Cyprus - which country? Let's understand this issue together. First of all, we note that this is an independent state since 1960. Previously, it was a colony of Britain. Part of the population speaks Greek, part - in Turkish. In 1974, Turkish troops invaded the island and occupied its northern part. Since that time, more than one hundred and fifty thousand settlers have arrived in Cyprus.
The country is part of the European Union, its population is called Cypriots.
Territories in the North and South
Cyprus is divided into two parts. North is controlled by the Turks. They formed in this area TRNC - the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. However, it is recognized only by the Turks themselves. The rest call this territory occupied. Republic of Cyprus - which country? Sovereign. It is located in the southern part of the island. Sometimes it is mistakenly called Greek Cyprus.
Common misconception
Cyprus - which country? The state in question, of course, has wide cultural ties with Greece, but nevertheless it is independent. It is an internationally recognized country that is legally endowed with sovereignty throughout the island and its surrounding waters. The exception is only three percent of the territory, which, according to the appendix to the decree on the foundation of the republic, is reserved for Great Britain to host naval bases. As for the real situation, the island is divided into four parts:
- The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (in the north);
- Republic of Cyprus (in the south);
- the so-called green line dividing the two above parts and controlled by the UN;
- Two military bases in Britain - Dhekelia and Akrotiri.
History of Cyprus
This island is the third largest among all the others in the Mediterranean. Looking at Cyprus on the map, one can understand why the country had to overcome many difficulties and reflect the constant raids of the invaders. Everything is explained simply: for numerous neighbors, this island played the role of a sea base, was a source of taxes and valuable natural resources. The Greeks who brought civilization to these territories were attacked by Assyrians, Persians, Romans, Phoenicians, Venetians, Byzantines, Crusaders, Latins, British and Turks. Many wanted to gain power over the island, but the Greeks managed to maintain a leading position.
Prehistoric period
In the Paleolithic era, the island was not yet inhabited by people, only Cypriot dwarf elephants (hippos) lived there. This was repeatedly confirmed by the found remains of animals. Unfortunately, they all died out after a person mastered Cyprus. It happened in the Neolithic era, about nine to ten thousand years BC. The first people brought with them livestock - goats, cows, pigs, dogs. Newly made Cypriots actively erected houses from burnt lime. Some houses reached ten meters in diameter.
Further, the history of Cyprus makes a dramatic turn: around 3800 BC, a powerful earthquake occurred that destroyed the entire Neolithic culture. The copper-stone age came to replace it. Unique artifacts have survived to this day - chisels and hooks made of pure copper.
The next stage in the development of history on the island in question is associated with the arrival of migrants from Anatolia. This happened around 2400 BC. e. - at the dawn of the Bronze Age. It was during this period that defensive fortresses began to appear, which indicates the tense situation of that time.
Found ceramic objects related to the Iron Age, allow us to conclude that Cyprus was under the influence of the Greeks. The prehistoric period of the island's development ended with the advent of Assyrian, and then Greek and Roman written sources, telling about these territories.
Antiquity
In the era of antiquity, Cyprus remained a disputed territory. In 526 BC, the Persians conquered it from the Egyptians, and in 449 the island came under the rule of the Athenians. The conquerors of many countries of the world tore the reins of Cyprus from each other for a long time. So, historians distinguish the Roman period, then - the Byzantine. In 1191, the island was captured by the Crusaders, led by Richard the Lionheart. Subsequently, the island was occupied by the Ottomans, as well as the British.
Period of intercommunal tension
In 1960, Cyprus gained its long-awaited independence. Representatives of Turkey, England and Greece took part in the negotiations. As a result, the island was divided into two communities - Turkish and Greek. The first president was Archbishop Makarios. Under the 1960 Constitution, two communities were recognized - Greek (about 80% of the population) and Turkish (about 18%). At the same time, Turkish Cypriots received a third of all posts in the administration and the right to veto laws. In addition, their representative also became vice-president of the country.
All the increasing tension between the communities resulted in an armed clash. This event occurred in 1963. The hostilities ended only after the UN peacekeeping forces were deployed, however, the conflict was not completely extinguished.
Military coup
The tense atmosphere led to new clashes in 1974. As a result, a military junta came to power. An attempt to carry out a coup d'etat was made by the Greek Cypriot right-wing extremists. Legally elected President Makarios was overthrown. Cyprus reunited with Greece. Five days later, the Turkish authorities, on the pretext of protecting the Cypriot Turks, entered their troops and occupied about forty percent of the country's northern territories. As a result of this conflict, about six thousand people died and at least two hundred thousand left the island in refugee status.
Monuments were destroyed on the land occupied by the Turks, Byzantine churches were plundered, many cultural values โโwere exported from the country. On November 1, 1983, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was proclaimed. Until now, no state in the world has recognized it. The problem of the separation of the island today worries the Cypriots.
Symbolism
The flag of Cyprus (photo you can see below) is a white panel with the silhouette of the island. The color of the latter is orange, and this is not accidental, since it symbolizes the vast deposits of copper discovered in Cyprus about three thousand years before our era. Under the image of the island are two branches of an olive tree, representing the ethnic groups of Turks and Greeks living on the island. It is noteworthy that the image of the countryโs contours is not used on any other flag in the world.
Geographical position
Cyprus on the map is located at the intersection of the following regions: Asia Minor, North Africa and Europe. The island is stretched from west to east by 240 km, and from north to south by 100 km. Its area is more than 9 thousand square meters. km The Mediterranean Sea, washing Cyprus, makes the country attractive for lovers of beach holidays. The island coasts are mostly low-lying, slightly indented, and in the north rocky and steep. Their total length is about six hundred and fifty kilometers.
