ABSTRACT
This chapter conceptualizes the issues arising out of the history of ethnic relations in Cyprus in the light of the theoretical perspectives offered by the study of social change. It identifies the many issues and problems that need to be studied to attain a full understanding of the nature of ethnic conflict in Cyprus. A remarkable indication of the shared social and cultural identity of traditional Cypriot religious groups is offered by their common participation in the commercial and religious fairs organized in the towns and villages of Cyprus on the day of their patron saint. The mechanisms of the precipitation of ethnic violence were created soon after the outbreak of the liberation struggle in 1955, as a body of auxiliary Turkish Cypriot policemen was set up by the colonial administration to help in hunting down the Greek Cypriot fighters and as secret armed organizations of Turkish Cypriots were formed to promote Turkish plans for the future of Cyprus.
