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Revision as of 20:16, 3 June 2008 view sourcePolaron (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users44,831 editsm Reverted edits by 78.168.47.25 (talk) to last version by Polaron← Previous edit Revision as of 20:17, 3 June 2008 view source 78.168.47.25 (talk) (EUROPEAN) GREEKS ARE THE RESIDUALS OF CRUSADES IN AN ASIA ISLAND (CYPRUS). (ASIAIC) TURKS REMINDED THEM NOT TO FORGET TO RETURN HOME IN 1571 AND 1974. ALL GREEKS IS TO GO GREECE EITHER VOLUNTARILY ORNext edit →
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{{otheruses4|the internationally recognized country}} {{otheruses4|the internationally recognized country}}
{{Infobox Country {{Infobox Country
|native_name = Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία <small>(])</small><br />''Kypriakī́ Dīmokratía''<br />''Kıbrıs Cumhuriyeti'' <small>(])</small> |native_name = ''Kıbrıs Cumhuriyeti'' <small>(])</small>
|conventional_long_name = Republic of Cyprus |conventional_long_name = Republic of Cyprus
|common_name = Cyprus |common_name = Cyprus
|image_flag = Flag of Cyprus.svg |image_flag = Flag of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.svg
|image_coat = Cyprus_Coat_of_Arms.png |image_coat = Cyprus_Coat_of_Arms.png
|image_map = Location Cyprus in EU.PNG |image_map = Location Cyprus in EU.PNG
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|subregion=the ] |location_color=dark green | subregion_color=light green |region_color=dark grey |legend=}} |subregion=the ] |location_color=dark green | subregion_color=light green |region_color=dark grey |legend=}}
|national_motto = |national_motto =
|national_anthem = Ὕμνος εἰς τὴν Ἐλευθερίαν<br />''Ymnos is tin Eleftherian''<br />]<sup>1</sup> |national_anthem = "İstiklal Marşı" in Turkish <br />]<sup>1</sup>
|official_languages = ],] |official_languages = ]
|demonym = Cypriot |demonym = Cypriot
|capital = ] (Lefkosia, Lefkosa) |capital = ] (Lefkosia, Lefkosa)
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|government_type = ] |government_type = ]
|leader_title1 = ] |leader_title1 = ]
|leader_name1 = ] |leader_name1 = ]
|accessionEUdate = ] ] |accessionEUdate = ] ]
|area_rank = 167<sup>th</sup> |area_rank = 167<sup>th</sup>
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|area_sq_mi = 3,572 <!--Do not remove per ]--> |area_sq_mi = 3,572 <!--Do not remove per ]-->
|percent_water = negligible |percent_water = negligible
|population_census = 788,457 |population_census = 264172 (natives) & 788,457 (Residuals of Crusades(Greeks))
|population_census_year = 2007 |population_census_year = 2007
|population_density_km2 = 85 |population_density_km2 = 85
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|established_event1 = Date |established_event1 = Date
|established_date1 = ] ] |established_date1 = ] ]
|currency = ] |currency = ]
|currency_code = EUR |currency_code = TRY
|time_zone = ] |time_zone = ]
|utc_offset = +2 |utc_offset = +2
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|country_code = CY (ISO 3166) |country_code = CY (ISO 3166)
|calling_code = 357 |calling_code = 357
|footnote1 = Also the national anthem of ]. |footnote1 = Also the national anthem of ].
|footnote2 = Before 2008: ] |footnote2 = Before and After 2008: ]
|footnote3 = The ] domain is also used, shared with other ] member states. |footnote3 = The ] domain is also used, shared with other ] member states.
}} }}


'''Cyprus''' ({{lang-el|Κύπρος, ''Kýpros''}}; {{lang-tr|Kıbrıs}}), officially the '''Republic of Cyprus''' ({{lang-el|Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία, ''Kypriakī́ Dīmokratía''}}; {{lang-tr|Kıbrıs Cumhuriyeti}}) is a ]n ] situated in the eastern ] south of ], west of the ], north of ], and eastsoutheast of ]. '''Cyprus''' ({{lang-tr|Kıbrıs}}), officially the '''Republic of Cyprus''' ({{lang-tr|Kıbrıs Cumhuriyeti}}) is a ]n ] situated in the eastern ] south of ], west of the ], north of ].


Cyprus is the third-largest island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, attracting over 2.4 million tourists per year.<ref>Invest in Cyprus website - figures do not include tourism to the occupied North </ref> A ], it gained independence from the ] in 1960 and became a ] in 1961. The Republic of Cyprus is a ] and has been a member of the ] since ] ]. It adopted the euro on ] ]. Cyprus is the third-largest island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, attracting over 2.4 million tourists per year.<ref> Invest in Cyprus website - figures do not include tourism to the occupied South </ref> A ], it gained independence from the ] in 1960 and became a ] in 1961. The Republic of Cyprus is a ] and has been a member of the ] since ] ].


In 1974, following a ] between ] and ] and an attempted Greek Cypriot ] aimed at annexing the island to Greece<ref>BBC News website </ref> and sponsored by the ], Turkey ] one-third of the island. This led to the ] of thousands of Cypriots and the establishment of a separate ] in the north. This event and its resulting political situation is ]. In 1974, following a ] between ] and ] and an attempted Greek Cypriot ] aimed at annexing the island to Greece<ref>BBC News website </ref> and sponsored by the ], Turkey ] one-third of the island since 1878. This led to the establishment of a separate ] in the north. This event and its resulting political situation is ].



The Republic of Cyprus, the internationally recognized ], claimed ] over 97% of the island of Cyprus and all surrounding waters, with the United Kingdom controlling the remaining three percent. The island is '']'' partitioned into four main parts:<ref>The Republic of Cyprus exercises full effective control over approximately 59% of the island, the self-proclaimed ] controls over approximately 36% of the island, and the remaining approximately 5% of the land mass is split evenly between British-controlled Sovereign Base Areas and the UN-controlled Green Line. See relevant reference articles for areas</ref>
The island is '']'' partitioned into four main parts:<ref>The Republic of Cyprus exercises control over approximately 57% of the island, ] controls over approximately 40% of the island, and the remaining approximately 3% of the land mass is split evenly between British-controlled Sovereign Base Areas and the UN-controlled Green Line. See relevant reference articles for areas</ref>


* the area under the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus in the south of the island; * the area under the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus in the south of the island;
* the Turkish-occupied area in the north,<ref></ref> ] the ] (] only by Turkey); * the Turkish area in the north,<ref></ref> ] the ] (] only by Turkey);
* the ]] ], separating the two; and * the ]] ], separating the two; and
* two ] (]), over which the United Kingdom retained jurisdiction after Cypriot independence.<ref>According to Article 1 and Annex A of the Treaty of Establishment of the Republic of Cyprus - see </ref> * two ] (]), over which the United Kingdom retained jurisdiction after Cypriot independence.<ref>According to Article 1 and Annex A of the Treaty of Establishment of the Republic of Cyprus - see </ref>


==Etymology== ==Etymology==
The name 'Cyprus' has a somewhat uncertain ]. One suggestion is that it comes from the Greek word for the ] ('']''), ''κυπάρισσος'' (''kypárissos''), or even from the Greek name of the ] ('']''), ''κύπρος'' (''kýpros''). Another school suggests that it stems from the ] word for ]. Georges Dossin, for example, suggests that it has roots in the ] word for ] (''zubar'') or for ] (''kubar''), from the large deposits of copper ore found on the island. Through overseas trade the island has given its name to the ] word for the metal through the phrase ''aes Cyprium'', "metal of Cyprus", later shortened to ''Cuprum''.<ref></ref> Cyprus is also called "''the island of Aphrodite''" ,<ref>Les îles des Princes, banlieue maritime d'Istanboul: guide touristique - Page 136 The name 'Cyprus' has a somewhat uncertain ]. One suggestion is that it comes from the Turkish word for the ] ('']''). Another school suggests that it stems from the ] word for ]. Georges Dossin, for example, suggests that it has roots in the ] word for ] (''zubar'') or for ] (''kubar''), from the large deposits of copper ore found on the island. Through overseas trade the island has given its name to the ] word for the metal through the phrase ''aes Cyprium'', "metal of Cyprus", later shortened to ''Cuprum''.<ref></ref> Cyprus is also called "''the island of Aphrodite''" ,<ref>Les îles des Princes, banlieue maritime d'Istanboul: guide touristique - Page 136
by Ernest Mamboury</ref> since the ] ] ], of beauty and love, was born in Cyprus. The most common theory is that it came from their word for copper, Kypros, because the island had rich deposits of copper. by Ernest Mamboury</ref> since the ] ] ], of beauty and love, was born in Cyprus. The most common theory is that it came from their word for copper, Kypros, because the island had rich deposits of copper.