The coordinates of Cyprus are 35ยบ10ห00หห north latitude and 33ยบ21ห00หห south longitude.
Features
The geography of Cyprus owes its originality to the strongest volcanic eruption at the junction of the African and Asian geographical plates, as a result of which the island was formed. The relief is mostly mountainous. Almost 150 kilometers along the northern coast stretch the Kyrenia ridges (maximum height is 1023 m) and Karpas (the highest point is 364 m). They are different in structure, since they formed under the influence of unequal conditions. The southern and central territories are occupied by the Troodos mountain range.
What is more remarkable about Cyprus? The geographical position of the island at the crossroads of air and sea routes makes it an important strategic object of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Weather
The climate in Cyprus is stable and moderate. It is tropical Mediterranean, due to which the average life expectancy of the islanders is higher than, for example, the Americans or the British. Cypriots rarely suffer from infectious diseases.
In summer, the temperature fluctuates between 25-35 degrees Celsius, and in winter it almost never drops below +10 Celsius. The period from October to April is usually rainy. The most favorable time for a beach holiday is from June to September. Hiking enthusiasts prefer to go to Cyprus in spring when the flowers bloom. The views of flowering meadows in Troodos are truly spectacular.
Minerals
The island produces copper, marble, sulphate of lime (gypsum), bentonite clay and natural dyes (ocher, umber). Thanks to the export of these resources, the Cyprus treasury is replenished annually by 32 million euros.
In December 2011, natural gas deposits were discovered on the island (south of the coast). Their estimated volume is from 160 to 255 billion cubic meters.
Vegetable world
Evergreen shrubs grow on the plains and foothills. Forests can be seen mainly in the mountains, they are composed of oaks, cypresses, Aleppo pines and giant cacti. There are orange and lemon groves. In total, 1890 different types of trees grow in Cyprus, among them there are endemic ones, that is, characteristic only for this territory. Anemones can be found in forests, and asphodels on wastelands and roadsides. In ancient times, they were considered the mysterious messengers of the underworld.
Animal world
The fauna of Cyprus is not as rich as the flora. Wild boars, lizards, chameleons, turtles, wild rabbits, weasels, snakes and squirrels live there. There are more than three hundred species of birds on the island, including jays, great tits, dippers, crossbills, crested crows, larks, burial eagles, nightingales and kites.
Religion
Most Cypriots adhere to the Christian faith. There are many Orthodox churches on the island. According to the law, religion exists separately from the state. Each resident is free to choose faith on his own. So, Christians, Jews, and Islamists, and Hindus live in Cyprus.
sights
Cyprus - which country? Independent and beautiful! Connoisseurs of antiquity are attracted by the ruins of ancient cities, monasteries, temples, residential buildings. The abundance of monuments is explained by the fact that in antiquity the island was the center of Mediterranean trade and was the crossing point of the sea routes in the Middle Ages.
Nicosia
This city is one of the oldest in the world. Nicosia in the tenth century had the status of the capital of the island. At present, it is not established exactly when this settlement was founded. The traces of the first settlers date back to the Bronze Age. At that time, the city bore another name - Ledra.
Currently Nicosia shares a demarcation line, but even this fact does not detract from its charm. The central part of the city is surrounded by the gates of the Venice Wall, erected in 1570, and huge stone bastions. It has a radial layout and is called Old Nicosia.
Nicosia's most outstanding architectural masterpiece is considered the Gates of Famagusta, inside which exhibitions and music evenings are held. In the central part of the city you can admire ancient limestone houses, stroll along Freedom Square and visit interesting shops, coffee houses and restaurants.
Not far from the gates of Famagusta is the oldest Byzantine church of Chrysaliniotissa, built in the distant 1450.
And outside the Venetian walls there is something to admire. So, on the site of the castle moat there is a Municipal Park. This place is like no other suitable for relaxing walks. Nearby is the Museum of Cyprus. In its fourteen rooms are numerous archaeological exhibits.
Limassol
This city is the second largest after Nicosia, located on the south coast of the island. It is not as ancient as the capital, but attracts no less tourists due to its beautiful beaches and resorts. Among the latter are Centralralos, Amatos and Yermasoyas. In addition, there are interesting historical monuments in Limassol, among which even a monument erected in honor of Pushkin.
Near the city is the island of Troodos - a large picturesque massif. On its territory is the ancient residence of the rulers - Kolossi Castle, erected by the Knights Hospitallers. An observation deck is organized on the tower, which offers amazing views of the surroundings.
Amathus
This is another ancient city of Cyprus. Currently, only ruins have remained of it. It was established that it was founded around a thousand years BC. Over the next six centuries, Amathus flourished and developed. In the VII century. AD Arabs attacked the city. The conquerors did not spare Amathus, as a result he was very badly destroyed. Finally, this city was razed to the ground by Richard the Lionheart. In place of the ruins, archaeologists managed to find the baths, the sanctuary of Aphrodite, the water supply system and the basilica of the early Christian period.
It is not for nothing that the surroundings of Amathus are called the Cypriot Riviera - there are gorgeous beaches, excellent weather, decent hotels, upscale restaurants, cafes and night clubs.
Embassy in the capital of the Russian Federation
How to get a visa to visit the described island? To do this, visit the Cyprus Embassy. In Moscow, it is located at: st. Povarskaya, 9. Opening hours - from 9.30 to 16.30. In this case, documents are accepted until two in the afternoon, and issued from two to three. A visa is issued from three to fourteen days. Currently, the consular fee is 15 euros.
Conclusion
Cyprus - the island of which country? We found out that he currently has autonomy. This state is not subject to either Greece or Turkey. That is why the question of which country Cyprus is incorrect, and can even hurt the feelings of local residents.