Cyprus

Island of Depths: History, Culture and Nature

Cyprus is an island situated at the meeting point of Europe, Asia, and Africa, the country is very rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Blessed with the beautiful Mediterranean beaches, the historical archaeological sites, and multicultural landscape, Cyprus is an exciting destination to explore and learn. The island presents a perfect combination of traditional past and the present, and thus it attracts all people interested in history and those who want to have a good rest in a wonderful environment.

We will take a closer look at the geography, history, and culture of Cyprus, its economy and the places you must visit. The guide will provide you with the in-depth overview of what the fascinating island has to offer.

Geographical Location

Cyprus, an island nation in the Eastern Mediterranean, is positioned to the south of Turkey, the West of Syria and Lebanon, and the east of Greece. Cyprus covers 9,251 square kilometers which make it the third-largest Island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. Its capital city, Nicosia, was the only split capital in Europe as the southern part of the city fell under the Republic of Cyprus and the northern part under the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) which is a self-proclaimed government held together as one by one country, Turkey.

Its natural position has played a key role in integrating the island as a cultural and trade hub over time. Cyprus has an exquisite coastline that can be enjoyed either on the sandy beaches on the Southern side or rugged cliffs on the Northern side of the island making it an ideal place to visit and spend some leisure with any kind of traveler.

For an in-depth travel guide, visit the Official tourism guide for Cyprus

Reliefs and Natural Entities

Cyprus is described as varied. Troodos Mountains inside the island are the highest, and they provide numerous chances of outdoor activities and hiking. The Kyrenia Range stretches the northern coast having steep faces and coastal scenes. There are also a number of natural resources in Cyprus in terms of vineyards, olive groves and agricultural land.

Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate, hot dry summers, and mild winters. This weather has made it to be a favorite destination all through the year as people come to the island to enjoy the favorable weather and the outdoor sporting activities.

History of the ancient and medieval times

The history of Cyprus is long and complicated which takes thousands of years. The history of the island goes back to the Neolithic age, approximately 10,000 years to the area of the first settlements such as in the site of Choirokoitia, a UNESCO-World Heritage site. Major influence of ancient Greeks can be felt in Cyprus where the island emerged a significant source of trade and culture in the eastern Mediterranean. The other major powers who colonized the island include the Phoenicians, the Egyptians as well as the Romans.

In the Classical period Cyprus belonged to the Greek world, and then to the Roman Empire. Cyprus thrived under Roman rule and cities like Salamis and Paphos acted as major Roman cultural hubs. After the Roman Empire collapsed, Cyprus fell under the domination of the Byzantine Empire that had a major influence on the culture and religion of the island.

Ottoman and British Rule

Cyprus fell into the hands of the Ottoman in 1571 and stayed under the Ottoman rule for more than 300 years. At this time Cyprus had a multiethnic population, consisting of Greeks, Turks, and others, who were ruled by the Ottoman government, which had a great influence on the social and religious organization of the country.

In 1878 Cyprus fell under British rule because of an agreement with the Ottoman Empire and in 1925 it became a colony of the British. The British rule in the island had many impacts on the lives of people in the island such as the area of infrastructure, governance and education. In 1960, Cyprus acquired independence with Britain but there was a political instability due to the tensions between the Greek and Turkish people.

The Modern History and Cyprus Dispute

In 1974, the Greek coup that was led by the Greek community with the help of the military ruling the country of Greece led to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. This island was partitioned into two: South (republic of Cyprus) and North (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus). The partition has persisted up to date and the Green Line between the two parts is a buffer region patrolled by the United Nations.

Cyprus has been striving to reunite since its independence and since then political issues and conflicts between the Greek and Turkish population still have an influence on the political course of the country. The Republic of Cyprus however, is a member of the European Union and in recent years has taken great steps in the process of economic development and modernization.

Ethnicity and Religion Diversity

The country is rich in culture and this is due to the various ethnic backgrounds and religious affiliations that Cyprus has. Its population consists xxx The Greek Cypriots are more in number; followed by the Turkish Cypriots, Armenians, Maronites, and Latins. Greek and Turkish are the official languages of Cyprus, and English is also very common, especially among the businesspeople and the tourist industry.

Religion is the major part of life for the majority of Cypriots and mostly Greek Cypriots are followers of Eastern Orthodox Christianity where the Turkish Cypriots are followers of Islam. The religious diversity can be observed by the number of churches, mosques, and monasteries that are prevalent in the island, part of which makes the island rich in culture, making it a part of the Cyprus cultural culture.

Traditions and cultural practices

The culture of Cypriots can be described as a cross of the Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cultures seen through music, dances, art, and literature produced in the island. The traditional music of Cyprus, called laiko and dimotiko, consists of very unique melodies and rhythms and the dances are equally significant in local festivities.

