WHAT WE DO

The teaching of historical events is often controversial, particularly when it emphasizes a single narrative and interpretation of events that are inevitably driven by ideological assumptions, hidden messages and interests (Christodoulou & Katsounari, 2009). The historical events in Cyprus regarding independence, the coup, and the invasion in 1974 is typically presented in a one-sided way, favoring either the Greek Cypriot or the Turkish Cypriot interpretation and community; depending on who is teaching these events, the aim is usually to impose a single ethnic orientation and consciousness. Such efforts fail to engage the deepest and most profound purpose of teaching, which is an abiding effort to develop the humanity of all people to their maximum capacity (Ayers, 2004). The Cyprus Oral History Project proposes a departure from the conventional approach to presenting and interpreting history by engaging a wide range of people’s narratives concerning the events of 1974 and the era before that.