Chypre : l'île de la division | Le dessous des cartes | ARTE

Le Dessous des Cartes - ARTE

6 Jan 202411:57

Summary

TLDRThe script explores the divided island of Cyprus, a unique capital city, Nicosia, split by a wall separating the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. It delves into the island's history of conquests, British colonial rule, and the ongoing conflict between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The economic divide is highlighted, with the Republic of Cyprus benefiting from tourism and maritime transport, while the North faces international embargo and economic struggles. The script also discusses the island's strategic location and the recent discovery of significant hydrocarbon reserves, which have led to tensions over maritime zones and drilling rights, involving Turkey, Greece, and other regional players. The situation is further complicated by political interests and the search for energy resources amid economic crises.

Takeaways

🏰 Cyprus is a divided island with a unique capital, Nicosia, split by a wall into two parts: the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
🌍 Geographically, Cyprus is located in the Levantine Basin, east of the Mediterranean, with Turkey to the north and other neighboring countries including Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, and Libya.
🏺 The name 'Kupros', from which 'copper' is derived, reflects Cyprus's historical prosperity due to its copper deposits.
🏞 Cyprus has two mountain ranges stretching from east to west, the Troodos Massif in the south and the Kyrenia Range in the north, with the Mesoría Plain in the center.
💧 Water scarcity is a significant issue in Cyprus, with 70% of drinking water supplied by desalination plants, and droughts exacerbating the pressure on water resources.
👥 The population of Cyprus is nearly 1.3 million, divided between the Greek Cypriots in the south and the Turkish Cypriots in the north, with distinct religious affiliations.
📚 Historically, Cyprus has been a crossroads of conquests, from Byzantine and Venetian rule to Ottoman control, and later British colonial rule until its independence in 1960.
🛑 The island experienced a civil war and subsequent Turkish military intervention in 1974, leading to the current division and the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983.
🏦 Cyprus's economy is heavily reliant on tourism and maritime transport, with Greece as its primary trade partner, while the Turkish part of the island faces economic challenges due to international embargos and reliance on Turkey.
🌟 The discovery of significant hydrocarbon resources in the Levantine Basin has added a new dimension to regional tensions, with overlapping claims to Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) by Cyprus, Turkey, Greece, and others.
🛑 The Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum was established in 2020 to transform the region into an energy hub, amidst ongoing disputes over maritime boundaries and drilling rights.

Q & A

What makes Nicosia unique among capitals?
-Nicosia is unique because it is divided by a wall into two parts, with the Republic of Cyprus on one side and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on the other.
How is Cyprus geographically situated?
-Cyprus is located in the Levantine Basin, east of the Mediterranean Sea, with Turkey to the north, Syria and Lebanon to the east, Egypt and Libya to the south, and Greece to the west.
What is the significance of the name 'Kupros'?
-The name 'Kupros' is the origin of the word 'copper', referring to the copper deposits that contributed to the island's prosperity.
What are the main geographical features of Cyprus?
-Cyprus has two mountain ranges stretching from east to west: the Troodos Massif in the south and the Kyrenia Range in the north, with the Mesoraea Plain in the center.
Why does Cyprus rely heavily on desalination for its water supply?
-Cyprus relies on desalination for 70% of its drinking water supply due to the Troodos Massif's insufficient water resources and frequent droughts.
How is the population of Cyprus divided?
-The population of Cyprus is almost 1.3 million, with 95% Greek Cypriots in the south and 98% of Turkish origin in the north.
What historical events led to the division of Cyprus?
-The division of Cyprus is rooted in its history as a crossroads between Africa, Asia, and Europe, with periods of Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman rule, followed by British colonialism and the rise of the Enosis movement.
What is the political status of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus?
-The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey and was declared in 1983, while the Republic of Cyprus is a UN member and an EU member since 2004.
How has the discovery of hydrocarbon resources in the Levantine Basin affected the region?
-The discovery of hydrocarbon resources has led to the signing of agreements between Cyprus, Israel, Egypt, and Greece, creating two camps and tensions over overlapping Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
What is the significance of the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum?
-The Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum was founded to transform the region into an energy hub and to counter Ankara's actions in the disputed waters.
How does the economic situation in Turkey affect the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus?
-The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is heavily reliant on Turkey for financial support, and the economic crisis in Turkey since 2018 has significantly impacted the northern part of the island, with inflation rates exceeding 46% in 2021.
What is the 'green line' that separates the two parts of Cyprus?
-The 'green line' is a buffer zone ranging from 3 to 7 km wide, extending 180 km across the Mesoraea Plain, under the control of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

