Cyprus Can someone please explain ?

hincyprus · advanced member

This is serious..................as I am at a total loss and there are enough GC's/TC's on this forum to hopefully give me a definitive answer to my question.

Why is it that there are Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots? Please read on before you jump in with the answer.

I was born in England and by definition that makes me English. Not Scots English, nor Irish English, nor Welsh English.

So if a man or woman is born in Cyprus then surely they will be Cypriots. Not GC's or TC's.

It does not really matter that my parents were born in England, Scotland or Wales......I am English.

But, every where that I drive across the island I see Greek flags outside the houses...........not even Cyprus flags and yet I know for a fact that the families with these flags have for several generations all been born on the island of Cyprus. (where I am aquainted with the family of course).

So come on people out there.....amaze me and tell me how you can be born in Cyprus but still be a Greek or a Turk. Greeks don't call themselves Cypriot Greeks................or do they?

From a totally dumbfounded ex pat with no political associations what soever. (nor religious).

H

Piratis · Moderator

The citizenship of Cypriots is just Cypriot. There is not GReek or Turkish in this.
By Greek Cypriot we mean a Cypriot with Greek culture and language, the same for Turkish Cypriot.

Main_Source · lecturer

Im born in England but I aint English lol....tell me whats so English about being brough up in Palmers Green??? lol

petethegreek · instructor

petethegreek · instructor

hincyprus · advanced member

In reply to both previous....neither of you has truly answered the question.

Ok, I can accept that there is a Greek or Turkish influence but surely at the end of the day you must just be Cypriot? Why fly either a Greek or Turkish flag?

Your country is Cyprus so fly the Cyprus flag.....

I would never fly the Stars and Stripes in England.....what the hell for?

As for Palmers Green ........born in England but one assumes of Cypriot parents? Even I know that gives you a dual nationality of your choice. Which whilst you stay in England means no national service .....but should you decide you are Cypriot and return here you get the wonderful opportunity to serve in the most costly army per capita anywhere in the world for 3 whole months. Lucky boy.........

Seriously though.....you would still not call yourself Greek English....or maybe you do?

If you were born of Turkish parents then I apologise for the assumption. But the same applies.

H

hincyprus · advanced member

Harrin Gay

Thats very funny..........made an old man laugh...well done

H

petethegreek · instructor

hincyprus · advanced member

I was just trying to show (not a very good one) an example similar to being Greek Cypriot or Turkish Cypriot.......

Michael Coumas · advanced member

hincyprus - You have asked a very fundamental question and if I may say very good question. I have a brother in England with a young son who has a Greek flag stuck up in his bedroom. I cannot get a reasoned response as to why from him other than "well we are Greek aren’t we". I know the influence is from his Greek School. Fortunately family in Cyprus who do choose to adorn their properties or businesses with a flag choose the Cypriot flag I am pleased to say. Food for thought nonetheless.