Divided Cyprus has experienced intercommunal violence that has caused significant damage to homes and has deteriorated human rights conditions for the island’s inhabitants. During the course of partition from the 1960s to 1970s, Cypriot homes were either left abandoned, taken over by new residents of the opposite political community, or used as military defensive fortifications. This complete partition of the island has led residents to long for their original and rightful homes. Children born since the division have struggled with a collective loss of home and national identity despite never having lived in what their families consider to be their original homes.