Cyprus Spiritual Division

prize1974 · new member

When divinity is divided, humanity is also divided. Why heterogenous Roman Empire that supposedly evolved a 'Mediterranean nation' had a much shorter life than Byzantine Empire, that was Eastern Orthodox or Holy Roman Empire that had Catholic faith. The primary reason that Turks and Greeks could not co-exist is that their divinity is divided. Their value systems are different, world view is different, history is contradictory. When divinity is divided, humanity is also divided. You may euphorically bring them together for once, but that unity would not last. That is what happenend in Cyprus between 1960 and 74. Armenians are not Cypriots, but why they chose to align with them instead of Turks. It is beacuse their divinity is same as that of Greek Cypriots.

Piratis · Moderator

I don't agree with this, and I don't believe the Turks believe it either otherwise they wouldn't apply to enter the EU.

There is no such thing as "divinity". Just powerful special interests that manipulate the naive masses.

Very different cultures can indeed create problems since the state has to take some decisions that can be seen very differently from very different cultures (death penalty, abortion etc). But Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots have quite common culture and this is not an issue in our case.

MicAtCyp · lecturer

The majority of the TCs were always atheists.Not even one TC becomes imam in the Northern part so they import imams from Turkey to serve for 4-5 years. The majority of the GCs today are atheists too, or pretend they are christians. They go to church only twice a year or for social events, marriages funerals etc.
Relegion was never actually a cause of division in Cyprus. Although yes most propably the Armenians, Maronites etc chose to be in the GC community because they had nothing else in common.

Piratis · Moderator

MicAtCyp · lecturer

Hmm, it seems I have to admit wrong on most parts of my previous post.(I hope this will satisfy iskismet).
Well Piratis, yes I exagerated in my previous post.Actually the TCs are not atheists but lets say they tend to beleive to something like what we call in Greek "Unknown God". Also I should say the GCs are practicing relegion much less than what they did in the past.For example it is very very rare today to see anyone praying before sitting on the table to eat, whereas in the past that was common practice.

But if I may extend the discussion further what is our difference with the TCs then?
I think it's the language.

PEACE · instructor

mehmet · instructor

differences include language and religion. Even though most Turkish Cypriot's don't go to mosque most would consider themselves muslim's and will celebrate bayram. I think the differences are small compared to what we have in common. We also have a history of living together, mostly peacefully. I have been told that even my Turkish is spoken with a Greek accent.

michalis5354 · lecturer

It is true that the priests try to influence politics , and I personally would like to see no involvement at all. These priest sometimes encourage this fanatism either intentionally or not. Their role should be solely in church and nowhere else. If they wish to be involved in politics they should retire as god-servers and form their own political parties. They can not do BOTH. Unfortunately there are people who are influenced by them.

Personally I hardly go to church because I do not feel to go , especially when I see all these stupidity in church.

These priest create fanatism , similar to this fanatism we see in Iraq or Iran that create all these terorist groups though in not such degree.

MicAtCyp · lecturer

Chrisswirl · advanced member

A question for any TCs, without trying to insult: would you say that, for whatever reason, since Turkey invaded the Turkish Cypriots have felt a stronger connection with Turkey and Islam?

My family is a Greek Cypriot one living in the UK and we go to church say... 3 times a year? Pascha (Easter), Christmas, and maybe one or 2 other times. Our priest is always shouting to the congregation (literally shouting) to come more often, and to pressurise the kids in coming to Greek School (propaganda central). My GC family in Cyprus are generally not overly religious, especially my younger family. However, my Yiayia and Papou (Gran and Grandad) go every week, and respect all fasts etc, they are very religious.