==History== ==History==
{{main article|History of North Nicosia}}
] Wall fortifications, Nicosia]]
]:facade]]
The christian crusades tried to conquer the city of Kudüs (Jeruselam). They first captured the island of Cyprus. After crusades defeated by the eastern Muslim armies, they withdraw from the east and return to the Europe. SPANIANS RETURNED TO SPANIA, ITALIANS RETURNED TO ITALIA, FRENCHS RETURNED TO FRANCE, ETC. But some of these greevy people - who are in the seek of capturing prosperity of the east - did not leave the east completely. Consequently, the existence of a European race (Greeks) in the Cyprus island comes from these residuals, namely Greeks (a European race) in an Asia island (Cyprus) are the residuals of the crusades.

Ottoman Turks (an eastern race) conquered the half of the island in 1570. In 1571, Turks conquered the island completely. Hence, the Asiaic Cyprus island became again home to the Asiaic race (Turks). During Ottoman Turks-Russia war, Turks left only the administration of Cyprus to the ]. In 1914, by the conflicting atmosphere of WW1, British Empire declared illegally that the Cyprus island is a Crown colony , opposite to the 1878 agreement between Turks and Britons.

Nicosia was the scene of extreme violence in the period just prior to Cypriot independence in 1960. Since the Greek supported coup and etnically tried cleansing of Turks, Turkey acted in 1974.

The core of the city also has well-preserved Venetian fortifications, built in the 16th century, which encircle the old, medieval part of the city.

{{Cleanup-section|date=May 2008}} {{Cleanup-section|date=May 2008}}
{{main|History of Cyprus}} {{main|History of Cyprus}}
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] Theatre outside the city of ].]] ] Theatre outside the city of ].]]


In 1570, a full scale conquest under ] with 60,000 troops brought the island under Ottoman control, despite stiff resistance by the inhabitants of ] and ]. The Ottomans applied the ] and allowed religious authorities to govern their own non-] minorities, but at the same time invested the ] as a mediator between Christian Cypriots and the authorities granting it not only religious but political and economic powers. Heavy taxation led to rebellions - between 1572 and 1668, around twenty-eight bloody uprisings took place - forcing the ] to intervene. The first large-scale census of the Ottoman Empire in 1831, counting only men, showed 14,983 Muslims and 29,190 Christians.<ref>"Memalik-i Mahrusa-i Sahanede 1247 senesinde mevcut olan nufus defteri", Istanbul University library, ms.kat d-8 no:8867.</ref> By 1872, the population of the island had risen to 144,000 comprising 44,000 Muslims and 100,000 Christians.<ref>''Osmanli Nufusu 1830–1914'' by Kemal Karpat, ISBN 975-333-169-X and ''Die Völker des Osmanischen'' by Ritter zur Helle von Samo.</ref> In 1570, a full scale conquering under ] with 60,000 troops brought the island under Ottoman control. The Ottomans applied the ] and allowed religious authorities to govern their own non-] minorities, but at the same time invested the ] as a mediator between Christian Cypriots and the authorities granting it not only religious but political and economic powers. The first large-scale census of the Ottoman Empire in 1831, counting only men, showed 14,983 Muslims and 29,190 Christians.<ref>"Memalik-i Mahrusa-i Sahanede 1247 senesinde mevcut olan nufus defteri", Istanbul University library, ms.kat d-8 no:8867.</ref> By 1872, the population of the island had risen to 144,000 comprising 44,000 Muslims and 100,000 Christians.<ref>''Osmanli Nufusu 1830–1914'' by Kemal Karpat, ISBN 975-333-169-X and ''Die Völker des Osmanischen'' by Ritter zur Helle von Samo.</ref>


] in ], ].]] ] in ], ].]]


Administration (but not sovereignty) of the island ] to the ] in 1878, in the aftermath of the ]. The island would serve Britain as a key military base in its its colonial routes. By 1906, when the Famagusta harbour was completed, Cyprus was a strategic naval outpost overlooking the ], the crucial main route to ], then Britain's most important colony. Following ] and the Ottoman alliance with the ], the ] annexed the island. In 1923, under the ], the nascent ] relinquished any claim to Cyprus, and in 1925 it was declared a British ]. Many Greek Cypriots, fought in the ] during both world wars, under the impression that Cyprus would eventually be united with ]. Administration (but not sovereignty) of the island ] to the ] in 1878, in the aftermath of the ]. The island would serve Britain as a key military base in its its colonial routes. By 1906, when the Famagusta harbour was completed, Cyprus was a strategic naval outpost overlooking the ], the crucial main route to ], then Britain's most important colony. Following ] and the Ottoman alliance with the ], the ] annexed the island. In 1923, under the ], the nascent ] relinquished claim to Cyprus only temporarily, and in 1925 it was declared a British ]. Many Greek Cypriots, fought in the ] during both world wars, under the impression that Cyprus would eventually be united with ].


In January 1950 the Orthodox Church organized a referendum boycotted by the Turkish Cypriot community with over 90% voting in favour of union with Greece. Restricted autonomy under a constitution was proposed by the British administration but eventually rejected. In 1955 the ] organisation was founded, seeking independence and union with Greece through armed struggle. At the same time the ], calling for ], was established by the Turkish Cypriots as a counterweight .<ref>{{Citation Restricted autonomy under a constitution was proposed by the British administration but eventually rejected. In 1955 the ] Greek Cypriot terrorists organisation was founded, seeking independence and union with Greece through armed struggle. At the same time the ] aiming the pre-1878 full Turkish sovereignity was established by the Turkish Cypriots as a counterweight .<ref>{{Citation
|url=http://www.cyprus-conflict.net/www.cyprus-conflict.net/mavratsas.html |url=http://www.cyprus-conflict.net/www.cyprus-conflict.net/mavratsas.html
|title=Politics, Social Memory, and Identity in Greek Cyprus since 1974 |title=Politics, Social Memory, and Identity in Greek Cyprus since 1974
|author=Caesar V. Mavratsas |author=Caesar V. Mavratsas
|publisher=cyprus-conflict.net |publisher=cyprus-conflict.net
|accessdate=2007-10-13}}</ref> Turmoil on the island was met with force by the British who started openly favouring Turks in police and administration as part of a divide-and-conquer policy. Nevertheless, Cyprus attained independence in 1960 after an agreement in ] between the United Kingdom, Greece and Turkey. Britain retained two ] in ] while government posts and public offices were allocated by ethnic quotas giving the minority Turks a permanent veto, 30% in parliament and administration, and granting the 3 mother-states guarantor rights. |accessdate=2007-10-13}}</ref> Turmoil on the island was met with force by the British who started openly favouring Greeks in police and administration as part of a divide-and-conquer policy. Nevertheless, Cyprus attained independence in 1960 after an agreement in ] between the United Kingdom, Greece and Turkey. Britain retained two ] in ] while government posts and public offices were allocated by ethnic quotas giving the Turks a veto, 30% in parliament and administration, and granting the 3 mother-states guarantor rights.


].]] ].]]
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|title=The Cyprus Conflict; The Main Narrative, continued |title=The Cyprus Conflict; The Main Narrative, continued
|publisher=cyprus-conflict.net |publisher=cyprus-conflict.net
|accessdate=2007-10-13}}</ref> - with Turkish Cypriots shortly afterwards withdrawn in ] and Greek Cypriot leader Archbishop ] calling for ] as a means to ease tensions. In 1974 the US-backed ] - in power since 1967 - partly in a move to draw attention away from internal turmoil and partly unsatisfied with Makarios' policy in Cyprus, attempted a coup on July 13 to replace him with ] and declare union with ]. Seven days later, Turkey launched an ] to reinstate the constitution. This resulted in bloody conflict and partition of the island. The overwhelming Turkish land, naval and air superiority against the island's weak defences led to 37% of the land being brought under Turkish control. 170,000 Greek Cypriots were evicted from their homes in the north with 50,000 Turks following the opposite path. |accessdate=2007-10-13}}</ref> - with Turkish Cypriots shortly afterwards withdrawn in ] and Greek Cypriot leader Archbishop ] calling for ] as a means to ease tensions. In 1974 the US-backed ] - in power since 1967 - partly in a move to draw attention away from internal turmoil and partly unsatisfied with Makarios' policy in Cyprus, attempted a coup on July 13 to replace him with ] and declare union with ]. Seven days later, Turkey launched an ] allegedly to reinstate the constitution. The overwhelming Turkish land, naval and air superiority against the Greek's weak defences led to 40% of the land being brought under Turkish control.


In 1983 Turkish Cypriots unilaterally proclaimed ], which was only recognized by Turkey. In 1983 Turkish Cypriots declared ].


