La commémoration de l’histoire conflictuelle à l’aune de la Question Chypriote : réflexion sur les acteurs et les échelles des dispositifs commémoratifs

Abstract

This article by a young researcher aims to analyse different phenomena of commemoration in Cyprus. Taking this divided country and society, we wish to highlight the specificity of commemorative territories and artefacts, such as memorials and museums in the public space and commemorative processes in and around schools. It will also be necessary to analyse the discourses and ideologies associated with these commemorations. They have effects on the actors involved in these commemorations, ranging from a logic that stirs up hatred and mistrust, to an irenic and reunifying instrumentalization. Finally, a reflection on the globalization of memories will complete the last part of our reflection. Virtual territories take a tangible part in the transmission and commemoration of conflicting history. They also go beyond island borders to spread regionally and globally with the Cypriot diaspora and communities feeling in solidarity in these specific commemorations. They are linked to a financial and touristic logic, which rises new commemorative aims and visions that will be discussed here. The commemoration of the conflicting history in Cyprus seems complexified, trapped by the status quo regarding the Cyprus problem which is still relevant today. There are, however, emerging models of commemoration that will be emphasized here.

Keywords

• commemoration
• celebration
• memory
• identity
• Cyprus problem
• remembering