The impact of turning points on the change of images in a conflict society: a study of narratives in Cyprus

Official URL: http://192.168.1.20/record=b1266177 (Table of Contents)

Turning points are considered to be one of the key factors that can influence not only the formation of negative images but also their perpetuation or elimination in a conflict society. As a result, the examination and analysis of potential negative and/or positive turning points for a specific conflict are of central importance since they can reveal a great deal of both the already existing images and the possible shifts in these images. In the present study, a negative and a positive turning point in the Cyprus Conflict were chosen to be examined. The violent incidents in the Green Line in 1996 are described as one of the worst episodes since the partition of the island. They caused the lives of at least three people, whereas many others were seriously injured. Inevitably, it led to the escalation of the conflict. On the other hand, the opening of the checkpoints in 2003 is characterized as the first serious attempt for the resolution of the conflict. For the first time after thirty years, they had the chance to meet and talk to the 'other' by visiting their places of origin. This thesis examines the negative or positive impact of turning points on the change of images in the case of Cyprus Conflict. The data were derived from citizens' narratives published as articles in the press. Content analysis was used for their analysis, whereas a coding schema was created for the depiction of the potential changes in the images. The results of the research suggest that positive turning points lead to positively changing in the images that each party holds for the 'other' and, respectively, negative turning points lead to the negatively changing in the images that each party holds for the 'other'.