Entangled Memories and Divided Belongings: Politicization of Memory and Othering in Post-Conflict Northern Cyprus

This project explores how different groups within the Turkish-speaking Cypriot community in Northern Cyprus remember the island’s history of conflict and how those memories shape their relationships and the future of the unresolved conflict. It focuses on two groups: native Turkish Cypriots born and raised on the island and naturalized citizens of the de facto state TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) of mainland origin. Although these groups now live together, their memories and experiences often differ, creating misunderstandings, tensions, ontological insecurities, and a sense of “us” versus “them.” Through in-depth interviews, this research listens to how people talk about the past ethnic conflict, their sense of belonging, and their aspirations for the island’s future regarding reconciliation. Rather than focusing only on formal negotiations, this project examines intra-communal tensions and how everyday people experience and talk about conflict, identity, belonging, and life in a state not officially recognized internationally. The project aligns with the expertise of both the home and host supervisors and provides a unique opportunity to establish enduring collaboration between McMaster University and Eastern Mediterranean University. It will lay the groundwork for future co-authored publications, joint conference panels, and a digital archive on intergenerational memory narratives in Cyprus.

Faculty Supervisor:

Alina Sajed

Student:

Partner:

Eastern Mediterranean University

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Public Service, Policy, and Governance; Social Innovation; Other

University:

McMaster University

Program: