A STRUGGLE AGAINST COLONIAL OPPRESSION
The village of Polemi, in the district of Paphos, has a recent history that includes a little-known, yet uncomfortable reality. Situated on the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, this otherwise unassuming village is the location of what remains of the ‘Polemi Concentration Camp’. This poignant reminder of the past helps to form an integral yet tragic chapter in the history of Cyprus. Strategically chosen, the camp’s remote location isolated detainees from the broader population on the island in the latter part of the 1950’s. Ironically, however, this particular camp’s isolation had the opposite effect. The Polemi Concentration Camp would go on to become emblematic of the broader struggle against colonial oppression.
A HISTORIC LEGACY
The British authorities of the time used the Polemi Concentration Camp to detain several Cypriot political activists during the 1950’s. As a result, the camp’s legacy in many ways encapsulates the complexities of the island’s socio-political landscape during the mid-20th century. The camp’s origins trace back to the tumultuous period on the island following World War II. After the war, the Greek Cypriot community became increasingly vocal in its demands for ‘Enosis’. This movement was a precursor to a union with Greece, which went against British interests at the time. This led British authorities to adopt repressive measures against those advocating for this cause. Some of these measures employed included the use of several concentration camps across the island. These camps were to be used as a tool to suppress the growing nationalistic fervour amongst Greek Cypriots. The Polemi camp, as a result, would detain up to 400 or so Cypriot EOKA sympathisers at any one time.
A GALVANISED RESPONSE
Opened in 1956, the camp was one of several established by the British in various locations across Cyprus. This came after island-wide violence had erupted after EOKA, also known as the Greek Cypriot Nationalist Organisation, had formed groups of resistance that began to take aggressive action, which were firmly aimed at British colonial authority. The Polemi Concentration Camp would primarily house suspected members of EOKA, along with other political prisoners, who also included peaceful activists. The plight of the Polemi Concentration Camp’s detainees, in particular, would eventually galvanise the greater public opinion against British colonial rule. It is thought that the nationalist movement in Cyprus gained momentum because of this, and the detainees, despite their suffering, would often emerge as symbols of the resistance. This inspired further activism and mobilisation within the Greek Cypriot community.
AN ATTEMPT TO CONTROL DISSENT
This camp directly reflected the British Government’s attempts to control dissent and maintain order in a colonial context, and because of this, there is testimony that several detainees were badly mistreated. As a result, documented accounts of harsh treatment by the British have been recorded. Most accounts state that constant overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and inhumane treatment were a direct violation of human rights at the time. Reports from former detainees also highlight the psychological and physical toll inflicted upon them. Most were subjected to arbitrary detention without a fair trial, which resulted in a growing sense of alienation among the Greek Cypriot populace at the time. This harsh and often uncouth treatment, instead of suppressing, ultimately helped to further fuel the desire for self-determination and independence.
THE ZURICH-LONDON AGREEMENT
In 1960, the ‘Zurich-London Agreement’, facilitated the island’s independence from British rule. With self-determination came the eventual dissolution of the camp, coinciding with the shifting of the political landscape in Cyprus. The camp’s legacy, however, continues to resonate within the collective memory of several Cypriots. The remains of the camp also serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of political repression and human rights violations. In general, the use of concentration camps, including the one at Polemi, has been widely criticised by human rights advocates and most historians.
A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION
The legacy of British concentration camps in Cyprus serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of civil liberties under colonial rule. The lengths to which the British Government was willing to go to suppress dissent are often thought of as extreme and are further emphasised by camps of this nature. In 2017, a group of EOKA fighters took the British Government to court. They were claiming compensation for historic atrocities and torture, which they claimed took place at these camps. British Government lawyers determined that a trial would be too costly and decided to settle out of court to the tune of just over £1 million. Although this agreement meant that the plaintiffs received their compensation, it was on the condition that the British Government did not accept any liability for the numerous claims.
SURROUNDED BY BARBED WIRE
Today, there is very little left of the camp, except for a watchtower, some abandoned vehicles, and a solitary tin hut. These are all surrounded by a main gate and some barbed wire fencing. Although the camp, and all that went on there, is forgotten in many ways, it still occupies a pivotal space in the historical narrative of Cyprus. The ruins adequately reflect the tumultuous interplay between colonialism, nationalism, and a struggle for human rights. The lessons drawn from this chapter in Cypriot history also serve as an enduring reminder of the importance of safeguarding individual liberties and promoting social justice in contemporary society. As a divided Cyprus moves forward, it is essential to confront its past to pave the way for a more harmonious future. As the island grapples with lingering divisions and the legacy of its colonial past, understanding the implications of institutions like the Polemi Concentration Camp is crucial for building a more inclusive and just society.
