North ‘education ministry’ upset over children’s drawings of invasion

The north’s ‘education ministry’ on Tuesday reacted with “deep sorrow and concern” over images drawn by children depicting Turkey’s invasion of the island in 1974.

The images appeared on social media last week and appear to have been drawn by children from at least one primary school in the Republic after ministry instructions handed down to schools for various cultural and educational actions to take place within schools to commemorate the anniversary.

Many of the images depict violent scenes, including bombs, guns, knives, burning buildings, and the island of Cyprus half soaked in blood.

“It is obvious from the pictures in question, in which the racist, fascist and far-from-peace understanding created in the minds of young children is clearly displayed, that the mentality we are facing is clear,” the north’s ‘education ministry’ told newspaper Kibris.

“Contrary to the faces they put on for the eyes of the international community, the attitudes they display on occasions such as this are a clear depiction of their real attitude,” they added.

They added that “distorting history has never brought peace and prosperity”.

“While the attacks, massacres, and losses which happened and the martyrs who were created between 1963 and 1974 are obvious, while it is obvious who planned and carried out the July 15 coup d’état, and while peace came to both sides thanks to the July 20 peace operation, and while there has been peace between the two sides for 50 years, it is simply terrible that this incident should occur,” they said.

They added, “it is also clear evidence of how important it is to remember our past.”

They pointed out that a “moderate approach” to teaching Cyprus’ history on both sides of the island had been agreed upon in the past, but said, “it is clearly seen from these images that the Greek Cypriot side did not comply with this.”

“Although it is clear that such an approach will not provide any gain, insisting on it is also a situation which is thought-provoking and requires precautions. Although we have many activities in our country regarding the same historical events, products which are so suspicious and make the public nervous have never emerged,” they said.

They said this is the case “because our people always show the nobility of putting peace before war”.

They went on to say that “history should be read as it was written” and added that they “will continue to follow in the footsteps of our martyrs and veterans who wrote our history.

“Such provocations reveal our righteousness in this direction and only strengthen our determination.”