Cyprus - The Great Divide?

[nortada]

Sure this must have been covered before but times change & at ground level there appears to be a softening of attitudes.

Currently in Northern Cyprus & loving it so thinking of bringing the boat here but recognise that marina resources in the North are sparse. Know in the recent past it wasn't possible to sail between North & South (believe there was a fair chance of the boat being confiscated & the skipper imprisoned) but has this all changed?

Additionally, we are always hearing of the problems with the authorities in Greek & Turkish Waters so what is the situation in Cyprus?

 

[rivonia]

Hi,
Basically nothing has changed still cannot go from the North to the South by boat. Border crossing by foot or vehicle is easy and encouraged.

Good luck

Peter

 

[Glyka]

The situation is:
Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 (not an EU state at the time) creating 4.000 dead, 1.600 missing(!) persons (Turkey later admitted that they were lynched) and about 200.000 refugees who lost their land, home and belongings. Since then it occupies the Northern part using several thousand of its troupes calling the occupied territory TRNC, a state recognized only by Turkey. I 'm sure that if you were a Cypriot you wouldn't welcome someone who feeds and implicitly recognizes this occupation.
The last sentence are my thoughts and I a have to admit that I don't know what actually happens.

 

[srm]

The situation is:
Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 (not an EU state at the time) creating 4.000 dead, 1.600 missing(!) persons (Turkey later admitted that they were lynched) and about 200.000 refugees who lost their land, home and belongings. Since then it occupies the Northern part using several thousand of its troupes calling the occupied territory TRNC, a state recognized only by Turkey. I 'm sure that if you were a Cypriot you wouldn't welcome someone who feeds and implicitly recognizes this occupation.
The last sentence are my thoughts and I a have to admit that I don't know what actually happens.

A very one sided view that chooses to totally ignores the atrocitities commited against the Turkish Cypriot minority when Makarios moved in with a dream of restoring the greater Helenic empire. Given his carefully planned methods its hardly surprising what followed.

 

[Glyka]

A very one sided view that chooses to totally ignores the atrocitities commited against the Turkish Cypriot minority when Makarios moved in with a dream of restoring the greater Helenic empire. Given his carefully planned methods its hardly surprising what followed.

We can go back to the British occupation if you want but I understand that this is not a thread about Cyprus history, it's about Cypriots' feelings towards tourists coming from the North and why/if they are justified.

 

[akyaka]

A very one sided view that chooses to totally ignores the atrocitities commited against the Turkish Cypriot minority when Makarios moved in with a dream of restoring the greater Helenic empire. Given his carefully planned methods its hardly surprising what followed.

+1 It also ignores the fact that in 2004 in a referendum as a precursor to joining the EU in a UN brokered referendum the Turkish Cypriots voted overwhelmingly to end partition but the Greek Cypriots voted overwhelmingly against ; not surprising when the Greek Orthodox priests threatened hell and damnation on anyone who voted yes.

 

[nortada]

The situation is:
Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 (not an EU state at the time) creating 4.000 dead, 1.600 missing(!) persons (Turkey later admitted that they were lynched) and about 200.000 refugees who lost their land, home and belongings. Since then it occupies the Northern part using several thousand of its troupes calling the occupied territory TRNC, a state recognized only by Turkey. I 'm sure that if you were a Cypriot you wouldn't welcome someone who feeds and implicitly recognizes this occupation.

The last sentence are my thoughts and I a have to admit that I don't know what actually happens.

Glynka, sorry think you are missing something as the OP I am just seeking advice on the current situation as it effects visiting yatchs.

Had I wished to debate the islands recent history & politics I would have started this thread in the Lounge.

Glyka I note your last comment, you don't know what actually happens?

For the record, I have visited Cyprus (both north & south) regularly since 1967 & was in Girne (Kyrenia) on the night the Eaoka B coup kicked off so have some idea of what rally happened! Subsequently, I have continued to visit both north & south & of late, I have sensed a softening of attitudes. Hence my OP.