Outlines

00:00

🏰 Cyprus: A Divided Island at the Crossroads of Europe and Asia

This paragraph introduces Cyprus as a unique capital city, Nicosia, split in two by a wall. The island is divided between the Republic of Cyprus, recognized by the United Nations and a member of the EU, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey since 1974. Cyprus is described as a divided island at the crossroads of European and Asian worlds, with maritime and gas interests complicating the situation. The geographical location of Cyprus in the Levantine Basin, east of the Mediterranean, is highlighted, with its proximity to Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Libya, and Greece. The island's name, 'Kupros,' is linked to copper, a metal that contributed to its prosperity. The topography, including the Troodos massif and Kyrenia chain, and the central plain of Mesoréa are mentioned. Water scarcity is a significant issue, with 70% of drinking water coming from desalination plants. The population of nearly 1.3 million is divided between Greek Cypriots in the south and Turkish Cypriots in the north, with religious affiliations to Christianity and Islam, respectively. The historical context of Cyprus's position as a crossroads leads to its conquest by various powers, including the Ottomans, and the subsequent British colonial period. The rise of the Enosis movement advocating for union with Greece and the subsequent civil war leading to independence in 1960 is also summarized.

05:01

🌐 Economic and Political Divisions of Cyprus

This paragraph delves into the economic and political divisions of Cyprus. The Republic of Cyprus, being part of the European Union and the Eurozone, has an economy heavily reliant on tourism and maritime transport, with Greece as its primary trade partner. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, under international embargo since 1983, has a struggling economy, heavily reliant on Turkey for financial support, which has been affected by Turkey's economic crisis since 2018. The paragraph also discusses the division of Nicosia, the capital city, which is the only divided capital in the world, with a buffer zone including the abandoned old airport. The economic disparity and the political tensions between the two parts of the island are highlighted, with the north being under the influence of Turkey's President Erdogan and the south being part of the EU. Additionally, the paragraph touches on the discovery of hydrocarbon resources in the Levantine Basin, estimated at around 2.5 trillion cubic meters, and the geopolitical implications of these findings, including the overlapping Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and the signing of agreements between different regional actors.

10:05

🛑 Geopolitical Tensions Over Hydrocarbon Resources in Cyprus

The final paragraph focuses on the escalating geopolitical tensions surrounding the hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly involving Cyprus. It outlines the actions taken by Turkey, such as sending drilling ships into Cyprus's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which Ankara justifies on behalf of Turkish Cypriots' rights and interests. The economic crisis in Turkey and President Erdogan's use of the Cyprus issue to appeal to his nationalist electorate are mentioned. The paragraph also references the formation of the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum by Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Palestinian territories, Jordan, and Egypt, aimed at transforming the region into an energy hub. Incidents of military posturing, such as the deployment of French military assets in response to Turkey's seismic research vessel 'Oruc Reis' in disputed waters, and the EU's imposition of sanctions on Turkey are highlighted. The paragraph concludes with a note on Erdogan's re-election and the Turkish Cypriots' voting against him, reflecting dissatisfaction with his stance on a two-state solution for Cyprus. The paragraph ends with a reference to a book by Alexandre Lapierre that discusses hopes for reconciliation between the two parts of Cyprus.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Cyprus

Cyprus is an island country located in the Eastern Mediterranean, known for its rich history and cultural significance. It is central to the video's theme as it is depicted as a divided island with a complex geopolitical situation. The script mentions Cyprus as being split into two distinct political entities, the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

💡Nicosia

Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus, highlighted in the script as unique due to its division by a wall, symbolizing the broader division of the island. It serves as a focal point in the video, illustrating the physical manifestation of the political and social separation on the island.