As of today, there are 1,534 Greek Cypriots <ref>{{Citation As of today, there are 1,534 Greek Cypriots <ref>{{Citation
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|title=Missing cause to get cash injection |title=Missing cause to get cash injection
|publisher=Cyprus Mail |publisher=Cyprus Mail
|accessdate=2007-10-13}}</ref> missing as a result of the invasion. The events of the summer of 1974 dominate the ] on the island, as well as ]. Around 100,000 settlers from Turkey are believed to be living in the north in violation of the ] and various UN resolutions. Following the invasion and the capture of its northern territory by Turkish troops, the Republic of Cyprus announced that all of its ports of entry in the north are closed, as they are not under its effective control. ] Turkey refers to this event as an "embargo". |accessdate=2007-10-13}}</ref> The events of the summer of 1974 dominate the ] on the island, as well as ].


].]] ].]]


Since ] but not ] partition of the Republic, the north and south have followed separate paths. The Republic of Cyprus is a constitutional democracy that has reached great levels of prosperity, with a booming economy and good infrastructure. It is part of the ], the ] and several other organisations by whom it is recognized as the sole legitimate government of the whole island. The area of the Republic of Cyprus not under its effective control, the north, is over-dependent on help from Turkey. The last major effort to settle the ], was the ]. On ] ], this most recent phase of talks collapsed in ], ], when 30 year strong Turkish Cypriot leader ] told the Secretary-General he would not put the Annan Plan to ]. "The plan was unacceptable for us. This was not a plan we would ask our people to vote for," Mr Denktaş said. The UN plan had undergone several revisions in an attempt to win support. It was the Turkish Cypriot side which refused to even talk further, and which was blamed for the failure of the peace process .<ref></ref> Later in its 5th <ref></ref> revision the plan gained the support of the Turkish Cypriots but ] of the Greek Cypriots. Since partition of the Republic, the north and south have followed separate paths. The North is a constitutional democracy that has reached great levels of prosperity, with a booming economy and good infrastructure. The area of the Republic of Cyprus under Greek Crusades control, the south, is over-dependent on help from Greece. The last major effort to settle the ], was the ]. On ] ], this most recent phase of talks collapsed in ], ]. It was the Greek Cypriot side which refused to even talk further, and which was blamed for the failure of the peace process .<ref></ref> Later in its 5th <ref></ref> revision the plan gained the support of the Turkish Cypriots but ] of the Greek Cypriots.


In July 2006 the island served as a safe haven for people fleeing Lebanon due to the conflict between ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |first= |last=Xinhua |title= About 11,500 people flee Lebanon to Cyprus |url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200607/21/eng20060721_285223.html |work=] |page= |date=] |accessdate=}}</ref> In July 2006 the island served as a safe haven for people fleeing Lebanon due to the conflict between ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |first= |last=Xinhua |title= About 11,500 people flee Lebanon to Cyprus |url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200607/21/eng20060721_285223.html |work=] |page= |date=] |accessdate=}}</ref>
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] Mountain Range.]] ] Mountain Range.]]
] of Cyprus.]] ] of Cyprus.]]
The third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after ] and ]), Cyprus is situated in the eastern Mediterranean, just south of the ]n peninsula (or ''Asia Minor'') of the Asian mainland; thus, it is often included in the ] (see also ] and ]). Turkey is {{convert|75|km|mi|0}} north; other neighbouring countries include Syria and Lebanon to the east, ] to the southeast, Egypt to the south, and Greece to the westnorthwest. The third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after ] and ]), Cyprus is situated in the eastern Mediterranean, just south of the ]n peninsula (or ''Asia Minor'') of the Asian mainland; thus, it is often included in the ] (see also ] and ]). Turkey is {{convert|75|km|mi|0}} north; other neighbouring countries include Syria and Lebanon to the east, ] to the southeast, Egypt to the south.


However, historically, politically and culturally Cyprus is closely aligned with Europe – the Greek Cypriots with Greece and the ] Cypriots with Turkey. Historically, Cyprus has been at the ] between Europe, Western Asia, and ], with lengthy periods of mainly Greek and intermittent Anatolian, ]ine, and ] influences. Though these influences may cause some to consider Cyprus as a ], such a term is properly applied only to nations whose boundaries straddle more than one continent e.g. Turkey, Russia and Egypt. However, politically Cyprus is closely aligned with Europe – the Greek Cypriots with Greece and the ] Cypriots with Turkey. Historically, Cyprus has been at the ] between Europe, Western Asia, and ], with lengthy periods of mainly Greek and intermittent Anatolian, ]ine, and ] influences. Though these influences may cause some to consider Cyprus as a ], such a term is properly applied only to nations whose boundaries straddle more than one continent e.g. Turkey, Russia and Egypt.


The central plain, the ], is bordered by the Kyrenia and ] mountains to the north and the ] to the south and west. There are also scattered, but significant, plains along the southern coast. The island's highest point is at the summit of ] {{convert|1952|m|ft|0}}, in the heart of the Troödos range. The central plain, the ], is bordered by the Kyrenia and ] mountains to the north and the ] to the south and west. There are also scattered, but significant, plains along the southern coast. The island's highest point is at the summit of ] {{convert|1952|m|ft|0}}, in the heart of the Troödos range.
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Cyprus is a ]. The head of state and the government is the President, who is elected by the universal suffrage for a five-year term. Executive power is exercised by the government. Federal legislative power is vested in both the government and the House of Representatives. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. Cyprus is a ]. The head of state and the government is the President, who is elected by the universal suffrage for a five-year term. Executive power is exercised by the government. Federal legislative power is vested in both the government and the House of Representatives. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.


The 1960 Constitution provided for a presidential system of government with independent executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as a complex system of checks and balances, including a weighted power-sharing ratio designed to protect the interests of the Turkish Cypriots. The executive, was headed by a Greek Cypriot president and a Turkish Cypriot vice president elected by their respective communities for five-year terms and each possessing a right of veto over certain types of legislation and executive decisions. Legislate power rested on the House of Representatives, also elected on the basis of separate voters' rolls. Since 1964, following clashes between the two communities, the Turkish Cypriot seats in the House remain vacant.


After an invasion of the island by ] in 1974, Cyprus was divided, ''de facto'', into the Greek Cypriot controlled southern two-thirds of the island and the Turkish-occupied northern third. The Turkish Cypriots subsequently declared independence in 1983 as the ] but have not been recognized by any country in the world, except Turkey. In 1985, the ] adopted a constitution and held its first elections. All foreign governments (except Turkey), as well as the United Nations, recognise the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus over the whole island of Cyprus.


The House of Representatives currently has 59 members elected for a five year term, 56 members by proportional representation and 3 observer members representing the ], ] and ] minorities. 24 seats are allocated to the Turkish community but remain vacant since 1964. The political environment is dominated by the communist ], the liberal conservative ], the centrist<ref>http://www.diko.org.cy/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=24</ref> ], the social-democratic ] and the centrist ].



On ] ], ] of the ] was elected President of Cyprus, thus marking his party's first electoral victory without being part of a wider coalition, making Cyprus one of only two countries in the world to have a democratically elected ] government (the other being ]), and is the only European Union member state currently under communist leadership. Christofias took over government from ] of ], who had been in office since February 2003.
In ], ] was elected President of Cyprus.


===Districts=== ===Districts===
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Cyprus has four ]s, all in territory that belongs to the ]. The first two are the villages of ] and ]. Additionally there is the ], which is divided by a British road into two parts. The northern part is an enclave, like the two villages, whereas the southern part is located by the sea and therefore not an enclave, although it has no territorial waters of its own.<ref></ref> Cyprus has four ]s, all in territory that belongs to the ]. The first two are the villages of ] and ]. Additionally there is the ], which is divided by a British road into two parts. The northern part is an enclave, like the two villages, whereas the southern part is located by the sea and therefore not an enclave, although it has no territorial waters of its own.<ref></ref>


The UN buffer zone separating the territory controlled by the Turkish Cypriot administration from the rest of Cyprus runs up against Dhekelia and picks up again from its east side, off ] (connected to the rest of Dhekelia by a thin land corridor). In that sense, the buffer zone turns the southeast corner of the island, the ] area, into a ''de facto'', though not '']'', exclave. The UN buffer zone separating the territory controlled by the Greek Cypriot administration from the rest of Cyprus runs up against Dhekelia and picks up again from its east side, off ] (connected to the rest of Dhekelia by a thin land corridor). In that sense, the buffer zone turns the southeast corner of the island, the ] area, into a ''de facto'', though not '']'', exclave.