The celebration of Easter is one of the greatest traditions in Cyprus that takes place with religious rituals, feasts and colorful parties. There are also carnival celebrations preceding the start of Lent which involves sweeping vibrant parades, masks and dancing on the streets.

Cypriot cuisine is an appetizing combination of Greek, Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine, including such dishes as meze (appetizers), souvlaki (meat on a stick), halloumi cheese, and koupepia (rolled grape leaves). The wine of Cypriots is quite famous and the country has a long portion of wine industry history starting in ancient times.

Tourism Industry

One of the most valuable segments of the Cypriot economy is tourism since it is a remarkable part of their GDP. Cyprus is known as the beach holiday destination where one can find the beautiful coastline that provides sun and drenched holidays, clear waters, and the picturesque holiday resorts. Such cities as Limassol, Paphos, and Larnaca are favorite destinations among foreigners (willing to escape to enjoy Mediterranean sun, history, and culture).

Besides its beaches, its cultural and historical sites, including the sites of the Ancient City of Salamis, Kourion, and the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos are also found in Cyprus. So many pilgrims and history lovers tour the country because of its rich religious and cultural heritage throughout the year.

Agriculture and industry

The Republic of Cyprus has a powerful agricultural sector and the production of citrus fruits, grapes, olives, potatoes, and vegetables is one of the important aspects of the economy. The island is also renowned for Cypriot wines and olive oil that are exported to the world.

The Cypriot industry is diversified with the main industries manufacturing, construction, and the energy industry. Cyprus is also turning out to be interested in the offshore oil and gas sector based on the discovery of the reserves in the offshore region of the island.

Financial Services

Financial service industry has evolved into a key business in Cyprus and the island has become a core international business and banking jurisdiction. Cyprus has not only managed to be a great investment attraction destination since it has a favorable tax system and good geographic position located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, as well as Africa.

Landmarks of history and culture

Kourion – An old city-kingdom, having very well preserved ruins, such as Roman theatre, baths, and mosaics.

Paphos Archaeological Park– a World Heritage site and boasts the ruins of old villas, tombs and mosaics.

Kykkos Monastery In Troodos Mountains, in Kykkos Monastery one can see a beautiful location and also the religious importance.

Natural Attractions

Fig Tree Bay There is a beautiful beach in Protaras that is called Fig Tree Bay with its clear waters and shiny sands.

Troodos Mountains: It is the best place where you can go Hiking, Bird Watching and visiting the traditional villages.

Cape Greco– A natural park of great beauty and containing some great sea caves.

Healthcare System

The level of medical services is high in Cyprus; there are several public and private hospitals providing modern medical services to citizens. Medical tourism is on the rise and the country has vastly improved its healthcare infrastructure, especially the private sector.

Education System

Education is valuable in Cyprus, as they have got a well developed system of education. There are several universities and international schools in the country and it is well characterized with the best institutions of higher learning and usually attracts students internationally.

Ideal Seasons

The most suitable time to visit Cyprus is in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) weather is favorable as it is pleasant to view, do outdoor work, and to spend time on beaches. Summer (July to August) can be quite hot especially in the interior regions but not along the coastal resorts that are a favorite tourist destination to people who love going to the sun.

Festivals and Events

There are different festivals held in Cyprus all year round such as Cyprus Carnival, Easter festival, the Paphos Aphrodite Festival that involves opera performances and draws multiple visitors to Cyprus.

Conclusion: 

The island of Cyprus is a fascinating place that visualizes a perfect marriage between its ancient history, rich culture, as well as marvelous natural scenery. Depending on where you wish to go, whether to entertain yourself with the ancient ruins, visit the stunning beaches, or indulge yourself in the hospitality of the locals, Cyprus offers the best of all worlds. With the further growth and development of the island, however, it still has to remain a place to visit when one discovers that he or she wants to experience the travel in a diversifying and enriching way.

FAQ s

When is the most appropriate time to visit Cyprus?

The most convenient period during which it is convenient to visit Cyprus is April- June or September- November when the weather is perfect; to visit the city.

Which are the best places to visit in Cyprus?

The most popular sites are the Kourion ruins, Paphos archaeological park and Kykkos monastery.

Which are the languages spoken in Cyprus?

The official languages are Greek and Turkish; English is rather common.

What lies the economy of Cyprus upon?

The economy of Cyprus is based on tourism, agriculture, financial services and industry.

Is Cyprus a tourist safe place?

Certainly, Cyprus is regarded as a very safe tourist destination, where crime rates are low.

Which cultural festivals do I need to visit in Cyprus?

And do not forget to attend the Cyprus Carnival, the Easter feast, and the Paphos Aphrodite Festival to see the rich lifestyle of the island.