I was just sixteen then, on July 20 1974. That was when Turkey invaded Cyprus from land, sea and air without the slightest warning. On Saturday July 20 1974, at 5:30 am,we woke to an air-raid wondering what the heck was going on. Turkey DID NOT declare war against Cyprus. My sweet sixteen turned out to be my "bitter" sixteen. I hated all Turks then. One day, just before the second invasion on August 14, 1974, Dad said that a man was killed in Turkey. I asked him if he was a Turk and Dad said yes. "Then", I said, "they didn't kill a man, they killed a Turk." Dad said: "I think we should talk." And we talked in the back yard. This is what he said to me: " The Turks, the people, are not responsible for what is happening here. Blame the politicians - both Greek and Turks - but not the people. Listen, beautiful, there are good Turks and bad Turks, just like there are good Greeks and bad Greeks." He was right, that's why I stopped hating the Turks. On the other hand, I can't forget, I won't forget - Turkey committed so many unspeakable crimes in Cyprus!
This said, the Turkish Cypriots have nothing to do with these crimes. They were victims just like us Greeks. Many of them were forced by the Turkish troops to leave their hometowns in order to populate the occupied areas. My heart bleeds today as I recall all the crimes committed by Turkey in 1974.
Honestly, I don't expect any one of you to understand how I feel because you have never experienced war. And my most heartfelt wish to you all, no matter where you come from, is never, NEVER experience war.
May our heroes rest in peace.
I was devastated watching the video and reading your heartfelt post. If I were you, I'd certainly never forget. I clicked on the links you posted but they don't work. Anyway, I think you are sending to the world a great message of love and peace through the pain you've been through. Not many people would do that.
Posted by: Alexia M | July 20, 2012 at 11:36 PM
The links work when I clicked on them. I hope that in time you will forget, my dear friend. Thanks for a great history update and for the video which is very informative. I hope that your country will eventually be reunited.
Posted by: Haruko N | July 23, 2012 at 12:26 AM
I would also like to add that I experienced Japan's most powerful earthquake since records began which struck the north-east coast, triggering a massive tsunami on March 11 2011. I lost my parents and my fiance in less than an hour. But I guess war is something more terrible than a tsunami or earthquake.
Posted by: Haruko N | July 23, 2012 at 12:34 AM
You know what, Haruko, any war is definitely more terrible than a natural disaster because it is the cruel, premeditated outcome of human hate. In many ways, the human factor is also to blame in a natural disaster considering how much we tend to destroy our beautiful planet and our environment. Mother Nature strikes back. However, your experience of the earthquake and the tsunami was much harder and a lot more painful than my experience of war. You lost your home and your loved ones; I didn't. When I think of you, I feel so strong and get so much courage and hope that one day I will forget!
Posted by: Anastasia | July 23, 2012 at 12:42 PM
I'm sorry the links didn't work for you, Alexia. That was my mistake! Thanks to the prompt and efficient TypePad Support Team, the problem is fixed now. It took me time to realise that the average Turk is for nothing in these crimes against the Greeks in Cyprus. Since the Turkish Invasion in July 1974, I've realised that there are good and bad people all over the world, regardless of nationality, race, colour or religion.
Posted by: Anastasia | July 23, 2012 at 01:00 PM