History of Cyprus

The little Mediterranean Island of Cyprus boasts a fascinating heritage. Its position approximately between Europe, Asia, and Africa produced a cultural junction thousands of years ago. Many civilizations left their traces on Cyprus, hence forming the island's distinctiveness. 

The Earliest Settlers

From the Stone Age, some 10,000 years ago, people have called Cyprus home. First, colonists most usually came from surrounding regions like Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) and the Levant (modern-day Middle East). Mostly hunters and gatherers, they also included farmers raising barley and wheat.

The Birth of Civilization

Cyprus started the Bronze Age sometime in the 2,500 BCE period. This era is well-known for its major metalworking progress. Rich copper reserves on the island made it well-known on ancient commerce routes. First towns such as Enkomi and Kition arose during this period, exposing sophisticated commercial culture and city planning.

Greek Influence

Arriving on the island with their language, religion, and customs by about 1,200 BCE, Mycenaean Greeks brought Cyprus, which had developed over time, closer to Greek culture. New cities the Greeks established, including Salamis and Paphos, grew hubs of activity and living. The respect of the goddess Aphrodite is one clear legacy of this age. Greek legend holds that sea foam close to Paphos produced Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

Assyrians, Egyptians, and Persians

Cyprus started a long period of foreign control about 800 BCE. The Assyrians were the first conquerors; next were the Egyptians, then the powerful Persian Empire in 525 BCE. The region's geography and resources helped these civilizations to rule it. While they left their administrative methods, artwork, and military impact on Cypriot culture, Cyprus kept strong Greek customs over these ages.

The arrival of Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great brought Cyprus under his own rule after conquering the Persian Empire in 333 BCE. Following his death, his generals fought for power; under the Ptolemies, Cyprus at last joined the ancient Greek Kingdom of Egypt. The then capital, Paphos, thrived as a political and cultural center during this period. Temples, monuments, and theatres were built, some of which are now UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The Roman Era

By 58 BCE, Cyprus joined the Roman Empire. The remnants of old Roman theatres, villas, and baths you can still see today clearly show the legacy the Romans left. Christianity arrived in Cyprus under Roman control. Christian history holds that the apostles Paul and Barnabas visited the island, therefore establishing Cyprus as among the earliest areas where Christianity expanded. A native of Cyprus, Barnabas came to be the patron saint of the island. His impact resulted in the establishment of the powerful Cypriot Orthodox Church, which is still somewhat significant in Cyprus today.

The Byzantine Years

Once the Roman Empire fell apart in 395 CE, Cyprus backed the Byzantine Empire. Comprising 800 years, this was a particularly secure phase in Cypriot history. Beautiful monasteries and churches constructed by the Byzantines still survive today. Renowned Troödos Mountain painted churches are UNESCO World Heritage monuments with magnificent frescoes. But this age also presented difficulties, notably Arab incursions in the seventh and eighth centuries. Along coasts, fortifications were built to guard the island.

The Arrival of Richard the Lionheart

Cyprus started to spin in the course of the Crusades in 1191 CE. English King Richard the Lionheart grabbed Cyprus during his Third Crusade on route to the Holy Land. He sold it to the Knights Templar, who soon instituted strict rules upsetting the residents. At last, Cyprus was sold once more to French aristocrat Guy of Lusignan, creator of the Kingdom of Cyprus for the Lusignan dynasty. Many of the Gothic cathedrals, palaces, and castles built during this period still survive today, so defining the island's European character.

The Venetian Era

Cyprus joined the Republic of Venice, therefore ending the Lusignan sovereignty in 1489. Building the striking walls encircling Nicosia, the Venetians strengthened the island against any Ottoman invasion. Though they tried, their occupation lasted less than a century.

Ottoman Rule

Following a hard campaign, Cyprus came under the Ottoman Empire in 1571. Over three centuries of Ottoman rule brought major changes to the island. Islam expanded while many churches were turned into mosques. Part of Cypriot history, the still amazing old Ottoman architecture, including the Büyük Han in Nicosia, is still evident. Though there was relative stability under Ottoman control, several rebellions were brought about by high taxes. Still, Cyprus developed as a melting pot of Greek, Turkish, and Armenian populations, hence enhancing its cultural variety.

