Cyprus, The Land of My Father and Mother

Submitted by Lucy Scoulas (United States), Aug 8, 2010 at 11:36

On July 20, 1974, my parents who were born in Northern Cyprus, were living in the United States. My mother and my father had land in the now occupied area of Cyprus. As a young woman, I remember when the invasion happened just as I remember so clearly the events of September 11, 2001. My Cyprus family who I had not met was suffering from an invasion by the Turkish government on a day that was considered a feast day for Prophet Elias. The island was caught off guard never expecting an invasion on that day. Greed and Hatred had a feast that day instead.

I remember receiving a letter from my Aunt Loukia explaining how she and her husband were in their basement surviving there and hearing bombs all around. Her husband was very sick and so my Aunt Loukia was caring for him the best way that she could. I remember praying for this situation. I felt so helpless in those days, but now the time has come to stand up and let it be known about the cruelty the people of Cyprus suffered. Even the Turkish Cypriots were treated badly. My mother always spoke of her Turkish Cypriot girlfriend in a kind way. So many people have suffered unjustly throughout the centuries all over the world. Some day all suffering will be put to an end, but until then we must each one speak for the truth. My mother, too, just as Nikki Chakas Causer's mother, spoke of a day when the land would be returned. My mother and Nikki's mother were sisters, God rest their souls. They loved their Cyprus Homeland. Justice will prevail, if not today, then One Day!

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