The myth of a singular "Cypriot identity" has been one of the most dangerous and persistent falsehoods pushed in Cyprus. It is a tool wielded by the Greek Cypriot regime to erase the distinct identity of Turkish Cypriots and assimilate them into a fabricated idea of "Cypriotness."

Yet, when the facts are laid bare, one thing is undeniable: Cyprus is not an identity—it is merely a geographic location. Turkish Cypriots are Turks, and Greek Cypriots are Greeks. The international community must stop perpetuating this falsehood and recognize the reality of two distinct peoples on the island.

The Linguistic Reality: No Such Thing as a Cypriot Language

Languages are the cornerstone of identity, and Cyprus does not possess a singular linguistic identity, there is no such thing as the Cypriot language. The island is home to two distinct languages: Turkish, spoken by Turkish Cypriots, and Greek, spoken by Greek Cypriots. Attempts to label shared slang or borrowed phrases as a “Cypriot dialect” are weak at best and an intentional misrepresentation at worst. There is no such thing as a Cypriot language.

The absence of a Cypriot language underscores the reality that Cyprus is home to two separate peoples, not one. Nations with a unified identity share a common language, and this fundamental divide exposes the fallacy of Cypriotism.

Religious Divide: A History of Hatred and Erasure

The religious differences between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots are stark. Turkish Cypriots are predominantly Muslim, while Greek Cypriots are Orthodox Christians. Yet this divide is not merely one of faith but one marred by violence.

During the struggles of Turkish Cypriots, hundreds of mosques were burned to the ground by Greek Cypriots in a calculated campaign to erase the Islamic heritage of Turkish Cypriots. Even today, mosques in the south are routinely defaced with hateful graffiti. Reports from local and international media have documented this ongoing desecration. In contrast, Turkish Cypriots have protected Christian sites such as the Apostolos Andreas Monastery in the north, which remains a symbol of Turkish Cypriot respect for cultural heritage.

Orthodoxy has historically been used as a political tool against Islam in Cyprus. The involvement of the Greek Orthodox Church in the Greek Cypriot education system perpetuates a hostile narrative toward Turkish Cypriots, ensuring that anti-Turkish sentiment is passed down through generations. This is a fact not only purported by Turkish Cypriots but Greek Cypriots themselves.

National Symbols: A Tale of Two Flags

National symbols reveal a great deal about a people’s identity and aspirations. The flag of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) symbolizes resilience and the enduring struggle of Turkish Cypriots for survival and recognition. It represents a proud and unified identity, distinct from Greek Cypriots.

By contrast, the Greek Cypriot flag—ironically designed by a Turkish Cypriot—has now because of Greeks become a symbol of their fabricated "Cypriotness." It is used as a tool to subjugate Turkish Cypriots under a false narrative of unity while erasing Turkish identity. Our flag represents resistance and perseverance, while theirs seeks to impose assimilation. The difference is stark and telling.

Education and Historical Narratives

The Greek Cypriot education system glorifies figures like Georgios Grivas, the leader of the EOKA terrorist group responsible for atrocities against Turkish Cypriots and British servicemen. Grivas is hailed as a hero in the south, despite his record of violence and hatred.

Turkish Cypriot education, in contrast, is not politically motivated. It promotes a broader Turkic identity, connecting Turkish Cypriots to a global community. It teaches the values of coexistence and respect, whereas the Greek Cypriot system is deeply influenced by political agendas that indoctrinate children with divisive and hostile narratives.

Cultural Differences: A History of Appropriation

Greek Cypriots have a long history of appropriating Turkish Cypriot culture and branding it as their own. This theft is particularly evident in cuisine. Halloumi, known as Hellim in Turkish, is a Turkish Cypriot creation that has been stolen and trademarked by Greek Cypriots. Similarly, Turkish coffee is often falsely labeled as Greek coffee, despite UNESCO’s recognition of Turkish coffee as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" in 2013.

This cultural theft is not just an insult but a deliberate attempt to erase Turkish Cypriot identity. It highlights the broader agenda of Greek Cypriots to dominate and appropriate Turkish heritage.

Federalism and the Fallacy of Cypriotism

The push for a federal solution is rooted in the myth of Cypriotism. It is a political tool used to assimilate Turkish Cypriots under Greek Cypriot rule. Far-right groups like ELAM, which openly wave Greek flags and oppose unity, inadvertently reveal the truth: there is no shared Cypriot identity. These groups promote Greek nationalism, further undermining the idea of a federal Cyprus.

Turkish Cypriots, too, reject federalism. We do not want to be assimilated or erased. We are Turks, proud of our heritage and our identity, and we demand recognition as a separate people.

Listing the Differences

1. Language: Turkish and Greek—no Cypriot language exists.
2. Religion: Islam vs. Orthodox Christianity.
3. National Symbols: TRNC flag symbolizes struggle; Greek Cypriot flag promotes assimilation.
4. Education: Turkish Cypriots promote coexistence; Greek Cypriots glorify terrorism.
5. Culture: Turkish Cypriot heritage is appropriated by Greek Cypriots (e.g., Halim/Halloumi, Turkish coffee).
6. Politics: TRNC seeks a two-state solution; Greek Cypriots push for federalism to dominate Turkish Cypriots.

TCE Conclusion

Cyprus is a geographic location, not an identity. Turkish Cypriots are Turks. Greek Cypriots are Greeks. The international community must acknowledge this reality and stop perpetuating the myth of Cypriotism.

We call on Turkish Cypriots to embrace their identity with pride. The only viable future for Cyprus is a two-state solution, where both peoples can coexist as equals. The Greek Cypriots do not represent us, and their attempts to impose a false identity must be resisted at every turn.

Let this serve as a rallying cry for Turkish Cypriots: reject Cypriotism, embrace your Turkishness, and stand united in the fight for recognition and self-determination.

References:

1. Özkırımlı, Umut. The Making of a Nation: Turkish Cypriots and Identity.
2. TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Official Statements on Identity and Sovereignty.
3. Reports of mosque defacement, TCEExist.com and local news archives.
4. UNESCO recognition of Turkish coffee as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, 2013.
5. Historical accounts of EOKA atrocities, British National Archives.