Cyprus: arrival, traffic and further information How to get to Cyprus With very few exceptions, tourists from Germany, Austria and Switzerland will only travel to…
Tag: Cyprus
Strategically located in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus boasts a complex history shaped by diverse civilizations, including the ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Venetians, Ottomans, and the British. In antiquity, the island witnessed the birth of Aphrodite according to Greek mythology, and the Hellenistic period saw the establishment of city-kingdoms like Paphos and Salamis. The Roman Empire later incorporated Cyprus, followed by Byzantine rule. Arab raids in the 7th century and subsequent Frankish rule under the Crusaders added layers of influence. The Venetians held sway in the 15th century before the Ottomans seized control in 1571. British administration began in 1878, continuing until Cyprus declared independence in 1960. Intercommunal tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot minority led to conflict in the 1960s, culminating in the Turkish invasion of 1974 following a Greek coup. The island remains divided into the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus recognized only by Turkey in the north. The United Nations buffer zone, known as the Green Line, separates the two regions. The complex political situation has hindered reunification efforts, with the island’s cultural heritage, including archaeological sites, Byzantine churches, and medieval castles, reflecting its rich and diverse history. Amid the challenges of division, Cyprus has experienced economic growth, particularly in tourism, and its capital, Nicosia, stands as the last divided capital in the world. As Cyprus navigates geopolitical complexities and seeks a path to reconciliation, the resilience of its people and the island’s unique cultural fusion of European, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean influences continue to play a significant role in shaping its contemporary identity.
Cyprus Population and Economy
Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean, S of the Turkish coast, W of the Syrian coast. Since 1974 it has in fact been…