Willy Lind: The Unsung Hero of the Turkish Cypriots

In September 2024, the founder of Turkish Cypriots Exist (TCE) Arkın Öksüzoğlu had the extraordinary honor of meeting Willy Lind, a Swedish officer whose courageous actions during the 1960s saved thousands of Turkish Cypriots. The meeting took place in Yeşilırmak, a region in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), during the 50th anniversary commemoration of the area's liberation from a siege by Greek forces.

"It was an absolute pleasure to have met him and interviewed him," TCE founder Arkın Öksüzoğlu shared. Caught unprepared by his unexpected presence, we seized the moment, capturing the interview on his iPhone. Despite the impromptu setup, with a wireless microphone purchased from a local electrical store in Lefke, the footage was invaluable. We combined it with archival materials and interviews with locals to create a mini-documentary that tells his story and significance to us Turkish Cypriots. You can watch the short documentary by clicking here: Willy Lind - The Toothless UN

Meeting a Living Legend at Yeşilırmak

Yeşilırmak, known for its lush landscapes and strategic coastal location, was once at the heart of intense conflict. Fifty years ago, Greek military forces besieged this region, aiming to cut off supplies and force the Turkish Cypriot population into submission. The community faced starvation, bombardment, isolation and ethnic cleansing.

During the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Yeşilırmak, we had the pleasure of meeting Willy Lind. Even though he is famous for his heroic actions in Erenköy—another village where he played a crucial role in defending Turkish Cypriots—it was profoundly meaningful to meet him on such a significant day in Yeşilırmak. His presence added a deep sense of solidarity and remembrance to the commemoration.

"It was a profound experience to meet Willy in Yeşilırmak," TCE founder Arkın Öksüzoğlu reflected. "Even though he is renowned for supporting Erenköy, meeting him here during this significant anniversary made the occasion even more special."

A Swedish Officer in a Divided Land

Willy Lind arrived in Cyprus in 1964 as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force, deployed to ease the escalating tensions between the island's Greek and Turkish communities. Tasked with maintaining peace in a land fraught with conflict, Lind quickly recognized the dire situation facing the Turkish Cypriot population.

Rather than remain a passive observer constrained by bureaucratic limitations, he chose to take a humanitarian stand. Guided by his moral compass and a profound sense of humanity and justice, Lind took decisive action to protect those who were most vulnerable, the Turkish Cypriots.

The Stand at Erenköy

Erenköy (also known as Kokkina) was the site of one of the most significant battles during the Cyprus conflict in 1964. The village became a focal point, with Turkish Cypriot enclaves under siege by forces from the Greek side. Willy Lind witnessed firsthand the vulnerabilities of the Turkish Cypriots in Erenköy, who were isolated and outnumbered.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Lind took decisive action. Defying orders and bureaucratic constraints, he provided critical support and protection to the besieged villagers. His efforts went beyond the call of duty—coordinating the evacuation of the wounded, facilitating the delivery of essential supplies, and even standing as a human shield to prevent further aggression.

His courage and resolve were instrumental in preventing what could have been a catastrophic loss of life. "Willy Lind's actions in Erenköy are legendary," said a local resident. "He exemplified what it means to be a true humanitarian."

Defying the Odds

Operating under the banner of the United Nations, Lind navigated a complex web of political tensions. His commitment to defending the Turkish Cypriots placed him at odds with certain factions. Despite the risks, he remained undeterred.

However, his defiance came at a personal cost. Lind was arrested and initially sentenced to life in prison with hard labor, even though he was a UN officer. Thanks to the efforts of his lawyer, the sentence was reduced to two years and eventually to eight months, which he served in Sweden.

"Even though I was part of the UN, I was arrested," Lind recounted during our interview. "It was a challenging time, but I would do it all over again to save lives."

Authoring "Erenköy 1964: The Toothless UN"

While imprisoned in Sweden, Lind penned "Erenköy 1964: The Toothless UN", a profound work offering an insider's perspective on the challenges faced by peacekeepers and the complexities of international interventions. The book critiques the limitations of the UN's mandate and highlights the struggles of the Turkish Cypriots during the 1960s.

"This book was my way of shedding light on the plight of the Turkish Cypriots and the inefficacy of international bodies in preventing injustice," Lind explained. "I wanted the world to know what really happened."

Preserving His Legacy

With Lind's permission, TCE is now translating "Erenköy 1964: The Toothless UN" into multiple languages. "We want people around the world to benefit from this book, so we can share the plight of the Turkish Cypriots and what we went through under Greek repression," said TCE founder Arkın Öksüzoğlu

Copies of the book will be offered to selected individuals within the TCE group as part of our commitment to commemorating this hero and promoting his legacy. By bringing his story to the forefront, we aim to foster a greater understanding of the historical challenges faced by the Turkish Cypriots.

The Continuing Struggle for Recognition

The experiences detailed in Lind's book shed light on a period often overlooked or denied by some. The Greek side of Cyprus has, to this day, disputed many accounts of the events that transpired during that era. Lind's firsthand account serves as a crucial piece of historical documentation, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment and reconciliation.

"It's important that the truth is told," Lind emphasized. "Not to sow discord, but to heal wounds through understanding."

TCE Conclusion

Willy Lind's story is one of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to justice. His actions have left an indelible mark on the Turkish Cypriot community. Meeting him in Yeşilırmak during such a significant anniversary was not just a privilege but a reaffirmation of the values he embodies.

As he enters his late 80s, Lind continues to inspire. His legacy is a beacon for all who stand against oppression and strive for peace. It is high time the world recognizes his efforts and honors the profound impact he has had on our community.

Join Us in Honoring Willy Lind

If this article resonated with you, please share it on social media and join us on our platforms. Together, we can amplify the legacy of Willy Lind and ensure his story inspires future generations.

Watch our mini-documentary here: Willy Lind - The Toothless UN

References

1. Lind, Willy. "Erenköy 1964: The Toothless UN".

2. Willy Lind - The Toothless UN - https://youtu.be/KDT1X_NAZH0?si=VYFNqfjgLazvb32d - TCE YouTube Channel.

3. Personal interviews conducted by TCE in September 2024.

4. United Nations Peacekeeping archives.

5. TCE official website: www.TCExist.com