Mediterranean Practices
In the world of cooperation, between the techniques you adopt and the turbulent moods you feel, lie practices. Practices involve social relations and vibrant emotions -- and bring one closer to the discovering the depths of this life. Each person is a universe of meanings, complete with contradictions and hopes. In other words, life is surprising and you can do something to change the world.
Two months have passed since my cooperation project began in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. I now understand the power of the culture-oriented social revitalization. Such ambitious projects prepare the field for a new approach to mutual understanding between the two communities of the island (Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot).
They've been living a tragic, painful conflict for over forty years, which has led to the separation of the two communities. There is a military occupation of Northern Cyprus by a foreign army (Turkish army) as well as the proclamation of the TRNC (the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus), which is only internationally recognized by Turkey itself. On the southern side of the island lives the Greek-Cypriot community.
This is an island caught between breathtaking nature and hopeful solitude; between an ancient cultural heritage and the grief of still open wounds. There’s mistrust between the two sides despite the efforts of various protagonists to implement constructive practices to diminish the conflict.
“Conflict transformation” is the discovery of alternative means to empower people. Solidarity leads to open dialogues and the group discovery of a reconciliation achievable in our lifetimes. This must be done with a personal, not only general, involvement and a very close contact with local people, their feelings and their emotions.
A land divided
Behind all this, there is a need to face head on: the constant presence of soldiers. Nicosia is a militarily divided city [sore thumb of the EU] overrun with barriers, buffer zones and no-man’s lands. It is also home to the oldest UN mission (UNFICYP) in the world.
But, Nicosia has an intense historical richness which I feel is the tool for re-building bridges of cooperation. In one word: “dialogues of peace”.
Tear down the wall and re-unite!
My peace-oriented cultural activity here found a turning point on November 27th, when a momentous event occurred: the bringing down of part of the wall opposite Ledra Street, in the heart of Nicosia. This is not an ordinary street – it is the most important link to the old part of town.
Unfortunately, it was an unilateral initiative by the north side. The government of the TRNC rejected the move. One-sided actions can’t pave the way to reconciliation, especially when the Turkish army is still unwaveringly stationed in Northern Cyprus.
Nevertheless, 'political will' is sure to overwhelm years and years of grievance; and my hope is that, in the future, an new shared initiative will kindle the re-unification of this remarkable Mediterranean country.
- Gianmarco Pisa, November 2005
“Dialogues of Peace” Project in Cyprus