===Human rights===
The constant focus on the division of the island can sometimes mask other human rights issues. Prostitution is rife in both the government-controlled and the Turkish-occupied regions, and the island as a whole has been criticised<ref>{{Citation
|url=http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.php?id=26259&cat_id=1
|title=US report raps Cyprus over battle on flesh trade
|author=Jean Christou
|publisher=cyprus-mail.com
|accessdate=2007-10-13}}</ref> for its role in the sex trade as one of the main routes of ] from Eastern Europe.<ref>{{Citation
|url=http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.php?id=24784&cat_id=9
|title=A shame on our society
|author=Jacqueline Theodoulou
|publisher=cyprus-mail.com
|accessdate=2007-10-13}}</ref> The regime in the North has been the focus of occasional ] criticisms<ref>{{Citation
|url=http://www.freemedia.at/cms/ipi/statements_detail.html?ctxid=CH0055&docid=CMS1168350896599
|title=IPI deeply concerned over criminal defamation charges brought against daily newspaper in Northern Cyprus
|date=] ]
|publisher=international Press Institute
|accessdate=2007-10-13}}</ref> regarding heavy-handed treatment of newspaper editors. ] legislation in the Republic remains largely unimplemented,<ref>{{Citation
|url=http://www.hri.org/docs/USSD-Rights/95/Cyprus95.html#Section5
|title=Cyprus Human Rights Practices, 1995: Discrimination Based on Race, Sex, Religion, Disability, Language, or Social Status
|author: U.S. Department of State
|date: March 1996
|publisher=Hellenic Resources network
|accessdate=2007-10-13}}</ref> and it has not yet been passed into law in the North. Reports on the mistreatment of domestic staff, mostly immigrant workers from developing countries, are sometimes reported in the Greek Cypriot press.<ref></ref>


==Military==
{{main|Military of Cyprus}}

The ] is the main military institution of the Republic of Cyprus. It is a ] force, with land, air and naval elements.

The land forces of the Cypriot National Guard comprise the following units:
*First Infantry Division (Ιη Μεραρχία ΠΖ)
*Second Infantry Division (ΙΙα Μεραρχία ΠΖ)
*Fourth Infantry Brigade (ΙVη Ταξιαρχία ΠΖ)
*Twentieth Armored Brigade (ΧΧη ΤΘ Ταξιαρχία)
*Third Support Brigade (ΙΙΙη Ταξιαρχία ΥΠ)
*Eighth Support Brigade (VIIIη Ταξιαρχία ΥΠ)

The air force includes the 449th Helicopter Gunship Squadron (449 ΜΑΕ) - operating ] and ] and the 450th Helicopter Gunship Squadron (450 ME/P) - operating ], ] and ]. Current Senior officers include Supreme Commander, Cypriot National Guard: Lt. Gen. Konstantinos Bisbikas, Deputy Commander, Cypriot National Guard: Lt. Gen. Savvas Argyrou and Chief of Staff, Cypriot National Guard: Maj. Gen. Gregory Stamoulis.

==Economy==
{{main|Economy of Cyprus}}
]]]
The Cypriot economy is prosperous and has diversified in recent years.<ref name=econ/> Its ] (adjusted for ]) is slightly lower than that of ], ], ] and the ], but slightly higher than the ] average. Cyprus has been sought as a base for several offshore businesses for its highly developed infrastructure. Economic policy of the Cyprus government has focused on meeting the criteria for admission to the European Union. Adoption of the ] as a national currency is required of all new countries joining the ], and the Cypriot government adopted the currency on ] ].<ref name=econ>{{cite web |url=http://www.cyprus.gov.cy/portal/portal.nsf/All/2E23E22A811DE449C2256EBD004F3BEB?OpenDocument |title=Cyprus Economy |accessdate=2007-05-04 |work=Republic of Cyprus |publisher=www.cyprus.gov.cy }}</ref>

] has recently been discovered in the seabed between Cyprus and Egypt, and talks are underway between ] and ] to reach an agreement regarding the exploration of these resources.<ref name=oil>{{cite news |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/01/30/europe/EU-GEN-Turkey-Cyprus-Oil.php |title=Turkey warns Lebanon, Egypt against oil exploration deal with Cyprus |accessdate=2007-05-04 |date=2007-01-30 |publisher=www.iht.com |work=AP/International Herald Tribune}}</ref> The seabed separating Lebanon and Cyprus is believed to hold significant quantities of crude oil and ].<ref name=oil/>

The economy of the Turkish-occupied area is dominated by the services sector, including the public sector, trade, tourism and education, with smaller agriculture and light manufacturing sectors. The economy operates on a free-market basis, although it continues to be handicapped by the political isolation of Turkish Cypriots, the lack of private and governmental investment, high freight costs, and shortages of skilled labor. Despite these constraints, the economy turned in an impressive performance in 2003 and 2004, with growth rates of 9.6% and 11.4%. The average income in the area is $5,000 per capita, and the Turkish government has pledged to increase this to $12,000 through investment and aid.<ref>Abdullah Gul, quoted in the Turkish Daily News ] ] .</ref> Growth has been buoyed by the relative stability of the ] and by a boom in the education and construction sectors.

==Demographics==
{{main|Demographics of Cyprus}}
]
]
According to the last census carried out by the Republic in 1960, ] comprise 77% of the island's population, ] 18%, while the remaining 5% are of other ethnicities. However, after the Turkish invasion of 1974, about 150,000 Turks from Anatolia were transferred or decided to settle in the north. This has changed the actual demographic structure of the island. Northern Cyprus now claims 265,100 inhabitants,<ref>{{Citation
|url=http://www.observercyprus.com/observer/NewsDetails.aspx?id=1180
|title=Population of Northern Cyprus: 178 thousand
|date=2007-02-16
|publisher=The Observer (Cyprus)
|accessdate=2007-10-13}}</ref> closer to 30% of the population of the island. The TRNC has granted citizenship to these immigrants: however, as the TRNC is not recognised by the Republic or the international community (with the exception of Turkey), its power to create new citizens is not recognised and the newcomers retain Turkish passports. The result of this situation is that percentage population estimates vary widely.

In the years since the census data were gathered in 2000, Cyprus has also seen a large influx of ] from countries such as ], the ] and ], as well as major increases in the numbers of permanent British residents. The island is also home to a significant ] minority, as well as a large refugee population consisting of people mainly from ], ] and ]. There is also a ] minority present in Cyprus.

Since the country joined the ], a significant ] population has also grown up, joining sizeable communities from ] and ] (mostly ], immigrating after the fall of the ]), ], ] and Eastern European states.

There is also a significant and thriving Cypriot Diaspora in other countries, with the United States, the United Kingdom, Greece and Australia hosting the majority of migrants who fled the Turkish invasion in 1974.

===Religion===
{{main|Religion in Cyprus}}
].]]
Most Greek Cypriots, and thus the majority of the population of Cyprus, are members of the ], whereas most Turkish Cypriots are Muslim. According to Eurobarometer 2005 ,<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_225_report_en.pdf Social values, Science and technology. Eurobarometer 2005. TNS Opinion & Social</ref> Cyprus is one of the most religious countries in ], along with ], ], ] and ]. In addition to the Orthodox Christian and Muslim communities, there are also small ], ], ], ], ] (Eastern Rites Catholic) and ] communities in Cyprus.

===Education===

Cyprus has a well-developed system of primary and secondary education offering both public and private education. The high quality of instruction can be attributed to a large extent to the above-average competence of the teachers. State schools are generally seen as equivalent in quality of education to private-sector institutions. However, the value of a state high-school diploma is limited by the fact that the grades obtained account for only around 25% of the final grade for each topic, with the remaining 75% assigned by the teacher during the semester, in a minimally transparent way. Greek (]) and Cypriot universities () ignore high school grades almost entirely for admissions purposes. While a high-school diploma is mandatory for university attendance, admissions are decided almost exclusively on the basis of scores at centrally administered university entrance examinations that all university candidates are required to take. The majority of Cypriots receive their higher education at Greek, British, Turkish, other European and North American universities. Private colleges and state-supported universities have been developed by both the Turkish and Greek communities.

