Outrage as group of Turkish Cypriots assaults man in Karpaz thinking he was Greek

Karpaz, north Cyprus – A reported assault on a shepherd by unidentified individuals in the Karpaz region has triggered widespread outrage, after allegations surfaced that the attackers beat the man because they “mistook him for a Greek.” 

The incident, which is said to have taken place in the village of Dipkarpaz, has sparked a flood of condemnation on social media.

According to claims circulating online, a shepherd named Vefa was subjected to verbal abuse and physical violence by two unidentified assailants. It is alleged that after the attack, the perpetrators justified their actions by stating, “We thought he was Greek.”

The incident has provoked strong reactions from the local community. Among those speaking out was Karpaz resident Duygu Zengin Paşa, who issued a firm condemnation of the attack through her social media account. Describing Vefa as “one of the most beloved, honest, and compassionate members of the village,” Paşa called for the harshest possible punishment for those responsible, saying, “Those who committed this disgraceful act must be held fully accountable.”

In her statement, Paşa emphasized that Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot residents have lived together peacefully in Dipkarpaz for many years, sharing the same land, air, and cultural richness. She noted that speaking Greek is a natural part of the region’s multilingual and shared heritage, and warned that this multicultural identity is increasingly becoming a target for hatred and racism.

Paşa also shared her personal experiences of discrimination, stating that she too had faced similar treatment in the past due to these very cultural dynamics. She stressed that the attack on Vefa was not just an act of violence against an individual, but an attack on the principles of coexistence, tolerance, and shared humanity.

She concluded her statement with a powerful message: “Our differences are our richness; they should be a reason for peace, not enmity.”

The incident has prompted calls for a thorough investigation and raised renewed concerns about growing intolerance and xenophobia in mixed communities.