I am not one to engage in discussion about politics or religion; I think some subjects are best avoided and I also do not feel educated enough on either matter to be able to debate them intelligently. But as much as I would like to keep out of what is going on around the world – out of a need to not go insane, rather than a desire for the bliss of ignorance – every now and then an event forces the issues to my attention. One such event was the Paris atrocities, and it is incredibly sad what some people will do in the name of religion and/or politics.
Every time I hear these horror stories of pain inflicted in the name of God or geographical 'birthrights', it makes me appreciate our island for its tolerance. And upon hearing me use the word 'tolerance' in relation to Cyprus, no doubt many will baulk, but allow me to explain!
As an island, we have really drawn the short straw when it comes to how our political history has shaped us. We live the reality every day through the ongoing division, the unanswered questions on the fate of fathers and sons, and the theft of rightful property. And naturally, being that Greek Cypriots are Christian and Turkish Cypriots are Muslims, the element of religion is also intertwined in this fate. When it comes to religion, we have also seen an incredible change to our demographic from an Orthodox island with a minority of Muslims and Armenians to welcoming almost any religion imaginable. Aside from churches of all Christian denominations, we have synagogues, temples and mosques. So yes, generally, it is fair to say that we show tolerance.
Of course there is racism. What country in the world doesn't have its share of narrow-minded, ignorant bigots? And there is a disgusting attitude towards hired help from certain parts of the world, as though they were born to serve us - and this is not limited to Cypriots. But, and this is a big but, that is where it ends. We do not have organised terrorist groups targeting those who do not follow their ideologies and terrorising us. We do not have bombings and attacks and we do not have riots and picketing against any social or religious group.
Why is this such a big deal? After all, many democratic countries do not stoop to these levels. But it is indeed a big deal and the reason is twofold. Firstly, the Orthodox church is a major player and influencer on the island, yet it accepts and tolerates other religions – and 'mixed' marriages. Secondly, with such a deep division and all the ingrained hatred it brings on both sides – even to the point that it is 'taught' in schools - you would not be surprised to see fanatical groups from both sides perpetrating crimes against the other. And yet you do not. Cyprus could easily be another Israeli/Palestinian conflict. And yet – thankfully – it is not.
One of the first questions people ask when booking a holiday to Cyprus is whether the island is safe or if they will find conflict. It is understandable for those who are not familiar with Cyprus to assume that with constant peace talks and an ongoing division, the island is dangerous, and that with a powerful and strict church, that it is inflexible.
But it is neither; people just get on with their lives and for the most part, let others do the same. And that is why I am grateful for the tolerance the people of my island (generally!) show.
