Sevgi's Story


Before 1974 we were living in Limassol. In our village both Turks and Greeks were living there. From our surroundings and also by the help of our radios and newspapers we learned that the Greeks, especially EOKA supporters, had started to kill Turkish Cypriot people. For a long time we continued to live with our Greek neighbours. We were always ready to help each other. After 1963 the violence of the Greek people in our village came to light. They also started to fight against Turks in our village, too. One day we woke up to the sound of gunfire. When we went outside to see what was going on we saw that one of our Greek neighbors broke in to our house and he killed my brother for no reason.

After this event, the tension was increased. But, in spite of these events the Turks continued to help them. On one day, the pregnant wife of the man who killed my brother went into labour and needed help. But in those days we didn't have a chance to take her to the hospital, because confusion was everywhere. There was only one person who was able to help her; that person was the mother of the man who was killed by the husband of the pregnant woman.

But, in spite of all events, the midwife helped the birth of the child of the Greek family. Because, first of all this was the obligation of my mother's job, and also we never wanted any evil for anybody.

The happiest part of this event for me was when I learned that they gave my brother's name to their child.


DEMOGRAPHICS
Occupation (or life's work): Housewife.
Age: About 60.
Sex: Female.
Nationality: Turkish Cypriot.
Where now lives (country and city/town/village): Balikesir village near Ercan airport.
Where lived during the events described during the interview: Balikesir village.
What was the occupation (or life's work) of the main income earner in the household when growing up: Father was a farmer; husband was a soldier.

This interview was conducted by Sibel
1 June 1996
For the previous page. "1963-1974: `Ethnic Cleansing.'"