Cyprus

Country Briefs:  The beautiful Cyprus Island is a Eurasian island in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea and south of the Anatolian peninsula that is known as Turkey these days. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, a stepping-stone between Europe and Asia.

Cyprus is known for its sunny and dry weather, blue crystal clear sea surrounding it, wonderful luxury resorts and hotels, coastal resort towns, traditional city grounds, old picturesque villages that are further glorified with huge mountains, beautiful churches and monasteries, grand castles and amazing museums. What makes a Cyprus visit all the more enjoyable is the hospitality of the natives. The welcoming attitude of the local people makes it extremely easy for the tourists to relish the beauty of the island and make the best of their vacation.

The largest city of Cyprus and its historic capital is Nicosia. The bustling city of Nicosia is Europe’s only divided city. Though the sophisticated tree-lined suburbs outlining the Nicosia are a treat to eyes yet the city’s old town remains an outstanding and evergreen attraction.

 Apart from breathtaking scenic splendor and worth visiting cities, Cyprus has a rich history too. According to historians the island was inhabited more than 10,000 years ago. Several traces found confirm the Bronze Age civilization on the island. In 1600 BC the Myceneans made their way to the island. In 1500 BC Thothmes III of Egypt invaded Cyprus. 

Around 1200 BC the island witnessed an incredible influx of numerous Mycenean Greeks as permanent settlers in the region. This Greek migration got lot of attention and till date the fact of how the great Greek warriors of the Trojan War went to Cyprus to settle down is remembered. 

The Mycenean Greeks had a tremendous effect on the inhabitants of the island. The Myceneans successfully introduced their language, advanced technology and a modern perspective towards visual arts. The Greeks dominated the region in terms of culture, language and population.

In 6^th century BC the Amasis of Egypt captured Cyprus. But as the Persians overpowered Egypt, Cyprus too went under the Persian regime. In the Persian Empire, Cyprus formed a part of the fifth satrapy. Soon around 499 BC the Greeks rebelled against the Persians. The Cypriots too were largely active in this revolt against the Persians. However neither the Ionian Greeks nor the Cypriots assisting them could manage to gain a victory.

Yet the Greeks did not leave the struggle to free Cyprus of the Persian regime. As a result they launched various expeditions but could not succeed.

After a while Alexander the Great acquired control of the island. After Alexander the Ptolemies of Egypt governed it. The power of the island then transferred to the Romans. Due to the historical visit of the Apostles Paul and Barnabas accompanied by St Mark, Cyprus got the opportunity to be remembered as the foremost state in the world that had a Christian ruler governing it.

In 395 AD Cyprus became a part of the Byzantine Empire and after a series of different rulers ruling it, in 1570 it came under the domination of the Ottoman Turks.

The United Kingdom formally annexed Cyprus in 1913. As a result several Cypriots lost their lives serving the British army during the First World War as well as the Second World War.

Cyprus achieved its independence in august 1960. The island’s new constitution was a major compromise between the British and the Greek and Turkish communities that were at loggerheads.

Cyprus Districts

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