==Culture==
===Art=== ===Art===
{{Expand-section|date=April 2008}} {{Expand-section|date=April 2008}}
Line 278: Line 214:
{{main|Music of Cyprus}} {{main|Music of Cyprus}}


The traditional folk music of Cyprus has many common elements with Greek mainland and island folk music, including dances like the ], ], ], tatsia, and the kartsilamas. The instruments commonly associated with Cyprus folk music are the ] ("laouto"), ] ("fkiolin"), ] and the Cyprus flute ("pithkiavlin"). There is also a form of musical poetry known as "chattista", which is often performed at traditional feasts and celebrations. Composers associated with traditional music in Cyprus include ], ], Solon Michaelides, Savvas Salides. Pop music in Cyprus is generally influenced by the Greek pop music "]" scene, with several artists such as ] and ] earning widespread popularity. Cypriot rock and "entechno" rock music is often associated with artists such as ] and ]. Metal also has a following in Cyprus, represented by bands such as ], Blynd and Armageddon Rev. 16:16. The traditional folk music of Cyprus has many common elements with Greek mainland and island folk music, including dances like the ], ], ], tatsia, and the kartsilamas. The instruments commonly associated with Cyprus folk music are the ] ("laouto"), ] ("fkiolin"), ] and the Cyprus flute ("pithkiavlin"). There is also a form of musical poetry known as "chattista", which is often performed at traditional feasts and celebrations. Composers associated with traditional music in Cyprus include ], ], Solon Michaelides, Savvas Salides. Pop music in Cyprus is generally influenced by the Turkish pop music "]" scene, with several artists such as ] and ] earning widespread popularity. Cypriot rock and "entechno" rock music is often associated with artists such as ] and ]. Metal also has a following in Cyprus, represented by bands such as ], Blynd and Armageddon Rev. 16:16.


===Literature=== ===Literature===
Literary production of the antiquity includes the ], an epic poem probably composed in the later seventh century BC and attributed to ]. The ] is one of the very first specimens of Greek and European poetry.<ref>"An indication that at least the main contents of the ''Cypria'' were known around 650 BCE is provided by the representation of the ] on the ]" (Burkert 1992:103). On the proto-Corinthian ] of ca. 640 BCE known as the , Paris is identified as ''Alexandros'', as he was apparently called in ''Cypria''.</ref> The Cypriot ] was the founder of the Stoic philosophy. Epic poetry, notably the "acritic songs", flourished during Middle Ages. Two chronicles, one written by Leontios Machairas and the other by Voustronios, refer to the period under French domination (15th century). Poèmes d'amour written in medieval Greek Cypriot date back from 16th century. Some of them are actual translations of poems written by ], ], ] and G. ].<ref>Th. Siapkaras- Pitsillidés, Le Pétrarchisme en Cypre. Poèmes d' amour en dialecte Chypriote d' après un manuscript du XVIe siècle, Athènes 1975 (2ème édition)</ref> Modern literary figures from Cyprus include the poet and writer ], poet ], poet Michalis Pasardis, writer ], ], ] and also ]. ] and ] are folk poets who wrote poems mainly in the Cypriot-Greek dialect. The majority of the play '']'' by ] is set on the island of Cyprus. Cyprus also figures in religious literature, most notably in ], according to which the Apostles Barnabas and Paul preached on the island. Literary production of the antiquity includes the ], an epic poem probably composed in the later seventh century BC and attributed to ]. The ] is one of the very first specimens of Greek and European poetry.<ref>"An indication that at least the main contents of the ''Cypria'' were known around 650 BCE is provided by the representation of the ] on the ]" (Burkert 1992:103). On the proto-Corinthian ] of ca. 640 BCE known as the , Paris is identified as ''Alexandros'', as he was apparently called in ''Cypria''.</ref> The Cypriot ] was the founder of the Stoic philosophy. Epic poetry, notably the "acritic songs", flourished during Middle Ages. Two chronicles, one written by Leontios Machairas and the other by Voustronios, refer to the period under French domination (15th century). Poèmes d'amour written in medieval Greek Cypriot date back from 16th century. Some of them are actual translations of poems written by ], ], ] and G. ].<ref>Th. Siapkaras- Pitsillidés, Le Pétrarchisme en Cypre. Poèmes d' amour en dialecte Chypriote d' après un manuscript du XVIe siècle, Athènes 1975 (2ème édition)</ref> Modern literary figures from Cyprus include the poet and writer ], poet ], poet Michalis Pasardis, writer ], ], ] and also ]. ] and ] are folk poets who wrote poems mainly in the Cypriot-Greek dialect. The majority of the play '']'' by ] is set on the island of Cyprus. Cyprus also figures in religious literature, most notably in ], according to which the Apostles Barnabas and Paul preached on the island.


===Cuisine===
{{main|Cuisine of Cyprus}}
], (a cheese made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk) originates from Cyprus, and is commonly served sliced and grilled as an appetizer. Seafood dishes of Cyprus include calamari (squid), ] in red wine, (red mullet), and sea bass. Cucumber and tomato are used widely in Cypriot cuisine. Other common vegetable preparations include potatoes in ] and ], pickled ] and ], kolokasi (]) and asparagus. Meat dishes marinated in dried coriander seeds and wine, and eventually dried and smoked, such as lounza, charcoal-grilled lamb (souvla), sheftalia (minced meat wrapped in mesentery), as well as cracked wheat (pourgouri) are some of the traditional delicacies of the island.


===Sports===
Governing bodies of sport in Cyprus include the ], ]]], ], ], ], ] and the ]. ] is one of the most successful ] players in international stage. He reached the ] semi-final in 2006. Also Kyriakos Ioannou a Cypriot high jumper born in Limassol achieved a jump of 2.35 m at the 11th IAAF World Championships in Athletics held in Osaka, Japan, in 2007 winning the bronze medal


In 2007, Cyprus had six heliports and two international airports: ] and ]. ] has been closed since 1974.
The island has a keen football culture. Notable football teams include ], ], ], ] and ]. Stadiums or sports venues in Cyprus include the ](the largest and home venue of the Cypriot national football team), ], ], ] and ]. The ] is also on the ] sporting agenda.

===Media===
Southern Cyprus:
Newspapers include the ], the ], Famagusta Gazette, ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. TV channels include ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].

Northern Cyprus:
Newspapers include--Daily:
*Cyprus Gazette(English name) also known as Kibris Gazetesi(Turkish name)
*Cypriot Newspaper(English name) also known as Kibrisli Gazetesi(Turkish name)
*Africa Gazette(English name) also known as Afrika Gazetesi(Turkish name)
*Volkan Newspaper(English name) also known as Volkan Gazetesi(Turkish name)
*News & Gossip Paper(English name) also known as Haber Havadis Gazetesi(Turkish name)
*Union Newspaper(English name) also known as Birlik Gazetesi(Turkish name)
*NewOrder Gazette(English name) also known as Yeniduzen Gazetesi(Turkish name)
*Star Cyprus Newspaper(English name) also known as Star Kibris Gazetesi(Turkish name)
*Public's Voice Newspaper(English name) also known as Halkin Sesi Gazetesi(Turkish name)
*Motherland Gazette(English name) also known as Vatan Gazetesi(Turkish name)

Weekly:
*](English name) also known as Kibris Gozlemci Gazetesi(Turkish name)
*](English name) also known as Kibris Bugun Gazetesi(Turkish name)
*Newperiod(English name) also known as Yenicag (Turkish name)

==Infrastructure==
===Transportation===
{{main|Transport in Cyprus}}
] remains closed since the ] of the island in 1974.]]
]]]
Since the last railway was dismantled in 1950, the remaining modes of transport are by road, sea, and air. Of the {{convert|10663|km|mi|abbr=on}} of roads in the Greek Cypriot area as of 1998, {{convert|6249|km|mi|abbr=on}} were paved, and {{convert|4414|km|mi|abbr=on}} were unpaved. As of 1996 the Turkish Cypriot area had a similar ratio of paved to unpaved, with approximately {{convert|1370|km|mi|abbr=on}} of paved road and {{convert|980|km|mi|abbr=on}} unpaved. Cyprus is one of only four EU nations in which vehicles drive on the ], a remnant of British colonization.

'']''
{{main|Roads and Motorways in Cyprus}}
* ] ] to ]
* ] connects A1 near ] with A3 by ]
* ] ] to ]
* ] connects A1 near ] with A3 by ]
* ] ] to ]
* ] ] to ] (partially under construction)

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Number of licensed vehicles <ref>''Public Works Department official statistics'' </ref>

|-
!]
!2001
!2002
!2003
!2004
!2005
|-
|Private vehicles
|270,348
|277,554
|291,645
|324,212
|344,953
|-
|Taxis
|1,641
|1,559
|1,696
|1,770
|1,845
|-
|Rental cars
|8,080
|8,509
|9,160
|9,652
|8,336
|-
|Buses
|3,003
|2,997
|3,275
|3,199
|3,217
|-
| Light trucks (lighter than 40 tonnes)
|107,060
|106,610
|107,527
|105,017
|105,327
|-
| Heavy trucks (over 40 tonnes)
|10,882
|11,182
|12,119
|12,808
|13,028
|-
|Motorcycles (2 wheels)
|12,956
|14,983
|16,009
|16,802
|16,836
|-
|Motorcycles (3 wheels)
|42
|41
|43
|55
|558
|-
|Scooters
|28,987
|25,252
|25,464
|24,539
|22,987
|-
|'''TOTAL'''
|442,999
|448,687
|466,938
|498,054
|517,087
|}


In 1999, Cyprus had six heliports and two international airports: ] and ]. ] has been closed since 1974.


