2024 is a significant anniversary for the people of Cyprus, as it marks 50 years since the conflict that saw the island divided between Turkish Cypriots in the north and Greek Cypriots in the south. In a context of lingering animosity, SAT-7’s Nicole Thoma decided to learn Turkish – which turned out to be a radical act of Christlike love.
Nicole, a Greek Cypriot, is the Development and Communications Coordinator for SAT-7 TÜRK and works at SAT-7’s International Office in Cyprus. It was her Christian faith that motivated her to learn the Turkish language. She explains: “When I decided fifteen years ago to learn Turkish, it was not for practical reasons, to gain a new skill set, or to become a translator or interpreter. It was a spiritual decision.”
Like Paul on his missionary journeys, who, whether speaking to fellow Jews or to Gentiles, was keen to remove all unnecessary barriers to preaching the Gospel, Nicole wanted to “become all things to all people” (1 Corinthians 9:19:22). In her case, this meant learning the language of those whom many Greek Cypriots consider “the enemy”.
A DIVIDED HISTORY
Cyprus, with its strategic location in the eastern Mediterranean, has long been influenced by both Greek and Turkish cultures. After fall of the Ottoman Empire and the British colonisation of the island, the aspiration of Cyprus’ unification with Greece flourished among Greek Cypriots. This led to an uprising against British colonial rule, and Cyprus gained its independence in 1960. But in the years that followed, intercommunal violence between Greek and Turkish Cypriots prompted a Turkish military intervention in 1974 to take possession of the northern part of the island, and a de facto partition was put in place. Cyprus has been divided ever since.
Despite this complex history, Nicole realised that being part of the body of Christ means rising above such distinctions. Learning the Turkish language was a big part of this. She says, “It was to claim a new identity and to be able to be everything to all who live on this island, whether they are Greek Cypriots or Turkish Cypriots.”
When others heard that Nicole was learning to speak Turkish, she faced surprise and even hostility. As Greek and Turkish Cypriots had little to do with one another at the time, some asked, “How will Turkish help you in Cyprus?” Others accused her of “learning the language of our enemy.” But it was precisely because of these attitudes that Nicole felt it so important to press on.
Learning Turkish changed me – it forced me to claim a new identity. As a Greek Cypriot, it opened my mind and unlocked doors in my soul to accept all people.” Nicole Thoma
A NEW IDENTITY
“Today, I can say to those who asked me these questions that learning Turkish changed me – it forced me to claim a new identity,” Nicole says. “As a Greek Cypriot, it opened my mind and unlocked doors in my soul to accept all people, no matter their language or culture – whether they are Turks, Arabs, Iranians, or Cypriots.”
Like Nicole, SAT-7 strives to overcome barriers of nationality, culture and language, both in our programmes and behind the scenes. SAT-7’s International Office in Cyprus in Nicosia is mostly staffed by Greek Cypriots, but they work side by side with Turkish believers to bring the Good News to Türkiye and the rest of the MENA region. One new peacebuilding venture is a feature-length film produced by SAT-7 TÜRK, Yakamoz, which explores another painful episode in Greek-Turkish history – the population exchange between the two countries in 1924. The film tells the emotive story of two families caught up in the exchange – one Greek, one Turkish – and brings to light the truth that, by the grace of God, they can live peacefully side by side.
Watch the trailer for new SAT-7 TÜRK film Yakamoz
A WITNESS OF UNITY
Across all of SAT-7’s channels, Arabic, Turkish and Iranian believers are working together in service of the Gospel, transcending historical differences. This serves as a powerful witness to viewers across the MENA, as our programmes demonstrate how Christians are “all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 2:28).
It’s this example of unity that Nicole hopes can extend to all of Cyprus. “We all share common things that unite us, especially with our neighbours, but we transform them to divide us,” Nicole reflects. “Let’s stop claiming identities that divide us and try to claim identities that unite us as one family.” She quotes a Turkish proverb: “Bir dil bir insan iki dil iki insan”, which translates to, “One language, one person, two languages, two people.” In other words, a person who has learned another language can put themselves in the shoes of a person from a different background.
Nicole and SAT-7 hope to demonstrate to viewers in the MENA a love that transcends languages. Above all, we want to introduce them to Jesus, who defied ethnic and national boundaries and extended the invitation to all nations to become a part of His kingdom.
PRAY
- That Nicole and SAT-7’s example of working side by side with those of different backgrounds will inspire others in the MENA.
- For the improvement of relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots and for an appreciation of all that unites them.
- For everyone working behind the scenes at SAT-7 TÜRK to make God’s love known to the people of Türkiye, and for a strong reception to the new film Yakamoz.