The map issue in Cyprus according to the Gobi and Ghali plans

Abstract

In this research, the Gobi and Ghali maps, the two most significant maps concerning Cyprus put forth until now, have been addressed. Based on this, the main purpose of this research is to present the significance, technical dimension, political advantages, economic features and what the effects will be on the new system wanted to be established in Cyprus of these maps.

The proposals for a solution concerning Cyprus put forth especially after 1975 have brought with it the period of maps. Actually, the actual borders established in Cyprus have brought the situation to a different point, because the existing borders have revealed how the population or properties remaining above/below the line will be affected. Therefore, each map put forth should be assessed as a step taken in determining the future. However, each step taken has led to a new discussion, because for the concerning party, each map regarding the issue is closely related with security, ownership, rehabilitation, immigrants, settlers and self-determination.

Therefore, the map which Hugo Gobi has given his own name to, foresees 47 areas which exists right now within the borders of the TRNC to be left to the Greeks.

On the other hand, on the Ghali map created in 1992, the most fertile territories of the TRNC such as Guzelyurt and Maras have been given to the Greeks, Greek cantons have been established in the Turkish region and the territories of the sovereign Turkish state have been diminished all the way up to 28.2%. 

Actually, these maps have also led to the creation of many new political equations. According to this, a correlation has been formed between the maximum territory which the Turkish side wants and the maximum number of immigrants which the Greek side wants. It could be understood from this that one of the most discussed issues during the Cyprus negotiations is territorial adjustments and creating the related maps. For this reason, although various maps have been put forth for the resolution of the issue, these must be considered within the integrity of the plans for a solution.  Therefore, it could be stated that how much territory will be given or the territory with which property will be left stands as a ‘strategic’ issue for the two sides.

Based on this, the research consists of three main sections. In the first section, the maps emerging after the 1974 Peace Operation have been addressed, while the Gobi map has been examined in the second section and the Ghali map and its properties have been addressed in the third and final section.