“Cyprus Untold” is a podcast by Samuel Lewis-Blanc, a former UN officer, sharing stories from his time in the Buffer Zone, offering a unique perspective on Cyprus’ quest for peace and reconciliation. Through personal narratives and historical insights, the podcast sheds light on the challenges faced in a divided land, highlighting the complexities of the Cyprus conflict and the potential for unity.
What is the “Cyprus Untold” podcast about?
“Cyprus Untold” is a podcast by Samuel Lewis-Blanc, a former UN Continuity Liaison Officer, where he shares insights and stories from his time in the Cyprus Buffer Zone. The podcast explores the complex history, personal narratives, and challenges of reconciliation in Cyprus, providing a unique perspective on the divided island and its quest for peace.
A Tale of Two Friends and Divided Lands
In the heat of a Cypriot summer outside the historical Ledra Palace, two men in their late 70s, one Greek Cypriot and one Turkish Cypriot, shared memories and a vision for a unified Cyprus. Their stories are steeped in the turbulent history of the island—a history marked by conflict, division, and a yearning for peace. Once comrades, the 1974 division had pitted them against each other, yet their enduring friendship exemplified the complex layers of the Cyprus conflict and the potential for reconciliation.
Samuel Lewis-Blanc, the first Continuity Liaison Officer for the UN in Cyprus from 2019 to 2021, encountered many such poignant stories during his tenure. Through daily interactions with individuals from both sides of the divide, Samuel gathered unique insights and unheard tales of life along the Green Line—a stretch of territory separating the Turkish north from the Greek Cypriot south, serving both as a reminder of conflict and a symbol of potential unity.
The Podcast Chronicle of the Buffer Zone
Now retired and back in Britain, Samuel Lewis-Blanc has taken to podcasting to share his experiences and stories gathered while serving in the Buffer Zone. His podcast, “Cyprus Untold,” is not an attempt to represent the voice of Cyprus but rather to uncover the lesser-known narratives about why the Buffer Zone persists as a contentious issue.
Samuel’s insights come from a place of lived experience. His residence for two years within the United Nations Protected Area (UNPA) provided him with a distinctive perspective. He witnessed how the demarcation lines could shift overnight and the difficulties the United Nations faces in maintaining peace and stability.
Stories of Land and Loss
The podcast reveals the intricacies of the Buffer Zone, where land is often at the heart of tension. For instance, a piece of land once patrolled by the UN has been incrementally claimed by Turkish forces, demonstrating the challenges peacekeepers face in the face of territorial disputes.
Samuel’s duties included accurately recording the ceasefire lines for future reference. Yet, he candidly speaks of the limitations of the UN’s authority, often culminating in nothing more than strongly-worded letters when faced with violations of the territorial status quo.
Perspectives Across Generations
In “Cyprus Untold,” Samuel frequently discusses the generational divide in attitudes towards the conflict. He notes a liberal trend among the older and younger generations, while identifying the middle-aged demographic, who often hold power, as a potential roadblock to peace due to lingering bitterness.
Sam’s experience sitting in on high-level meetings revealed the dichotomy between the ardent desire for peace held by the youth—evidenced by the young interpreters—and the intransigence of the military and political leadership. These personal stories and interactions shed light on the complex dynamics at play in the ongoing Cyprus problem.
Listeners can delve into these stories and more by tuning into “Cyprus Untold,” available for free online, where Samuel Lewis-Blanc shares his personal and profound encounters from a land caught between past conflicts and future hopes.
What is the focus of the “Cyprus Untold” podcast?
The “Cyprus Untold” podcast, created by former UN officer Samuel Lewis-Blanc, focuses on sharing personal narratives and historical insights from his time in the Buffer Zone of Cyprus. It emphasizes the challenges faced in the divided land and highlights the quest for peace and reconciliation.
How does Samuel Lewis-Blanc gather stories for the podcast?
Samuel Lewis-Blanc gathered stories for the “Cyprus Untold” podcast during his time as the first Continuity Liaison Officer for the UN in Cyprus from 2019 to 2021. Through daily interactions with individuals from both sides of the divide, he collected unique insights and unheard tales of life along the Green Line, offering a distinctive perspective on the Cyprus conflict.
What topics are explored in the “Cyprus Untold” podcast episodes?
The podcast episodes delve into the complexities of the Buffer Zone, where land disputes often fuel tensions. Samuel Lewis-Blanc shares stories of territorial challenges faced by peacekeepers, the limitations of the UN’s authority in maintaining peace, and the generational differences in attitudes towards the conflict. The episodes offer a deep dive into the intricate dynamics of the ongoing Cyprus problem.
Where can listeners access the “Cyprus Untold” podcast?
Listeners can access the “Cyprus Untold” podcast for free online. The podcast is a platform where Samuel Lewis-Blanc shares his personal encounters and profound experiences from a land torn between past conflicts and future aspirations.
