to tell these stories, interviewing three generations from various parts of Cyprus.” The film, presented in Greek and English, includes diverse perspectives, from soldiers and anxious wives awaiting their husbands’ return to individuals caught in the crossfire while on holiday.
One poignant story comes from Soula Nicola, who was 14 during the invasion. She recalls her family’s months-long ordeal camping in tents and the devastating loss of her brother. “We never saw my brother, we never buried him,” she shares in the documentary. “He was buried on a Tuesday at a nearby cemetery with 17 other kids, but they never told my parents.” Soula describes the moment her family discovered his name on a military pinboard listing the deceased, a revelation that shattered her mother’s life. Even now, the sound of army planes during events like Anzac Day triggers painful memories. “That noise brings back scary memories—I get palpitations,” she admits.
Nicky Nicolas, who was very young then, also vividly remembers the invasion. “We woke up and were told to hide in the trenches behind our houses,” she recounts. “My yiayia and papou told us not to look up because the Turks could see our eyes and would bomb us.”
The documentary serves as a tribute to the resilience of the Cypriot community in Brisbane while acknowledging the intergenerational trauma caused by the invasion. Through these personal stories, Cypriot Youth Brisbane ensures that the pain and sacrifices of those who fled Cyprus are not forgotten, even 50 years later.