The recent vandalism attack on the Albanian mosque earlier today in Limassol is a stark reminder of the rising tide of ultra-right-wing nationalism in Southern Cyprus. This attack, condemned by the (Kıbrıs Vakıflar İdaresi Evkaf) Cyprus Religious Foundation Administration, is part of a disturbing trend of increased hostility towards Muslim places of worship and Turkish Cypriot individuals.

The rise in such incidents highlights the critical need for territorial protection of the Turkish Cypriot community. Over the past recent period, there have been multiple attacks on Turkish Cypriots visiting the south. These incidents underscore the deep-seated animosity that continues to simmer in the region.

One such attack involved a young Turkish Cypriot woman, Asya Karaali, who was brutally beaten while leaving a club in Ayia Napa. This attack, which has led to multiple arrests, is a grim illustration of the dangers faced by Turkish Cypriots in the south.

Another incident occurred in the Troodos mountains, where a group of young Turkish Cypriots were attacked while returning from a trip. They were assaulted by Greek Cypriots wielding bats and stones wrapped in Greek flags. Despite the serious nature of these attacks, there has been a notable lack of effective response from Greek Cypriot authorities, further exacerbating tensions

These attacks are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of discrimination and violence. A Turkish Cypriot schoolboy was also targeted because of his heritage, reflecting the systemic issues within Greek Cypriot society. The failure to bring perpetrators to justice perpetuates a climate of impunity and fear.

This situation is further inflamed by political rhetoric and educational policies that foster anti-Turkish sentiment. The Greek Cypriot Ministry of Education has been criticized for initiatives that perpetuate historical grievances and hatred towards Turks, such as a poster competition on the "Turkish occupation" and literature competitions featuring inflammatory themes.

The historical, cultural, and political differences between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities have always been profound. The resurgence of ultra-nationalist ideologies in the south underscores the incompatibility of these communities coexisting under a federal government system. Many political parties in the south remain strongly pro-Enosis (union with Greece), which is antithetical to the aspirations and safety of the Turkish Cypriot community.

The Importance of a Two-State Solution

Given the historical context, the ongoing violence, and the pervasive discrimination, it is clear that a two-state solution is the only viable path to ensuring peace and stability on the island. The idea of a federal government, which has been proposed and discussed in various negotiation rounds, does not address the deep-rooted mistrust and fundamentally different national identities of the two communities.

Historical Differences

The division of Cyprus is not merely a matter of political disagreement but is deeply entrenched in the history of the island. The 1974 Turkish intervention, prompted by a coup aimed at uniting Cyprus with Greece, led to the physical separation of the island into the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Republic of Cyprus. This division was meant to protect Turkish Cypriots from persecution and violence that had escalated during inter-communal conflicts.

Cultural Differences

Cultural practices and daily life in the TRNC and the Republic of Cyprus are markedly different. The Turkish Cypriot community, with its own language, religion, and traditions, has developed independently from the Greek Cypriot community over the last five decades. Any attempt to unify these two distinct societies under a single federal system overlooks these differences and risks reigniting old conflicts.

Political Differences

The political landscapes of the north and south are starkly different. While the south has parties with strong pro-Enosis sentiments, the north is firmly against any such union. The idea of Enosis, or union with Greece, is fundamentally opposed to the Turkish Cypriot community's desire for self-determination and security. The failure of the Annan Plan in 2004, which proposed a federal solution, underscores the deep-seated opposition to unification within both communities.

The Rising Threat of Ultra-Nationalism

The rise of ultra-right-wing nationalism in Southern Cyprus is particularly alarming. This movement, characterized by xenophobic and anti-Turkish rhetoric, has gained significant traction in recent years. The attack on the Albanian mosque and the various assaults on Turkish Cypriots are manifestations of this dangerous ideology.

Rhetoric and Education

Greek Cypriot political leaders and educational systems have been accused of perpetuating anti-Turkish sentiments. School curricula that glorify historical grievances and demonize Turks contribute to a culture of hatred and division. This systemic indoctrination ensures that new generations are raised with a skewed perspective of their neighbours to the north.

Violence and Intimidation

The physical attacks on Turkish Cypriots serve as violent reminders of the underlying tensions. These incidents are often accompanied by nationalist slogans and symbols, such as Greek flags and calls for Enosis, which further intimidate and alienate the Turkish Cypriot community. The lack of robust legal and political responses to these attacks only emboldens the perpetrators and fuels further violence.

The increasing incidents of violence against Turkish Cypriots and the rise of ultra-right-wing nationalism in Southern Cyprus make it clear that a two-state solution is not just preferable but necessary. The historical, cultural, and political differences between the two communities are too significant to be bridged by a federal government system.

The Turkish Cypriot community needs protection and self-governance to ensure their safety and preserve their cultural identity. The rise in ultra-nationalist sentiments and the ongoing violence only highlight the urgent need for a peaceful and permanent resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of both communities. A two-state solution is the only viable path forward to achieve lasting peace and stability on the island of Cyprus.