Melbourne-based scholar Dr Michalis S. Michael will deliver the opening address of the Famagusta Dialogue on 21 August – “Tell it to the Lion”. Initiated by Australia, the Famagusta Dialogue coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and provides a profound context for the discussion.
Famagusta, Ἀμμόχωστος or Varosha in Turkish, has been an abandoned town since 1974. The now empty town is deeply etched into the cultural and political landscape of Cyprus. Once a bustling commercial and cultural centre, this coastal town is now a flashpoint of the ongoing Cyprus conflict. Famagusta’s legacy is one of intersecting histories and identities, all vying for recognition in a complex socio-political environment that remains unpredictable.
Famagusta’s history has been further complicated by its status as a “third place” in the Cyprus problem. Famagusta’s status remains uncertain while innovative initiatives such as the Famagusta Dialogues attempt to shape its future.
These dialogues aim to bring together the diverse communities of Famagusta from local contexts. Dr Michael, Director of the Centre for Dialogue–Global Reconciliation at La Trobe University, is leading this initiative with the aim of testing a fundamental hypothesis of conflict resolution: that local interventions are more accessible, promising and effective than national or international efforts.
The Famagusta Dialogues have revealed several important lessons about the nature of local conflicts. First, the binary approach to defining and engaging conflict parties often proves to be too rigid and sometimes even counterproductive.
The situation in Famagusta, particularly in the contested area of Varosha, illustrates the complexity of these conflicts. The dialogues also highlight the importance of ‘hauntology’, a concept that reflects the city’s ghostly past and its impact on the present and future.
Memory and imagination play a role in sustaining these dialogues, providing challenges and opportunities for broader conversations. Creating a group identity among the communities of Famagusta proved to be an important process in helping to counteract the negative influences from outside. However, understanding both the similarities and differences between these groups is essential to foster cooperation and overcome nationalistic tensions.
While the Famagusta Dialogues are deeply rooted in the specific context of Cyprus, the lessons learned are applicable to other local conflicts around the world. Dr. Michael’s research highlights the importance of dialogue as a tool for defusing polarization and maximizing prospects for constructive engagement in divided communities.
The Famagusta Dialogues offer hope for the city itself and the opportunity to resolve conflicts in other parts of the world where local dynamics play a crucial role.
Dr Michael will deliver the first lecture on the Famagusta Dialogesis on Wednesday 21 August from 1pm to 2pm. The presentation will take place both in person in Hu2 431 and via Zoom – as part of a series of academic lectures organised by La Trobe University.
There is an open invitation to present for anyone who would like to present research in future sessions. This opportunity is also available to postgraduate students and provides a platform to receive feedback and engage with colleagues.
Presentations for the remainder of the semester will continue to take place on Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. both in person and online.
Wednesday, 21 August, 1–2 p.m. – Dr. Michalis S. Michael (honorary Senior Research Fellow, LTU)
Wednesday, 2 October, 1-2pm – Dr. Ian Woolford (Hindi Studies, LTU)
Wednesday, 23 October, 1-2pm – Milestone presentations for the doctoral dissertations of Xenia Ntolopoulou (Classical Studies) and Greg Asquith (Translation Studies – French)
Zoom link for presentations.
