**Title: Turkey's Defence Ministry Remembers Eoka's Legacy Amid Historical Tensions**
On Friday, Turkey's Defence Ministry released a video condemning the actions of the Greek Cypriot paramilitary group Eoka, marking a significant moment in the ongoing historical tensions between Turkey and Cyprus. The video was published just two days after the 52nd anniversary of the coup d'état supported by the Greek military junta in Cyprus and three days before the anniversary of the Turkish invasion of the island.
In the video, the ministry emphasized the "bloody legacy" of Eoka, asserting that it continues to remind the world of the "inhumane massacres" committed against Turkish Cypriots. The ministry stated, "We have not forgotten and will never forget the bloody legacy of Eoka, nor those who supported these atrocities. We will never allow them to be forgotten."
The video opens with the names of various villages and towns, including Kofinou, Ayios Theodoros, Limassol, Paphos, and Larnaca, displayed in a striking blood red. This imagery is accompanied by the assertion that "they attacked all the Turkish villages," setting a somber tone for the content that follows.
Among those featured in the video is Ismail Bozkurt, a former member of the Turkish Cypriot paramilitary group TMT. Bozkurt, who was born in Ayios Theodoros and witnessed violence in both Ayios Theodoros and Kofinou, reflected on the period of intense conflict, stating, "That was the period when civilians were massacred the most." He described the sudden and brutal nature of the violence, emphasizing the profound impact of the losses experienced during that time.
The video also includes commentary from Neoptolemos Leftis, a former Eoka fighter associated with George Grivas. Leftis, who was acquitted of the murder of U.S. ambassador Rodger Davies in 1974, recounted a chilling directive given to Eoka fighters: "For every one of ours which they killed, we were to kill ten of theirs." His statement underscores the cycle of violence that characterized the conflict.
Metin Aybars, another TMT fighter, provided further testimony to the violence faced by Turkish Cypriots, stating, "They killed Turks every day … they killed on the roads, they killed in the fields, they attacked villages." He noted the significant decline in the population of Turkish Cypriots in 103 villages, leading many to seek refuge among Greek Cypriots, only to realize that they were confined to a mere three percent of the island.
The video concludes with a poignant account from Zahide Tekant, described as an eyewitness to the events. Tekant recounted the harrowing experiences of Turkish Cypriots during the conflict, stating, "The Greek Cypriots attacked us too, they forced us to leave our homes." She described fleeing under fire, with some individuals being killed during their escape, and lamented the loss of their homes to Greek Cypriot forces.
This release from Turkey's Defence Ministry comes at a time of heightened sensitivity regarding the historical narratives surrounding the Cyprus conflict. The anniversary of the coup and the subsequent invasion remains a contentious topic, with both sides holding differing perspectives on the events that transpired.
The video serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the conflict and the deep-seated grievances that continue to shape relations between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities. As the island approaches another anniversary of its tumultuous history, the call for remembrance and recognition of past atrocities remains a significant aspect of the ongoing dialogue surrounding Cyprus.