Cypriot identity as an alternative: grassroots perspectives on Cypriotness and nationalism

Abstract

This article examines how Greek Cypriots involved in grassroots pro-peace, left-wing, and anti-authoritarian political initiatives perceive Cypriot identity. Drawing on qualitative surveys conducted between September 2020 and December 2021, thematic analysis was utilised to explore participants’ responses around Cypriot identity. Findings reveal a rejection among participants of Greek and Turkish national identities in favour of a claimed pluralistic Cypriot identity that emphasizes inclusivity and cultural heterogeneity. This Cypriot identity is framed as counter-hegemonic, challenging dominant nationalist narratives, yet remains ambiguously defined, often articulated in terms of what it excludes rather than what it affirms. While most participants viewed Cypriot identity as a potential pathway to intercommunal reconciliation, some participants also raised concerns regarding the possibility of oversimplifying deeper complexities.