Maximilian Krah - A European voice in Kyrenia

Samira Sinjab
2 hours ago
4 min read

A visit that goes far beyond a mere reception.

Introduction: On Wednesday evening, the atmosphere at the Rocks Hotel in Kyrenia will be political. Maximilian Krah, a member of the German Bundestag for the AfD (Alternative for Germany), is visiting Northern Cyprus, invited by the Parliament of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The title of the evening says it all: "A European Voice for the Turkish Cypriot People." What sounds like a simple reception touches upon an issue that has plagued this island for decades.

When we sit at the port of Girne and talk to people, this conversation always comes up sooner or later: Why is it that here everyone knows every institution, every election, every authority of their daily lives, and yet you hear so little about it out in the world? This very question will be on the agenda again on Wednesday at the Rocks Hotel, only this time with a German member of parliament as a guest.

A reception, not a trip on behalf of Berlin

The framework is clearly defined, and this is precisely what warrants a closer look. Krah is not coming as a representative of the German Federal Government, nor on behalf of the German Bundestag. The Bundestag's Human Rights Committee had previously rejected an originally planned official working trip, for the second time. ( Report on the two rejections of the planned Bundestag trip) Nevertheless, Krah is traveling as an individual member of parliament, at the invitation of the North Cypriot Parliament, on Wednesday, August 26, starting at 7:30 p.m., with the invitation stating that the trip is scheduled to end around 11:00 p.m. ( Invitation to a reception for Maximilian Krah in Kyrenia)

His position on the matter leaves little room for interpretation. Krah says that the people of Northern Cyprus deserve international recognition of their state, their institutions, and their legal system; he considers the current status quo unsustainable.

Krah's demand for international recognition of Northern Cyprus

For many people here, this is not an abstract political formula. International recognition would change everyday life in many ways: in travel, trade, international cultural events, sports, and the ability to speak directly with other countries and institutions. At the same time, it would represent a serious break with the existing order regarding the Cyprus question: The European Union and almost all states in the world continue to recognize only the Republic of Cyprus as the legal entity under international law for the entire island; only Turkey recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as a separate state. The European Union's position: recognition of only the Republic of Cyprus.

Krah's visit changes nothing about this situation; a reception in Kyrenia does not constitute diplomatic recognition by Germany. Nevertheless, it has political significance because a German parliamentarian is so openly addressing the demand for recognition and speaking with government representatives and members of civil society on the ground.

Who has the right to be visible? The dispute over a music festival

The visit comes at a time when the international struggle over Northern Cyprus is manifesting itself elsewhere. Just a few days ago, the Serbian organizer EXIT withdrew from the planned Nexus Festival at Kyrenia Castle, which was scheduled for September 18th and was intended to bring international electronic music to Girne. EXIT withdraws from the planned Nexus Festival at Kyrenia Castle

According to reports from the south, the withdrawal was preceded by a targeted diplomatic initiative from the Republic of Cyprus. Report on the diplomatic efforts of the Republic of Cyprus prior to the withdrawal of EXIT.

From a southern Cypriot perspective, the underlying concern is that large international cultural events in the north could bolster political structures that are not recognized.

From a North Cypriot perspective, the cancellation is yet another example of how even culture, encounters, and music are being drawn into the conflict. The real tension lies between these two viewpoints, and it has little to do with borders or agreements in the narrow sense: it's about who is allowed to be visible, who is invited, and whose reality is even acknowledged internationally.

What a gain in political significance would change, and what it wouldn't.

The evening with Maximilian Krah won't solve these questions. But it will make it clear that they are once again being discussed more openly. Anyone who would like to experience him in Kyrenia can attend the reception at the Rocks Hotel on Wednesday from 7:30 pm.

And what if a party like the AfD were to gain significantly more political influence in Germany in the future? Recognition of Northern Cyprus would not automatically follow. Foreign policy in Germany is shaped by the federal government, not by individual parliamentary groups, and such a step would bring Germany into open conflict with the current stance of the European Union, the United Nations, and the Republic of Cyprus. [ EU's position on the legal situation and the Green Line]

However, a stronger political force demanding this recognition could change the debate in Berlin and increase the pressure to no longer view the North Cypriot perspective solely from a distance.

Perhaps that is precisely the true significance of this visit. It brings back to Kyrenia a question that has preoccupied many here for decades: How long can a society exist in everyday life, with its own institutions, its own government, and a clear voice, and yet still be barely heard internationally?

All love

Samira & Marten