The political landscape of partition: The case of Cyprus

This paper presents concepts and empirical facts concerning the partition of Cyprus. The theoretical concepts used are theories on partition and division of states, and theories on the political landscape. The paper starts with a short history which depicts the Cypriots' failure to develop a raison d'être for their state. Separate development of Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities led to the establishment of a consociational state which increased the rifts between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. During a short conflict in 1958-9 and a longer civil war between 1952 and 1954, Turkish and Greek Cypriots first established separate territorial and safe havens for themselves. This territorial consolidation was completed with the Turkish invasion and occupation of northern Cyprus in 1974. The occupation was followed by the expulsion of the Greek Cypriot population from northern Cyprus and the founding of the semi-state Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognized by Turkey only. The political landscape of the two territorial entities of Cyprus is considered through an analysis of the new border, population distribution and settlement, public landscape and infrastructure, the political landscape of monuments, landmarks and symbols, and the partitioned economy.