The Republic of Cyprus was represented under its official name at the 22nd International Geography Olympiad in Istanbul, prompting reactions among Turkish and Turkish Cypriot circles. During the awards ceremony, one Cypriot student unfurled the Republic’s flag while receiving a medal.
The competition was held from 11 to 17 August, bringing together young participants from approximately 50 countries.
The awards ceremony took place at a conference venue at Istanbul University. The Olympiad was organised by the International Geographical Union and hosted by the Turkish Geographical Society.
The Cypriot students were announced as representatives of the Republic of Cyprus during the ceremony.
The development drew criticism because Turkey does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus and officially refers to it as the “Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus”.
No team from the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus took part in the Olympiad, a point also criticised by the Turkish Cypriot press.
What prompted the objections
Turkish Cypriot media reports placed particular emphasis on the fact that the event was held in Turkey with the support of Turkish public and private bodies.
According to the reports, the use of the Republic of Cyprus’s official name and the display of its flag were viewed by Turkish and Turkish Cypriot circles as inconsistent with Ankara’s longstanding position on the Cyprus issue.
The absence of representatives from the occupied areas also received particular attention. The reports said the incident had revived discussion over how the Turkish Cypriot side is represented at international events hosted in Turkey and the status under which the Republic of Cyprus participates in them.
Two bronze medals for Cyprus
The Cypriot delegation emerged from the Olympiad with two bronze medals.
Cyprus was represented by students Marina Malli, Melina Kyriaki Bekas, Thanos Chatzikyriakos and Antonis Chatzipanagis. The team was led by Andreas Aristeidou and Aliki Demosthenous.
The students completed a series of demanding tests, drawing on their geographical knowledge, critical thinking and skills while competing against young geographers from dozens of countries.
Marina Malli and Thanos Chatzikyriakos each secured a bronze medal, earning two significant distinctions for the Cypriot delegation.
