The Cypriot Experience

A few days ago, we took a trip to Cyprus to focus on the issues that the state are facing and to participate in a simulation. This was with students from the University of Nicosia (UNic). We discussed current issues on defining maritime boarders in the Eastern Mediterranean, and rights to the hydrocarbon fields that have recently been discovered. It fun to hear how people from the United States and from UNic approached the issues in the eyes of a different state. The discussion was very engaging, and I feel like it helped me learn how to better my verbal and debate skills.

We also visited Cyprus’ National Struggle Museum on the first day. To be honest, the vibe of it was off-setting and filled with nationalism. The entire message of the museum was idolizing how much the men fought against the British for their freedom and never recognized the fact that they were the vigilantes of the time. There were tons of war propaganda filling the museum and it never recognized any women during the time. The one exception was one pregnant woman, who had six children, and was shot during the war protecting the men. I feel like there were definitely more women affected by this war of independence, but only the one was mentioned. Also, the overall message of the museum was on how much the Cyprians struggled, how brutal the British were to them at the time of this war, and why someone should be proud to be a Cypriot.

The museum seemed incredibly nationalistic, but after considering that all states portray their nation’s history in this way, it makes sense why. It’s a way of creating the nation’s identity and making the population proud to be a part of the state or remember why their state is important. One of the points brought up by someone was considering it in the context of how American history is portrayed in the United States. First, we revere a bell with a crack in it and think it’s the coolest thing ever. Second, we get stuck in the Bill of Rights and how all the amendments define us and that it is wrong for anyone to think outside of them. Third, there is the freedom trail in Boston. Finally, we have giant monuments of American leaders to never forget (i.e. Lincoln Memorial, Mount Rushmore, Paul Revere, etc.). These are all examples of nationalism in America. At the same time, however, it is what creates our identity in the United States and makes us Americans.

Even though the museum was off-setting, the rest of the time in Cyprus was eye-opening. During the day, we had lectures at UNic and learned about energy and the issues with maritime boarders. One of the days, we took a walk around the city and went up to the UN check points that separated the occupied north from the south. (Side note: Nicosia is the only capitol that is divided by a border from occupation.) Then, a few days later, we had crossed the border. There was a lot of evidence in the occupied area of trying to create a new Turkish-Cypriot identity, but it was definitely excessive. There was a giant flag colored into the mountain with a phrase colored into the mountain that would light up at night. Also, the number of monuments that were scattered around the area was crazy and all portrayed struggle and fighting for what you want to get (disregarding who or what might be in your way). 

I could not talk about trip to the occupied north without mentioning the ghost town, Varosha, that we went to. We were not allowed to take photos or walk through it, but just a mere look at it from the outside was enough to tell what had happened. Someone had described the view as if it were the abandoned and militarized Miami of Cyprus. There were holes in the side of the building from all the military assult that had taken place there. People were kicked out without warning and never allowed to take their things; we looked up the photos online and found that there were nice cars from the late 60s left there and abandoned airplanes and bedrooms. Also, one of the things that really upset me was the fact that on one side of the fence, there was a ghost town, and the other side had a beach with a floating bar and people laughing and playing in as if there was nothing behind them. Also, you could take pictures on the beach as long as you were facing the sea. The second you turned around, the guard that is constantly on patrol would yell at you. This experience in the occupied North was heart-breaking because of how terrible the history of it is and how it is a state divided because of misconception and brutality. It was also very eye-opening and necessary to have in order to truly understand the issues that Cyprus faces.

A piece of my heart will always be given to Cyprus. I learned more from experience in my short, four-days there, than I had in a very long time. I cannot wait to return to the state for the BIOTECH program and remember why I really enjoyed Cyprus.