THE VILLAGE OF POLEMI
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’. The British authorities of the time used the camp to detain several Cypriot political activists during the 1950’s. This has formed an integral, yet tragic chapter in the history of Cyprus.
A HISTORIC LEGACY
The camp’s legacy, in many ways, encapsulates the complexities of the island’s socio-political landscape during the mid-20th century. Its origins trace back to the tumultuous period on the island following World War II. The Greek Cypriot community after the war became increasingly vocal in its demands for ‘Enosis’, meaning union with Greece. This led to British authorities adopting repressive measures against those advocating for this cause. These measures included the use of concentration camps, as a tool to suppress the growing nationalistic fervour amongst Greek Cypriots. The Polemi camp detained up to 400 or so Cypriot EOKA sympathisers at any one time.
A BREAKDOWN OF TALKS
Opened in 1956, the camp was one of several established by the British in various locations across Cyprus after island-wide violence had erupted. EOKA, also known as the Greek Cypriot Nationalist Organisation, had formed groups of resistance against British authority all over the island. The camp primarily housed suspected members of EOKA along with other political prisoners, including peaceful activists. Strategically chosen, the camp’s remote location isolated detainees from the broader population on the island. Ironically, however, the camp’s isolation had the opposite effect, and the Polemi Concentration Camp became emblematic of the broader struggle against colonial oppression. As the nationalist movement in Cyprus gained momentum, the detainees despite their suffering, often emerged as symbols of the resistance. This eventually inspired further activism and mobilisation within the Greek Cypriot community. The plight of the camp’s detainees also galvanised the greater public opinion against British colonial rule.
AN ATTEMPT TO CONTROL DISSENT
This camp directly reflected the British Government’s attempts to control dissent and maintain order in a colonial context. There is testimony that many detainees were badly mistreated and documented accounts of harsh treatment have been recorded. Other accounts state that constant overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and inhumane treatment was a direct violation of human rights.Â
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 to some also serves 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 WIDELY CRITICISED CONCEPT
Reports from former detainees highlight the psychological and physical toll inflicted upon them. Most were subjected to arbitrary detention without fair trial and such practices contributed to a growing sense of alienation among the Greek Cypriot populace at the time. This ultimately helped to further fuel the desire for self-determination and independence. Furthermore, the camp’s existence served 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 is further emphasised by camps of this nature. In 2017, a group of EOKA fighters took the British Government to court, claiming compensation for historic atrocities and torture. 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.Â
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. The camp is forgotten in many ways, but still occupies a pivotal space in the historical narrative of Cyprus. The ruins adequately reflect the tumultuous interplay between colonialism, nationalism, and the struggle for human rights. The lessons drawn from this chapter in Cypriot history, 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.