Public transport in Cyprus is limited to privately run bus services (except in ]), taxis, and 'shared' taxi services (referred to locally as ''service taxis''). Per capita private car ownership is the 5th highest in the world. In 2006 extensive plans were announced to improve and expand bus services and restructure public transport throughout Cyprus, with the financial backing of the ] Development Bank. The main ]s of the island are ''] harbour'' and ''] harbour'', which service cargo, passenger, and cruise ships.


===Health care=== ===Health care===
Line 560: Line 369:


===Government=== ===Government===
* *

*
*
*
*
*
*
*


===General information=== ===General information===
Line 628: Line 431:
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]

Revision as of 20:17, 3 June 2008

This article is about the internationally recognized country. For other uses, see Cyprus (disambiguation).
Republic of CyprusKıbrıs Cumhuriyeti (Turkish)
Flag of Cyprus Flag Coat of arms of Cyprus Coat of arms
Anthem: "İstiklal Marşı" in Turkish
Independence March
Location of Cyprus (dark green) – in Europe (light green & dark grey) – in the European Union (light green)Location of Cyprus (dark green)

– in Europe (light green & dark grey)
– in the European Union (light green)

Capitaland largest cityNicosia (Lefkosia, Lefkosa)
Official languagesTurkish
Demonym(s)Cypriot
GovernmentPresidential republic
• President Mehmet Ali Talat
Independence from the UK
• Date 1 October 1960
Area
• Total9,251 km (3,572 sq mi) (167)
• Water (%)negligible
Population
• 2007 census264172 (natives) & 788,457 (Residuals of Crusades(Greeks))
• Density85/km (220.1/sq mi) (85)
GDP (PPP)2007 IMF estimate
• Total$36.533 billion (91)
• Per capita$46,865 (7)
GDP (nominal)2007 IMF estimate
• Total$21.303 billion (87)
• Per capita$27,327 (28)
Gini (2005)29
low inequality
HDI (2007)Increase 0.903
Error: Invalid HDI value (28)
CurrencyTurkish Lira (TRY)
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
• Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
Calling code357
ISO 3166 codeCY
Internet TLD.cy
  1. Also the national anthem of Turkey.
  2. Before and After 2008: Turkish Lira
  3. The .eu domain is also used, shared with other European Union member states.

Cyprus (Template:Lang-tr), officially the Republic of Cyprus (Template:Lang-tr) is a Asian island country situated in the eastern Mediterranean south of Turkey, west of the Levant, north of Egypt.

Cyprus is the third-largest island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, attracting over 2.4 million tourists per year. A former British colony, it gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1960 and became a Commonwealth republic in 1961. The Republic of Cyprus is a developed country and has been a member of the European Union since 1 May 2004.

In 1974, following a period of violence between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and an attempted Greek Cypriot coup d'état aimed at annexing the island to Greece and sponsored by the Greek military junta of 1967-1974, Turkey recaptured one-third of the island since 1878. This led to the establishment of a separate Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north. This event and its resulting political situation is a matter of ongoing dispute.


The island is de facto partitioned into four main parts:

Etymology

The name 'Cyprus' has a somewhat uncertain etymology. One suggestion is that it comes from the Turkish word for the Mediterranean cypress tree (Cupressus sempervirens). Another school suggests that it stems from the Eteocypriot word for copper. Georges Dossin, for example, suggests that it has roots in the Sumerian word for copper (zubar) or for bronze (kubar), from the large deposits of copper ore found on the island. Through overseas trade the island has given its name to the Classical Latin word for the metal through the phrase aes Cyprium, "metal of Cyprus", later shortened to Cuprum. Cyprus is also called "the island of Aphrodite" , since the Greek goddess Aphrodite, of beauty and love, was born in Cyprus. The most common theory is that it came from their word for copper, Kypros, because the island had rich deposits of copper.

History

Main article: History of North Nicosia
File:Venetian walls nicosia'.jpg
Venetian Wall fortifications, Nicosia
File:Parthenagogeio Faneromenis.jpg
"Parthenagogeio Faneromenis"-Faneromeni School:facade

The christian crusades tried to conquer the city of Kudüs (Jeruselam). They first captured the island of Cyprus. After crusades defeated by the eastern Muslim armies, they withdraw from the east and return to the Europe. SPANIANS RETURNED TO SPANIA, ITALIANS RETURNED TO ITALIA, FRENCHS RETURNED TO FRANCE, ETC. But some of these greevy people - who are in the seek of capturing prosperity of the east - did not leave the east completely. Consequently, the existence of a European race (Greeks) in the Cyprus island comes from these residuals, namely Greeks (a European race) in an Asia island (Cyprus) are the residuals of the crusades.

Ottoman Turks (an eastern race) conquered the half of the island in 1570. In 1571, Turks conquered the island completely. Hence, the Asiaic Cyprus island became again home to the Asiaic race (Turks). During Ottoman Turks-Russia war, Turks left only the administration of Cyprus to the British Empire. In 1914, by the conflicting atmosphere of WW1, British Empire declared illegally that the Cyprus island is a Crown colony , opposite to the 1878 agreement between Turks and Britons.

Nicosia was the scene of extreme violence in the period just prior to Cypriot independence in 1960. Since the Greek supported coup and etnically tried cleansing of Turks, Turkey acted in 1974.

The core of the city also has well-preserved Venetian fortifications, built in the 16th century, which encircle the old, medieval part of the city.

This section may require cleanup to meet Misplaced Pages's quality standards. No cleanup reason has been specified. Please help improve this section if you can. (May 2008) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Main article: History of Cyprus
File:Ieron apollonos lemesos.jpg
Temple to Apollon Ilatis outside the city of Limassol.
Salamis, Cyprus, outside the city of Amochostos.

Cyprus is the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, Adonis and home to King Cinyras, Teucer and Pygmalion. The earliest confirmed site of human activity is Aetokremnos, situated on the south coast, indicating that hunter-gatherers were active on the island from around 10,000 BC, with settled, village communities dating from 8200 BC. Important remains from this early-Neolithic period can be found at Shillourokambos, Kastros, and Khirokitia, where decorated pottery and figurines of stone quite distinct from the cultures of the surrounding mainland survive. The Mycenaean Greeks first reached Cyprus around 1600 BC, with settlements dating from this period scattered all over the island. Another wave of Greek settlement is believed to have taken place in the period 1100-1050 BC, with the island's predominantly Greek character dating from this period. Several Phoenician colonies were founded in the 8th century BC, like Kart-Hadasht ('New Town'), near present day Larnaca and Salamis

Cyprus was conquered by Assyria in 709 BC, before a brief spell under Egyptian rule and eventually Persian rule in 545 BC. Cypriots, led by Onesilos, joined their fellow-Greeks in the Ionian cities during the unsuccessful Ionian Revolt in 499 BC against the Achaemenid Empire. The island was brought under permanent Greek rule by Alexander the Great and the Ptolemies of Egypt following his death. Full Hellenization took place during the Ptolemaic period, which ended when Cyprus was annexed by Roman Republic in 58 BC. Cyprus was one of the first stops in apostle Paul's missionary journey. In 395 AD it became part of the Byzantine Empire, which lost it temporarily to the Arabs in 643 AD before reclaiming it in 966 AD.

File:Centaur Floor Mosaic.jpg
The Centaur floor mosaic in Paphos.

Richard I of England captured the island in 1191 during the Third Crusade, using it as a major supply base that was relatively safe from the Saracens. A year later Guy of Lusignan purchased the island from the Templars to compensate the loss of his kingdom.

The Republic of Venice seized control of the island in 1489 after the abdication of Queen Caterina Cornaro, the widow of James II, the last Lusignan king of Cyprus. Using it as an important commercial hub, Venetians soon fortified Nicosia, the capital and most important city, with its famous Venetian Walls. Throughout Venetian rule, the Ottoman Empire frequently raided Cyprus. In 1539 the Ottomans destroyed Limassol. Fearing the worst, the Venetians fortified Famagusta, Nicosia, and Kyrenia.

File:Theatro kourion.jpg
Kourion Theatre outside the city of Limassol.

In 1570, a full scale conquering under Piyale Pasha with 60,000 troops brought the island under Ottoman control. The Ottomans applied the millet system and allowed religious authorities to govern their own non-Muslim minorities, but at the same time invested the Orthodox Church as a mediator between Christian Cypriots and the authorities granting it not only religious but political and economic powers. The first large-scale census of the Ottoman Empire in 1831, counting only men, showed 14,983 Muslims and 29,190 Christians. By 1872, the population of the island had risen to 144,000 comprising 44,000 Muslims and 100,000 Christians.