💡Republic of Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus is the internationally recognized government of the island, a member of the European Union since 2004. It is a key concept in the video, representing the southern part of the divided Cyprus and its affiliation with European and international entities.

💡Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a self-proclaimed state established since 1974 and recognized only by Turkey. It represents the northern part of the divided Cyprus and is a central element in the video's discussion of the island's political division and international isolation.

💡Buffer Zone

The Buffer Zone, also known as the Green Line, is a demilitarized zone that separates the two parts of Cyprus. The script refers to it as a physical barrier extending 180 km across the island, under the control of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), emphasizing the ongoing conflict and division.

💡Hydrocarbon Resources

Hydrocarbon resources, specifically natural gas, are a significant aspect of the video's narrative. The script discusses the discovery of substantial gas reserves in the Levantine Basin, estimated at around 2.5 trillion cubic meters, which has led to increased regional tensions and geopolitical maneuvering.

💡Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

The concept of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is integral to the video's theme of maritime disputes. Defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, an EEZ is a maritime zone extending 200 nautical miles from a country's coastline, within which it can exploit marine resources. The script mentions overlapping claims and tensions over EEZs in the Eastern Mediterranean.

💡Erdogan

Erdogan refers to the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is a key figure in the video's discussion of Turkey's role in the Cyprus issue and the broader regional dynamics. His policies and actions, including the use of the Cyprus issue for domestic political purposes, are highlighted in the script.

💡Enosis

Enosis, meaning 'union' in Greek, refers to the historical movement advocating for the unification of Cyprus with Greece. The script mentions this as a significant historical factor contributing to the complex political landscape of Cyprus.

💡Water Scarcity

Water scarcity is a critical issue in Cyprus, as discussed in the script. With only 70% of the island's drinking water supply coming from desalination plants, the increasing episodes of drought exacerbate the pressure on water resources, illustrating the environmental challenges faced by the island.

💡Economic Sanctions

Economic sanctions are a tool of international pressure mentioned in the script, particularly in relation to Turkey's actions in the Eastern Mediterranean. The European Union's decision to strengthen sanctions against Ankara is highlighted as part of the international response to the regional tensions.

Highlights

Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is uniquely divided by a wall separating the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The Republic of Cyprus is recognized by the UN and is an EU member state, while only Turkey recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Cyprus is located at the crossroads of European and Eastern worlds with complex maritime and gas interests.

Cyprus' geographical position is strategic, being close to Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, and Libya.

The island's name 'Kupros' is derived from copper, reflecting its historical prosperity from copper mines.

Cyprus faces water scarcity, with 70% of its drinking water supplied by desalination plants.

The island's population of nearly 1.3 million is divided between Greek Cypriots in the south and Turkish Cypriots in the north.

Cyprus has a long history of conquests, including Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman rule, before becoming a British colony in 1914.

The Enosis movement aimed for the island's unification with Greece, leading to British support for Turkish Cypriot militias.

Cyprus gained independence in 1960 and became a UN member, with the UK retaining two military bases.

The 1974 Turkish military operation 'Attila' resulted in the division of the island and a population exodus.

The 'Green Line' separates the two entities in Cyprus, under the control of UN peacekeeping forces.

The divided economy of Cyprus includes tourism and maritime transport for the Republic, and reliance on Turkey for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The discovery of hydrocarbon resources in the Levantine Basin has led to tensions over maritime zones and exploration rights.

Cyprus is at the center of Eastern Mediterranean energy interests, with significant gas reserves estimated.

Conflicting claims over Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) have led to agreements between different groups of Mediterranean countries.

Turkey's actions in the Eastern Mediterranean, including military escorts for research vessels, have escalated tensions.

The Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum was established to transform the region into an energy hub.

The Turkish president uses the Cyprus issue to appeal to his nationalist electorate.

Despite Erdogan's re-election and some signs of easing tensions in 2023, the future of Cyprus remains uncertain.