The Transition to British Rule

Leased to the British Empire by the Ottoman Empire in 1878, Cyprus Britain formally acquired the island by 1914, therefore Cyprus became a British colony. The British brought contemporary infrastructure including postal services, schools, and railroads. However, conflicts surfaced about the government.

The Independence Movement

Greek Cypriots pushed for Enosis, or reunification with Greece, by the middle of the 20th century; Turkish Cypriots opposed the concept and instead sought Turkish protection. These competing objectives caused disturbance and violence. Negotiations for years brought Cyprus its freedom in 1960. As they founded the Republic of Cyprus, Greek and Turkish Cypriots chose a power-sharing agreement. But increasing nationalism and internal strife made unity challenging to preserve.

1974 coup d'état, invasion, and division

Greek military junta supported a coup d'état aiming at merging Cyprus with Greece in 1974. The island was split when the Turkish government acted in reaction. While the southern portion is run under the internationally acknowledged Republic of Cyprus, the northern portion is today acknowledged as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus by Turkey and is still under its sovereignty. The island is still split even with efforts towards reunion.

21st century 

Recent years have seen difficulties for Cyprus like the current COVID-19 epidemic and the 2008 financial crisis. Still, it has also made major progress in fields such as research and development, tourism, and renewable energy.

Geography and Climate 

Third-largest Island in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus lies west of Syria and Lebanon and south of Turkey. All around the island are mountains, softly slinking hills, and level plains. Typically Mediterranean, Cyprus's temperature shows temperate winters and hot summers. Snowboarding and skiing are common activities in the Troödos Mountains since they receive winter snowfall.

Culture

Cypriot culture is a synthesis of elements from its several past. The bulk of the population consists of Greek Cypriots, followed by Turkish Cypriots, Armenian Cypriots, Maronite Catholics, and other ethnic groups. The official languages are Greek and Turkish; English is also rather common in business and education. Featuring souvlaki, kebabs, and meze, the food also fuses Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern flavors.

Water supply 

The island's arid climate causes a major water shortage. Cyprus has put several water management techniques and technologies—including desalination facilities and wastewater recycling—into use to help with this.

Government and politics

The head of state and government of a presidential republic is Cyprus's president. The nation has a multi-party system whereby the major political parties reflect Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Politics and government in Cyprus still show great impact from the continuous struggle between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Though progress has been sluggish, efforts at reunion never stop. In sectors like economic and cultural interactions, both sides have, nevertheless, shown eagerness to collaborate.

Foreign relations 

Apart from other European Union members, Cyprus maintains close ties with the surrounding nations. It is a member of the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations in addition to several other worldwide agencies.

Economy

After manufacturing and agriculture, tourism and services define most of Cyprus's economy. The country is also well-known for low taxes and strong banking sector that draws foreign investment. 

Demographics

Greek Cypriots account for most of the population living in Cyprus; Turkish Cypriots are a quite small minority. The nation also boasts a diverse expat population, mostly from Romania, Russia, and the UK. 

Religion

The most frequent denomination among Cypriots is Greek Orthodox Church; majority of them are Christians. Additionally present on the island are large Muslim and Maronite Catholic communities. 

Education 

All children in Cyprus must receive free, mandatory education until they are fifteen years old. The nation stresses science and technology highly and has a sophisticated educational system with great rates of literacy. 

Tourism

Cyprus's natural beauty and environmental consciousness have attracted a lot of guests lately, hence the island has also developed reputation as a wellness and eco-tourism destination. 

Sports

Among several professional teams and a national squad, football (soccer) is the sport most often participated in Cyprus. Water sports, including diving and sailing, basketball, and volleyball, are also rather popular. Still quite popular are Cypriot traditional sports such as "Tavli". Cyprus presents a wide spectrum of events for both residents and visitors to enjoy overall.