Greetings! We recently returned from a trip to Cyprus (SY-pruhs; country #108), where we were able to experience Paphos (PAH-fohs). Below, you will find information and photos from our trip. Please note that there will be references to religion in this post. These references are for historical purposes only, and should not be interpreted as a promotion or degradation of any religion. Please also note that references to BCE reflect the period of time Before the Common Era (similar to and interchanged with BC, which usually refers to Before Christ). AD refers to Anno Domini [Year of Our Lord], which are the years after the birth of Jesus Christ – if AD is not specified, it is assumed that the timeframe being referenced is AD.
Cyprus (9,251 sq. km/3572 sq. mi) is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean Sea, with its highest point being Mount Olympus (part of the Troodos Mountain range), at 1952m (6404ft). Cyprus is divided into six districts, one of which is Paphos (where we visited), which is the westernmost part of the island. Nicosia (nih-COH-see-uh) is the largest city, the administrative capital, and the financial and economic center of the island.
Cyprus is considered to be a Eurasian country (geographically part of Western Asia/Middle East, politically part of Europe [they use the Euro]), situated in both the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres, across from Greece (southeast), Turkey (south), Lebanon and Syria (west), and Egypt/Israel/Palestinian Gaza Strip (north).
Paphos is known as an agriculture city, exporting tropical fruits and vegetables, including bananas, mango, papaya, and passionfruit. The Greek part of Cyprus produces grapes, potatoes, grains, vegetables, olives, and carob. The Turkish part of Cyprus produces citrus fruits, wheat, barley, carrots, and tobacco. Both sides also raise livestock, but neither side has a robust fishing industry due to the lack of nutrients in the water needed to sustain large fish populations.
Paphos was named as the first capital of Cyprus by Alexander the Great, and was the capital for 800 years until it was destroyed. Paphos was moved to its current location in the 5th century BC, and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its history (which goes back to the 12th century BC), as well as the statue of the goddess, Aphrodite, as people come to Paphos to worship her.
HISTORY OF CYPRUS
The first known evidence of inhabitants in Cyprus was 9000 years ago, when 2000 people lived in a town on the southern coast. Through the subsequent time periods (including the Bronze Age), well-made pottery was traded around the region. In 1400 BCE, they imported Mycenaean pottery from Mainland Greece, and one of the first known examples of language was introduced from the island of Crete.
By 1200 BCE, people started to immigrate to Cyprus from Greece, resulting in Greek kingdoms being established around the island, including the Kingdom of Paphos. Around 525 BCE, the kings in Cyprus shifted their allegiance to the Persian conquerors in Egypt, and remained under the rule of Persia through the 5th century BC. Alexander the Great took control of Cyprus around 333 BCE, where he garnered the support of the Cypriot kings and, in return, he allowed them to continue to rule in their kingdoms. Upon the death of Alexander the Great, power was up for grabs, and was ultimately taken by Ptolemy I of Egypt, who suppressed the kingdoms and made Cyprus a part of his Egyptian kingdom, under which it remained for over two centuries.
(Greek Cypriots are primarily Eastern Orthodox Christians;
Turkish Cypriots are primarily Sunni Muslims)
In 58 BCE, Cyprus became part of the Roman Republic, and the Romans introduced Christianity to Cyprus. In AD 45, the Apostle Paul arrived in Cyprus to preach about Christianity with Barnabas. Christianity became the majority religion practiced by the time of Constantine I. Even after the division of the Roman Empire (395), Cyprus remained part of the Eastern part of the empire (the Byzantine) until 1191, when the island was taken over by King Richard I from Britain. King Richard I subsequently sold Cyprus to a Frenchman, under whom Cyprus prospered. The country had several other rulers, including Venice, which ruled Cyprus for 82 years until the Ottomans (Turks) took control of the island.
The Turks arrived in Cyprus in 1570, taking over Nicosia, and staying in power for over three centuries. Thousands of Muslims immigrated to Cyprus, and the Turks suppressed the Latin Church, and restored the Orthodox hierarchy. With uprisings and other tension through the 18th and 19th centuries, there was instability with regard to religion and politics in Cyprus. In 1878, Britain and Turkey entered into an agreement called The Cyprus Convention, which allowed Cyprus to continue under Turkish sovereignty, while simultaneously being under the administration of the British government, which continued even when Turkey and Britain were adversaries during World War I.
Cypriots (sih-pree-uhts; inhabitants of Cyprus) embraced the British presence, as they expected Britain to transfer them to Greece, which the Turks opposed. This resulted in a significant political split on the island of Cyprus, including riots in Nicosia. In 1957, the United Nations attempted to mediate between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots (who occupy the northern third of the country) to no avail. Cyprus was ruled by Britain from 1925 until they secured their independence as a republic in 1960 in Zurich, with the first elections (which included seats for Greek Cypriots and for Turkish Cypriots) taking place in July of that year.
Greek Cyprus subsequently became part of the Commonwealth in 1961, and ultimately the European Union (in 2002), but there continued to be conflict between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots, creating separation primarily in Nicosia. In 1983, Turkey declared the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to be an independent republic, which was only recognized by Turkey. The United Nations tried, again, to mediate a peace treaty between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots, and when negotiations were unsuccessful, TRNC’s constitution was approved by referendum in 1985. Subsequent attempts at reunification have also failed, even through financial crises, drilling for natural gas, and other events and situations over the years that otherwise could have made reunification a way to strengthen the country. Despite the history of conflict, younger Greek Cypriots live in harmony with their Turkish Cypriot counterparts.
Interesting Fact: Greek Cypriots also speak a dialect of the language spoken on the mainland of Greece, and many individuals go to Greece for university.
THE CULTURE AND FOOD OF CYPRUS
Cyprus is a favorite/popular destination for Europeans because of the beaches, food, bird watching, and historical sights. Cyprus’ weather is Mediterranean, with hot dry summers (June to September; average highs of 98F/37C), and rainy winters (November to March; average 59F/15C) making it a destination that appeals to different types of travelers all year round. The original tourism infrastructure was in Nicosia, and because of the conflict with the Turks, Greek Cyprus (i.e., the cities outside of Nicosia) had to build up their infrastructure to attract and absorb tourism.
Similarly to Greece, Cyprus has a very long history that has formed the character of the island today. While we only explored Paphos, there were opportunities to learn about the other parts of the island, and I look forward to returning one day to experience what the rest of the island has to offer. Until next time, take care and be well…