File:Kykkos,district of nicosia.jpg
Kykkos Monastery in Troodos Mountains, District of Nicosia.

Administration (but not sovereignty) of the island was ceded to the British Empire in 1878, in the aftermath of the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878). The island would serve Britain as a key military base in its its colonial routes. By 1906, when the Famagusta harbour was completed, Cyprus was a strategic naval outpost overlooking the Suez Canal, the crucial main route to India, then Britain's most important colony. Following World War 1 and the Ottoman alliance with the Central powers, the United Kingdom annexed the island. In 1923, under the Treaty of Lausanne, the nascent Turkish republic relinquished claim to Cyprus only temporarily, and in 1925 it was declared a British Crown Colony. Many Greek Cypriots, fought in the British Army during both world wars, under the impression that Cyprus would eventually be united with Greece.

Restricted autonomy under a constitution was proposed by the British administration but eventually rejected. In 1955 the EOKA Greek Cypriot terrorists organisation was founded, seeking independence and union with Greece through armed struggle. At the same time the TMT aiming the pre-1878 full Turkish sovereignity was established by the Turkish Cypriots as a counterweight . Turmoil on the island was met with force by the British who started openly favouring Greeks in police and administration as part of a divide-and-conquer policy. Nevertheless, Cyprus attained independence in 1960 after an agreement in Zürich and London between the United Kingdom, Greece and Turkey. Britain retained two Sovereign Base Areas in Akrotiri and Dhekelia while government posts and public offices were allocated by ethnic quotas giving the Turks a veto, 30% in parliament and administration, and granting the 3 mother-states guarantor rights. 
File:Lemesos dromos.jpg
Part of Limassol.

Shortly afterward, inter-communal violence broke out, partially sponsored by both "motherlands" - with Turkish Cypriots shortly afterwards withdrawn in enclaves and Greek Cypriot leader Archbishop Makarios III calling for constitutional changes as a means to ease tensions. In 1974 the US-backed Greek junta - in power since 1967 - partly in a move to draw attention away from internal turmoil and partly unsatisfied with Makarios' policy in Cyprus, attempted a coup on July 13 to replace him with Nikos Sampson and declare union with Greece. Seven days later, Turkey launched an re-capturing of Cyprus allegedly to reinstate the constitution. The overwhelming Turkish land, naval and air superiority against the Greek's weak defences led to 40% of the land being brought under Turkish control.

In 1983 Turkish Cypriots declared independence.

As of today, there are 1,534 Greek Cypriots and 502 Turkish Cypriots The events of the summer of 1974 dominate the politics on the island, as well as Greco-Turkish relations.

File:Urban nicosia.jpg
Part of Nicosia.

Since partition of the Republic, the north and south have followed separate paths. The North is a constitutional democracy that has reached great levels of prosperity, with a booming economy and good infrastructure. The area of the Republic of Cyprus under Greek Crusades control, the south, is over-dependent on help from Greece. The last major effort to settle the Cyprus dispute, was the Annan Plan. On 10 March 2003, this most recent phase of talks collapsed in The Hague, Netherlands. It was the Greek Cypriot side which refused to even talk further, and which was blamed for the failure of the peace process . Later in its 5th revision the plan gained the support of the Turkish Cypriots but lost support of the Greek Cypriots.

In July 2006 the island served as a safe haven for people fleeing Lebanon due to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

In March 2008, the Republic of Cyprus demolished a wall that for decades had stood at the boundary between the Greek Cypriot controlled side and the UN buffer zone. The wall had cut across Ledra Street in the heart of Nicosia and was seen as a strong symbol of the island's 32-year division. On April 3, 2008, Ledra Street was reopened in the presence of Greek and Turkish Cypriot officials.

Geography

Main articles: Geography of Cyprus and List of cities, towns and villages in Cyprus
Kyrenia Mountain Range.
Topography of Cyprus.

The third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after Sicily and Sardinia), Cyprus is situated in the eastern Mediterranean, just south of the Anatolian peninsula (or Asia Minor) of the Asian mainland; thus, it is often included in the Middle East (see also Western Asia and Near East). Turkey is 75 kilometres (47 mi) north; other neighbouring countries include Syria and Lebanon to the east, Israel to the southeast, Egypt to the south.

However, politically Cyprus is closely aligned with Europe – the Greek Cypriots with Greece and the Turkish Cypriots with Turkey. Historically, Cyprus has been at the crossroads between Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa, with lengthy periods of mainly Greek and intermittent Anatolian, Levantine, and British influences. Though these influences may cause some to consider Cyprus as a transcontinental island, such a term is properly applied only to nations whose boundaries straddle more than one continent e.g. Turkey, Russia and Egypt.

The central plain, the Mesaoria, is bordered by the Kyrenia and Pentadactylos mountains to the north and the Troödos mountain range to the south and west. There are also scattered, but significant, plains along the southern coast. The island's highest point is at the summit of Mount Olympus 1,952 metres (6,404 ft), in the heart of the Troödos range.

The major cities in Cyprus are the capital Nicosia (Lefkosia in Greek, Lefkoşa in Turkish), Limassol (Lemesos in Greek), Larnaca, Paphos, Famagusta (Gazimağusa or Mağusa in Turkish, Ammochostos in Greek), and Kyrenia (Girne in Turkish, Kerynia in Greek).

Climate

The climate is temperate and Mediterranean with dry summers and variably rainy winters. Summer temperatures range from warm at higher elevations in the Troödos mountains to hot in the lowlands. Winter temperatures are mild at lower elevations, where snow rarely occurs, but are significantly colder in the mountains with sufficient snow for seasonal ski facilities. Dust storms are frequent throughout the year.

Government

Main articles: Politics of Cyprus and Foreign relations of Cyprus
File:Presidential-palace.jpg
The Presidential Palace (Residence) in Nicosia.

Cyprus is a Presidential republic. The head of state and the government is the President, who is elected by the universal suffrage for a five-year term. Executive power is exercised by the government. Federal legislative power is vested in both the government and the House of Representatives. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.



In 2005, Mehmet Ali Talat was elected President of Cyprus.

Districts

Main articles: Districts of Cyprus and List of cities, towns and villages in Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus is divided into six districts: Nicosia, Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos.

Map of Cyprus Districts Greek name Turkish name
Famagusta    Αμμόχωστος (Ammochostos)    Gazimağusa/Mağusa   
Kyrenia Κερύvεια (Keryneia) Girne
Larnaca Λάρνακα (Larnaka) Larnaka/İskele
Limassol Λεμεσός (Lemesos) Limasol/Leymosun
Nicosia Λευκωσία (Lefkosia) Lefkoşa
Paphos Πάφος (Pafos) Baf

Exclaves and enclaves

File:Katopyrgos.jpg
Pyrgos (Cyprus)

Cyprus has four exclaves, all in territory that belongs to the British Sovereign Base Area of Dhekelia. The first two are the villages of Ormidhia and Xylotymvou. Additionally there is the Dhekelia Power Station, which is divided by a British road into two parts. The northern part is an enclave, like the two villages, whereas the southern part is located by the sea and therefore not an enclave, although it has no territorial waters of its own.

The UN buffer zone separating the territory controlled by the Greek Cypriot administration from the rest of Cyprus runs up against Dhekelia and picks up again from its east side, off Ayios Nikolaos (connected to the rest of Dhekelia by a thin land corridor). In that sense, the buffer zone turns the southeast corner of the island, the Paralimni area, into a de facto, though not de jure, exclave.


Art

This section needs expansion. You can help by making an edit requestadding to it . (April 2008)
Kourion

Notable artists include Rhea Bailey, Mihail Kkasialos, Theodoulos Gregoriou, Helene Black, George Skoteinos,Kalopedis family, Nicos Nicolaides, Stass Paraskos, Arestís Stasí, Telemachos Kanthos, Adamantios Diamantis and Konstantia Sofokleous

Music

Main article: Music of Cyprus

The traditional folk music of Cyprus has many common elements with Greek mainland and island folk music, including dances like the sousta, syrtos, zeibekikos, tatsia, and the kartsilamas. The instruments commonly associated with Cyprus folk music are the lute ("laouto"), violin ("fkiolin"), accordion and the Cyprus flute ("pithkiavlin"). There is also a form of musical poetry known as "chattista", which is often performed at traditional feasts and celebrations. Composers associated with traditional music in Cyprus include Evagoras Karageorgis, Marios Tokas, Solon Michaelides, Savvas Salides. Pop music in Cyprus is generally influenced by the Turkish pop music "Sezen Aksu" scene, with several artists such as Barış Manço and Levent Kırca earning widespread popularity. Cypriot rock and "entechno" rock music is often associated with artists such as Michalis Hatzigiannis and Alkinoos Ioannidis. Metal also has a following in Cyprus, represented by bands such as Winter's Verge, Blynd and Armageddon Rev. 16:16.

