During Christmas, the Turkish occupied village Karpasha, with its rich history, becomes a reference point of Cyprus’ tradition and cultural heritage, head of Humanitarian Affairs, Missing People and Enclaved Anna Aristotelous said on Saturday.
Aristotelous was addressing a Christmas event hosted at the Turkish occupied village in Kyrenia district.
Every visit to our homeland, every meeting with the enclaved, the people who have returned to the area “is a reminder of your courage, your love for our land and your devotion to our traditions,” she noted, adding that it is also “an opportunity to express to you our deep appreciation and gratitude for your struggles, your perseverance, your faith and contribution to our country.”
She further assured them that they are always the focus of actions and policies promoted by President Nikos Christodoulides.
The Christmas season reminds of the values of love, solidarity and hope. These are days which bring the people of your community closer, revive local customs and bring the village and our history to life, Aristotelous said, adding that “with its rich history, Karpasha becomes a point of reference of tradition and our cultural heritage.”
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
Turkey forcibly expelled about 180,000 Greek Cypriots from their homes.
Another 20,000 Greek Cypriots who initially remained in the occupied areas were eventually forced to abandon their homes and seek refuge in the safety of government-controlled areas. Today, only a small number of enclaved Greek Cypriots remain in the occupied areas.