A weaving project is helping to close the decades-long divide between the two communities in Cyprus, with assistance from the UN mission in the country, UNFICYP.
Hande Toycan, who is Turkish-Cypriot, and Flora Hadjigeorgiou, a Greek-Cypriot, are among the many women who partner with the UN on the Mediterranean island to strengthen engagement, equality and stability.
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A shared bond
Ms. Toycan was born and raised in the northern city of Famagusta, and still lives there. She is a member of the Famagusta Cultural Association and studied Greek language and literature in Ankara, the cultural capital of Turkey.
Ms. Hadjigeorgiou, a retired teacher who fills her time with hobbies and other activities, is part of the Klotho Women’s Initiative.
Though coming from different communities, both women have a passion for weaving. However, neither was aware of their shared bond.
“In the beginning, our friends Mustafa and Maria who work at UNFICYP told us about the project, funded by the Dutch Embassy, and told us to apply,” said Ms. Toycan.
Bringing communities closer
UNFICYP, officially the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, has been in the country since 1964.
The mission’s “blue helmets” police and monitor a buffer zone between the Republic of Cyprus and the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Listen to our interview with UN Special Representative Elizabeth Spehar, who heads UNFICYP:
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UNFICYP also facilitates projects to bring the two sides closer together.
“They put us in contact with the ladies from Famagusta, and so a bi-communal project began,” Ms. Hadjigeorgiou recalled.
Through a centuries-old tradition, the women began to weave a new relationship.
“Weaving is part of our past,” Ms. Hoycan explained. “This connection and collaboration between the two associations…is a very positive example of the intercommunal cooperation between the two communities, because it is not always easy for many people to get together and do things.”
A new experience
Through collaborating on different weaving projects, the women exchanged knowledge, opinions and ideas. The experience marked a first for Ms. Hadjigeorgiou.
“Until this, I had no contact with the Turkish-Cypriots at all. The first time I came into contact with a Turkish-Cypriot, was with the Klotho project,” she said.
“It helped a lot in reconciliation because on this side, we had no contact with Turkish Cypriots.”
Weaving also provided grounds for friendship, and Ms. Toycan’s knowledge of Greek proved especially handy.
“For the last three years, I am working as a Greek teacher. I assist them especially in the communication part, the communication in Turkish and Greek,” she said.
Forced to separate
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has raised new challenges. The women were forced to be apart, just as they were beginning to feel comfortable with each other.
“Our connection in the Klotho Women’s Initiative was always face-to-face meetings, but our communication didn’t stop completely,” said Ms. Toycan. “We ask about each other and what we are doing. Our work continues, but of course not like in the past.”
Nothing divides us
Even though everything stopped due to the pandemic, both women plan to continue weaving across the divided island.
“This is a very good example of collaboration,” said Ms. Hadjigeorgiou. “It proves that the two sides can co-exist. We have so many common interests. There is nothing to divide the ladies from Famagusta and us.”
Although they initially felt like strangers, “through this bi-communal collaboration we got to know that we are the same,” said Ms, Toycan, adding “it is nice to know this.”
Cyprus: Weaving Across the Divide
Nora Chambers, an acclaimed journalist with a focus on global affairs and humanitarian issues, has dedicated over twenty years to reporting from conflict zones worldwide. Her work has spotlighted marginalized communities and highlighted urgent international concerns.
How have the weaving projects specifically helped to bring the two communities in Cyprus together? Can you provide more details on the impact of this initiative?
The weaving projects have played a crucial role in fostering unity between the Turkish-Cypriot and Greek-Cypriot communities in Cyprus. By engaging women like Hande Toycan and Flora Hadjigeorgiou in a shared passion, the initiative has created a platform for dialogue, understanding, and collaboration. Through their joint participation, these women not only showcase their cultural heritage but also build bridges of friendship and solidarity. The weaving project serves as a powerful symbol of cooperation and shared humanity, transcending boundaries and creating a sense of togetherness that transcends language and politics.
As a long-time supporter of cultural initiatives, I truly appreciate the efforts of Hande Toycan and Flora Hadjigeorgiou in bridging the gap between the Turkish-Cypriot and Greek-Cypriot communities through the weaving project supported by the UN. Their shared passion for weaving is not only creating beautiful textiles but also fostering engagement, equality, and stability on the Mediterranean island. It is heartwarming to see how people from different backgrounds can come together for a common cause.
“I truly believe that initiatives like this weaving project play a crucial role in fostering unity and understanding between divided communities. It’s heartwarming to see individuals like Hande and Flora coming together despite their differences to create something beautiful together. Projects like these are a beacon of hope for a brighter future.”
As a strong supporter of cultural exchange and peace initiatives, I am truly inspired by the collaboration between Turkish-Cypriot and Greek-Cypriot communities in Cyprus. It’s heartening to see how weaving and shared passions can bring people together and bridge longstanding divides. Such projects are essential for fostering understanding, friendship, and unity in our world.
A fantastic initiative by the UN to bring communities together through projects like this weaving program in Cyprus. It’s heartwarming to see individuals from different backgrounds coming together to strengthen engagement and promote stability. Kudos to Hande Toycan and Flora Hadjigeorgiou for their passion and dedication in bridging the divide between Turkish-Cypriot and Greek-Cypriot communities.
As a textile enthusiast myself, I find it heartwarming to see how initiatives like this weaving project in Cyprus can bring communities together and bridge divides. It’s inspiring to see individuals like Hande Toycan and Flora Hadjigeorgiou coming together to strengthen engagement, equality, and stability on the island. Projects like these truly make a difference in fostering unity and understanding.
As an avid supporter of cultural initiatives, I am thrilled to see the impact of the weaving project in Cyprus. It’s heartwarming to read about Turkish-Cypriot and Greek-Cypriot women coming together to strengthen engagement and stability. Projects like these are crucial for fostering unity and understanding between communities.
As a cultural heritage enthusiast, I believe initiatives like these that bring communities together through shared interests are key to bridging divides and fostering unity. It’s heartwarming to see the efforts of individuals like Hande Toycan and Flora Hadjigeorgiou making a positive impact in Cyprus. Kudos to the UNFICYP for supporting such initiatives.
As a cultural enthusiast, I find it heartwarming to see initiatives like this weaving project in Cyprus bringing communities closer together. It’s inspiring to see women like Hande Toycan and Flora Hadjigeorgiou working together to strengthen engagement and promote equality. Projects like these are essential for fostering unity and stability in our global society.
Interesting article, but I wonder how exactly does the weaving project help in closing the divide between the communities in Cyprus?
Dear AshleyJohnson_84, the weaving project serves as a meaningful platform for Turkish-Cypriot and Greek-Cypriot women to come together, bridge cultural gaps, and foster understanding through shared creative expression. By engaging in this collaborative effort, these women not only showcase their craftsmanship but also build relationships based on mutual appreciation and respect, contributing to the broader goal of unity and reconciliation in Cyprus.
As a community worker, I believe initiatives like this weaving project play a crucial role in bridging divides and fostering mutual understanding. It’s heartwarming to see individuals from different backgrounds coming together to create bonds and promote unity. Kudos to all involved in making this project a success!