The shared dream for the future of Cyprus is to unite the island, transcending ethnic divisions and fostering peaceful coexistence among all Cypriots. This vision is fueled by the resilience of generations and a commitment to bridge divides, create economic opportunities, and work tirelessly towards unity.
What is the shared dream for the future of Cyprus?
The shared dream for the future of Cyprus is to unite the island, transcending ethnic divisions. This vision is built on the resilient hope of its people for a common future, where Cypriots of all backgrounds weave a tapestry of peaceful coexistence. It is a commitment to bridge divides, foster economic opportunities, personal growth, and work tirelessly towards unity.
Bridging Divides
In the heart of the Mediterranean, Cyprus—a scenic island with a rich history—has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia. Yet, it has also been divided, with a Turkish North and a Greek South. After nearly three decades of separation, a momentous event occurred in April 2003. The checkpoints opened, and we embraced a long-awaited reunion with those whom time and conflict had estranged.
I often reflect on my grandfather’s wisdom. He would say that there are good and bad people on both sides of any divide. It was his experiences in Pentakomo, among Greek Cypriots, that shaped his open-hearted philosophy. He instilled in us the value of seeing ourselves as Cypriots first, transcending ethnic lines.
A Family’s Journey
The opening of the checkpoints brought more than just emotional reunions. It paved the way for new economic opportunities and personal growth. Many women from my city, located near the coastal haven of Ayia Napa, ventured to work in the service sector. Among them was my mother, a refugee from the south, who despite losing her childhood to conflict, found the courage to look forward and work alongside those she was once separated from.
My father, too, experienced a shift. Raised in a small Turkish Cypriot village, his interactions with Greek Cypriots were limited until the checkpoints opened. But life has a way of bringing people together, and he soon made his first Greek Cypriot friend.
Youthful Aspirations
In 2008, at the age of 14, I discovered a bicommunal camp in Troodos. The prospect of attending sparked an excitement in my father that mirrored my own. Despite the fears and reservations of some, the desire to bridge gaps was stronger. This camp was more than a gathering; it was the start of my personal journey with the Cypriot communities. There, I witnessed barriers melt away, and realized the power of truly getting to know ‘the other side.’
This experience propelled me into active participation in bicommunal and EU projects. Eventually, it led me to work for Niyazi Kizilyurek, the first Turkish Cypriot MEP. Sharing an office with a Greek Cypriot colleague, we confronted our collective pasts while striving for a common future.
Our Shared Homeland
The dream of uniting the island is a shared vision, fueled by the resilience of generations. It is a recognition that, regardless of our differences, we are inextricably linked to one another. Cyprus is not just a land for Greeks, Turks, Armenians, Maronites, and Latins—it is a tapestry woven from the threads of all its inhabitants.
As my mother and countless others have shown, it’s possible to start anew. My grandfather’s legacy and the dreams of many others live on as we work tirelessly towards unity. Our commitment remains steadfast: to do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to unite Cyprus.
Hakan Coban
What is the shared dream for the future of Cyprus?
The shared dream for the future of Cyprus is to unite the island, transcending ethnic divisions. This vision is built on the resilient hope of its people for a common future, where Cypriots of all backgrounds weave a tapestry of peaceful coexistence. It is a commitment to bridge divides, foster economic opportunities, personal growth, and work tirelessly towards unity.
How has the opening of checkpoints helped in bridging divides in Cyprus?
The opening of the checkpoints in Cyprus in April 2003 paved the way for emotional reunions, new economic opportunities, and personal growth. It allowed people from different communities to interact, work together, and form friendships that transcended ethnic lines. This led to a gradual breaking down of barriers and a shift towards unity and peaceful coexistence.
What role do youth and bicommunal initiatives play in fostering unity in Cyprus?
Youth and bicommunal initiatives play a crucial role in fostering unity in Cyprus by bringing together young people from different communities to interact, build relationships, and understand each other’s perspectives. These initiatives help break down stereotypes, build trust, and create a sense of shared identity among Cypriot youth, paving the way for a more united and peaceful future.
How can individuals contribute to the dream of uniting Cyprus?
Individuals can contribute to the dream of uniting Cyprus by actively participating in bicommunal initiatives, engaging in dialogue with people from different communities, challenging stereotypes, promoting understanding and empathy, and advocating for peace and reconciliation. By working together towards a common goal of unity and peaceful coexistence, individuals can play a significant role in building a more inclusive and harmonious society in Cyprus.