Given the continuing financial problems in the south & the clearly burgoining development in the north, I believe that the time has come for the world to reflect reality & recognise the TRNC for what it is, an established democratic country with self-determination. Moreover, I would invite the newly recognised TRNC to join the EU independent of Turkey. Then under Schegan the green line would be no more so both countries could move forward together.

I do recognise that any reconceillation will be a very long process & Cyprus will probably never come together as a single community but even before 1974 they never were!

Oh dear I have fallen into my own trap & discussed politics on a boatie forum. Sorry. If we wish to continue this political debate possibly we should open it in the forum. For what it is worth I see certain parallels between the current situation in The Crimea/Ukraine & Cyprus but, as yet, without the bloodshed - that God.

On reflection, because of the parallel I mention & to free up this thread for boatie, rather than political comment, I will start a related thread in The Lounge.

 

[nortada]

Hi,
Basically nothing has changed still cannot go from the North to the South by boat. Border crossing by foot or vehicle is easy and encouraged.

Good luck

Peter

Thank you Peter feared as much. Is it OK to transit Turkey to Southern Cyprus?

With the Turkish mainland only 40 miles from the TRNC this could present a possible solution or would this be pushing ones luck?

With all we hear about Turkey not sure we want to go there!

Would be nice to get observations from any yachts currently based in the North.

 

[rivonia]

Thank you Peter feared as much. Is it OK to transit Turkey to Southern Cyprus?

With the Turkish mainland only 40 miles from the TRNC this could present a possible solution or would this be pushing ones luck?

With all we hear about Turkey not sure we want to go there!

Would be nice to get observations from any yachts currently based in the North.

YES that is the way to do it. You check out of the TRNC sail across to turkey check in and check out then sail direct to the South side of Cyprus. You can check in at Latch,Paphos,Larnaca or Limasol. Latchi is/would be the nearest. If you do not fancy going to Turkey. Sail to Kastelarizo (small greek island) and then go to Cyprus.

Good luck

Peter

 

[nortada]

Thanks for all the responses; especially those PMs, with excellent advice.

Understand that currently sailing North to South is still a no-no but other way OK.

It is possible to sail TRNC to Turkish mainland & then back to South but good radar cover means this practise could be identified with ensuing difficulties when arriving in the South. This raises a question who patrols the seas between the TRNC & Turkish mainland?

As the South lay claim to all waters around Cyprus have there been any incidents of Southern Cyprus patrol vessels stopping shipping in the TRNC area of interest.

Interestingly, there appears increasing recognition in a number of areas that there can be no return to the past & the way ahead is for the international community to recognise the reality of the TRNC & for the TRNC to be admitted to the EU. This could result in a federalised Cyprus & a general benefit to all in Cyprus. Roll on that day.

 

[affinite]

Sorry to dig up an old thread but can anyone confirm that the information wrt sailing from TRNC to Rep of Cyprus still valid ?
(I heard that relations between N&S are thawing slowly)

We are sailing to TRNC (Karpaz Gate and then Famagusta) next month after which I need to park the boat for a few weeks.
I could book at berth at Karpaz Gate but Id like to go to Rep of Cyprus and I may have a berth available to me at Larnaca.
The obvious question (as discussed in the thread) is is it still not possible to sail directly from N to S Cyprus
Thanks

 

[rivonia]

Sorry to dig up an old thread but can anyone confirm that the information wrt sailing from TRNC to Rep of Cyprus still valid ?
(I heard that relations between N&S are thawing slowly)

We are sailing to TRNC (Karpaz Gate and then Famagusta) next month after which I need to park the boat for a few weeks.
I could book at berth at Karpaz Gate but Id like to go to Rep of Cyprus and I may have a berth available to me at Larnaca.
The obvious question (as discussed in the thread) is is it still not possible to sail directly from N to S Cyprus
Thanks

No vessel may enter the Republic of Cyprus (South) from the TRNC. You still have to go to another country first. The nearest being Turkey.

Peter