Half a Century of Grief
Fifty years after Turkey’s 1974 invasion of Cyprus, families are still searching for the remains of their missing loved ones. The conflict, which left thousands dead or missing and displaced a quarter of the Greek Cypriot population, continues to cast a long shadow over the island. Despite the passage of time, the pain of not being able to hold proper funerals or end the mourning process remains acute for many.
The Ongoing Search
Every year, Greek Cypriots commemorate those who died in the conflict and those who are still missing. The search for the missing, conducted by the island’s Bi-Communal Committee on Missing Persons, includes both Greek and Turkish Cypriots working together. At mass grave sites, archaeologists like Ceren Ceraloglu work tirelessly to uncover and identify remains, stressing that all the missing belong to Cyprus, regardless of their ethnic background.
Efforts of Archaeologists and Anthropologists
The Committee for Missing Persons, with the help of archaeologists and anthropologists, has so far found almost 1,000 individuals. These discoveries include both civilians and soldiers who went missing during the conflict. The process is painstaking, as scientists like Theodora Eleftheriou meticulously piece together bones to form complete skeletons. Identifying these remains is crucial for families who have been waiting decades for closure.
Emotional Reunions and Final Goodbyes
For many families, even partial remains provide a sense of closure. Relatives like Kutlay Erk express relief and gratitude for finally being able to bury their loved ones and end their story. Personal items found with the remains, such as shoes or belongings in pockets, offer a poignant connection to the past and help families feel a sense of reunion with their lost relatives.
The Legacy of the Invasion
The 1974 invasion followed Cyprus’s independence from Britain in 1960 and subsequent violence between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Turkey invaded in response to a coup by Greek Cypriots, ostensibly to protect the Turkish Cypriot minority. This led to the displacement of almost 160,000 Greek Cypriots and the deaths of over 3,000 people. Despite numerous attempts, reunification efforts have consistently failed, with Greek Cypriots favoring a federation and Turkish Cypriots advocating for a two-state solution. The island remains divided, and although relative peace has been maintained, the situation remains tense.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Cyprus Mail
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