Zehra's Story


Q. Would you please tell us about any good experiences that you lived after 1974?
My husband was a commander in the army and he was with his soldiers. There was nobody in the home except my little kid who was 2 years old. It was 1976. The time was nine or ten o'clock.

Our home was close to the border and suddenly, I heard some gun shots. Of course, I got scared. Then, I phoned my husband and asked the reason for these gun shots. He said that they were just practicing with the guns. This answer made me relaxed. I also felt myself happy, because whenever we had heard some gun shots, its meaning had been killing someone. But, now, its a symbol of our presence and safety. Because, I knew that our soldiers became more powerful and they can resist any aggressive behaviors.

Q. If you compare with the period of 1963 to 1974, what can you say about your life? Are you happy in the TRNC now?
Absolutely. I can't express my feeling with words. We were in a big struggle to save our lives. Those 11 years were very bad and we gained our independence. Now, when I close my eyes at nights, I don't think about the future. I mean, I am not afraid of my future. Because I am safe and I am independent. Plus, I don't have any thoughts that someone will kill me. In short, although the TRNC has many serious problems, I am happy to be here.

Q. Thanks for your answers.


DEMOGRAPHICS:
Occupation (or life's work): Housewife.
Age: 43.
Sex: Female.
Nationality: Turkish Cypriot.
Where now lives (country and city/town/village): Lefkosa.
Where lived during the events described during the interview: Evdim village (a village in Limassol).
What was the occupation (or life's work) of the main income earner in the household when growing up: Her father was a commander and grew grapes
Education: Graduated from secondary school.

This interview was conducted by Firat.
May 1996
For the previous page. "After 1974: The TRNC"