Crossing divides in Cyprus

People Fixing the World

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, but a community centre is bringing Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots together in the buffer zone between the two sides.

Cyprus has been a divided island since 1974, with Turkish Cypriots living in the north and Greek Cypriots in the south. The two communities have been able to cross the island at police checkpoints since 2003, but memories of past conflict have held many back.

However, one unique community centre is bringing people together right in the buffer zone that divides the two sides. Staffed by both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, the Home for Co-operation encourages people to meet and form friendships through shared interests, from djembe drumming to salsa classes. It hosts projects and groups trying to stop old prejudices taking root in the younger generation. It also provides a base for businesses and social enterprises, all seeking to melt decades of distrust.

But how big a difference can one centre make on an island of one million people, in the face of political problems and personal trauma?

Presenter: Nick Holland Produced: Claire Bates

(Photo Caption: Lefki Lambrou and Hayriye Rüzgar / Photo Credit: BBC)