Tochni (Cyprus), Aug 14 (AP) On the divided island of Cyprus, the impact of conflict can be seen even in the graves of the deceased, with cemeteries being stark reminders of the island’s turbulent history.
The Greek Cypriot cemeteries in the northern part of the island, controlled by Turkish Cypriots, are marked by broken granite crosses scattered amidst the overgrown weeds.
Meanwhile, in the southern Greek Cypriot region, the headstones in Turkish Cypriot Muslim cemeteries are obscured by dense foliage. Until 2003, visiting these graves across the United Nations-regulated buffer zone to pay respects was impossible.
Over five decades following a Turkish invasion, a combination of vandalism and the passage of time has transformed numerous cemeteries into symbols of the longstanding political and geographical divide in Cyprus. Yet, with prospects for reconciliation talks dim, Greek and Turkish Cypriots have united in efforts to restore graves and mend their fractured relations.
Restoration projects are currently being carried out in 15 civilian cemeteries on each side of the Green Line that divides the island. The estimated 700,000-Euro restoration project, equivalent to around USD 815,000, may extend to additional cemeteries.
“Restoring cemeteries is one of the most symbolic and morally significant acts for a community striving towards reconciliation,” remarked Sotos Ktoris, a Greek Cypriot on the bilateral committee overseeing these efforts.
Following the 1974 Turkish invasion, triggered by a coup aiming for Cyprus’ unification with Greece, approximately 160,000 Greek Cypriots fled to safety in the south, where the internationally recognized government exists. About 45,000 Turkish Cypriots relocated north, eventually declaring independence. Today, only Turkey recognizes this northern authority.
Custodians of religious and burial sites were among the displaced, causing churches in the north to suffer vandalism and looting, while mosques in the south fell into neglect.
To work toward a peace agreement, the UN-mediated process has seen both communities address historical grievances, including the restoration of churches, mosques, and other monuments.
Earlier in the year, Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar expanded restoration efforts to cemeteries, with funding from the European Union and support from the UN. This work commenced in May.
Last month, Greek Cypriot workers began rebuilding the century-old stone wall at a Muslim cemetery in the village of Tochni, situated in the hilly region near Cyprus’ southern coast.
Before being relocated north following the Turkish invasion, Turkish Cypriots significantly outnumbered Greek Cypriots in Tochni. Nowadays, many Turkish Cypriots from the north return to reconnect with their history and honor their ancestors.
Tochni’s Greek Cypriot community leader, Charoulla Efstratiou, expressed the mutual respect needed, saying, “Just as we demand respect for our people and heritage, we owe the same to them.”
In Palaikythro, now renamed Balikesir by Turkish Cypriots, Greek Cypriot cemetery crosses have been set upright in preparation for full repair.
Turkish Cypriot contractor Recep Guler noted the challenge in restoring the cemetery’s walls and gate. The village’s Turkish Cypriot leader, Murude Erzen, emphasized the shared cultural significance of cemeteries.
Erzen commented on seeing the state of the cemetery, expressing disturbance and a resolve to facilitate its repair. Sotiroulla Mina Iniati, the Greek Cypriot leader of Palaikythro, noted that the families or community council would bear restoration costs, highlighting the sacred significance of these sites to Greek Cypriots as they aim to honor their long-forgotten dead.
The island’s last major attempt at a peace deal unraveled in 2017. Currently, Turkish Cypriots and Turkey dismiss the UN-backed proposal for Cyprus’ reunification as a federation, pushing for a two-state resolution, which Greek Cypriots oppose due to fears it would cement Turkey’s influence and military presence permanently.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has engaged with Christodoulides and Tatar twice this year, with plans to meet again as efforts to maintain dialogue continue. (AP) NPK NPK
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