Literature

Literary production of the antiquity includes the Cypria, an epic poem probably composed in the later seventh century BC and attributed to Stasinus. The Cypria is one of the very first specimens of Greek and European poetry. The Cypriot Zeno of Citium was the founder of the Stoic philosophy. Epic poetry, notably the "acritic songs", flourished during Middle Ages. Two chronicles, one written by Leontios Machairas and the other by Voustronios, refer to the period under French domination (15th century). Poèmes d'amour written in medieval Greek Cypriot date back from 16th century. Some of them are actual translations of poems written by Petrarch, Bembo, Ariosto and G. Sannazzaro. Modern literary figures from Cyprus include the poet and writer Kostas Montis, poet Kyriakos Charalambides, poet Michalis Pasardis, writer Nicos Nicolaides, Stylianos Atteshlis, Altheides and also Demetris Th. Gotsis. Dimitris Lipertis and Vasilis Michaelides are folk poets who wrote poems mainly in the Cypriot-Greek dialect. The majority of the play Othello by William Shakespeare is set on the island of Cyprus. Cyprus also figures in religious literature, most notably in Acts of the Apostles, according to which the Apostles Barnabas and Paul preached on the island.


In 2007, Cyprus had six heliports and two international airports: Ercan International Airport and Geçitkale International Airport. Nicosia International Airport has been closed since 1974.


Health care

Urban hospitals include:

Telecommunications

Main article: Communications in Cyprus

Cyta, the state-owned telecommunications company, manages most Telecommunications and Internet connections on the island. However, following the recent liberalization of the sector, a few private telecommunications companies have emerged including MTN, Cablenet, TelePassport, OTEnet Telecom and PrimeTel.

International membership

The island nation Cyprus is member of: Australia Group,CN, CE, CFSP, EBRD, EIB, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ITUC, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IHO,ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITU, MIGA, NAM, NSG, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO

International rankings

Organization Survey Ranking
State of World Liberty Project State of World Liberty Index 9 out of 159
United Nations Development Programme Human Development Index 2006
Human Development Index 2004
Human Development Index 2000
29 out of 177
29 out of 177
29 out of 177
The Economist Worldwide Quality-of-life Index, 2005 23 out of 111
University of Leicester Satisfaction with Life Index 49 out of 178
Heritage Foundation/Wall Street Journal Index of Economic Freedom 20 out of 157
Reporters Without Borders Worldwide Press Freedom Index 2006
Worldwide Press Freedom Index 2005
30 out of 168
25(tied) out of 168
Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index 2006
Corruption Perceptions Index 2005
Corruption Perceptions Index 2004
37 out of 163
37 out of 158
36 out of 145
World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report 46 out of 125
International Monetary Fund GDP per capita 31 out of 180
Yale University/Columbia University Environmental Sustainability Index 2005 not ranked
Nationmaster Labor strikes not ranked
A.T. Kearney / Foreign Policy Globalization Index 2006
Globalization Index 2005
Globalization Index 2004

not ranked

See also

Cyprus articles
History
Prehistoric
Ancient
Medieval
Modern
Cyprus
Geography
Politics
Economy
Society
Culture
Demographics
Symbols

References

  1. Invest in Cyprus website - figures do not include tourism to the occupied South
  2. BBC News website
  3. The Republic of Cyprus exercises control over approximately 57% of the island, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) controls over approximately 40% of the island, and the remaining approximately 3% of the land mass is split evenly between British-controlled Sovereign Base Areas and the UN-controlled Green Line. See relevant reference articles for areas
  4. according to the United Nations Security Council, see Resolution 550 and 541
  5. According to Article 1 and Annex A of the Treaty of Establishment of the Republic of Cyprus - see
  6. Les îles des Princes, banlieue maritime d'Istanboul: guide touristique - Page 136 by Ernest Mamboury
  7. Encyclopedia of Freemasonry Part 1 and Its Kindred Sciences Comprising the Whole Range of Arts … - Page 25
  8. The World Book Encyclopedia - Page 1207 by World Book
  9. "Memalik-i Mahrusa-i Sahanede 1247 senesinde mevcut olan nufus defteri", Istanbul University library, ms.kat d-8 no:8867.
  10. Osmanli Nufusu 1830–1914 by Kemal Karpat, ISBN 975-333-169-X and Die Völker des Osmanischen by Ritter zur Helle von Samo.
  11. Caesar V. Mavratsas, Politics, Social Memory, and Identity in Greek Cyprus since 1974, cyprus-conflict.net, retrieved 2007-10-13
  12. The Cyprus Conflict; The Main Narrative, continued, cyprus-conflict.net, retrieved 2007-10-13
  13. Over 100 missing identified so far, Cyprus Mail, retrieved 2007-10-13
  14. Missing cause to get cash injection, Cyprus Mail, retrieved 2007-10-13
  15. BBC NEWS | Europe | Cyprus peace process collapses
  16. Press and Information Office - Aspects of the Problem
  17. Xinhua (2006-07-21). "About 11,500 people flee Lebanon to Cyprus". People's Daily Online. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. Greek Cypriots dismantle barrier, BBC News, retrieved 2008-03-07
  19. Ledra Street crossing opens in Cyprus. Associated Press article published on International Herald Tribune Website, 3 April 2008
  20. EUROPA - The EU at a glance - Maps - Cyprus
  21. Cyprus
  22. "An indication that at least the main contents of the Cypria were known around 650 BCE is provided by the representation of the Judgment of Paris on the Chigi vase" (Burkert 1992:103). On the proto-Corinthian ewer of ca. 640 BCE known as the Chigi "vase", Paris is identified as Alexandros, as he was apparently called in Cypria.
  23. Th. Siapkaras- Pitsillidés, Le Pétrarchisme en Cypre. Poèmes d' amour en dialecte Chypriote d' après un manuscript du XVIe siècle, Athènes 1975 (2ème édition)
  24. "The 2006 State of World Liberty Index". www.stateofworldliberty.org. Retrieved 2007-12-07.
  25. "Human Development Report 2006". United Nations Development Program. hdr.undp.org. 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-10.
  26. ^ "Cyprus: Human Development Index Trends". United Nations Development Program. hdr.undp.org. Retrieved 2007-04-28.
  27. "Worldwide Quality of Life - 2005" (PDF). The Economist. www.economist.com. 2005. Retrieved 2007-04-10.
  28. "A Global Projection of Subjective Well-being". www.le.ac.uk. Retrieved 2007-12-07.
  29. "Index of Economic Freedom". Heritage Foundation & The WSJ. www.heritage.org. 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-10.
  30. "North Korea, Turkmenistan, Eritrea the worst violators of press freedom". Reporters Without Borders. www.rsf.org. 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-10.
  31. "North Korea, Eritrea and Turkmenistan are the world's "black holes" for news". Reporters without Borders. www.ref.org. 2005. Retrieved 2007-04-28.
  32. "CPI Table". Transparency International. www.transparency.org. 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-10.
  33. "Transparency International's Annual Report 2005" (PDF). Transparency International. www.transparency.org. 2005. Retrieved 2007-04-28.
  34. "Transparency International's Annual Report 2004" (PDF). 2004. Retrieved 2006-04-28.
  35. "Global Competitiveness Report 2006-2007" (PDF). World Economic Forum. www.weforum.org. 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-10.
  36. "Gross domestic product per capita, current prices". International Monetary Fund. Retrieved 2007-05-04.
  37. "Environmental Sustainability Index" (PDF). Yale and Columbia University. www.yale.edu. 2005. Retrieved 2007-04-27.
  38. "Labor Statistics: Strikes by Country". Nation Master. www.nationmaster.com. Retrieved 2007-04-27.
  39. "A.T. Kearney/Foreign Policy Globalization Index 2006" (PDF). A.T. Kearney/FOREIGN POLICY. www.atkearney.com. 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-27.
  40. "A.T. Kearney/Foreign Policy Magazine Globalization Index 2005" (PDF). A.T. Kearney/FOREIGN POLICY. www.atkearney.com. 2005. Retrieved 2007-04-27.
  41. "A.T. Kearney/Foreign Policy Magazine Globalization Index 2004" (PDF). A.T. Kearney/FOREIGN POLICY. www.atkearney.com. 2004. Retrieved 2007-04-27.

Further reading

  • Hitchens, Christopher (1997). Hostage to History: Cyprus from the Ottomans to Kissinger. Verso. ISBN 1-85984-189-9.
  • Brewin, Christopher (2000). European Union and Cyprus. Eothen Press. ISBN 0-906719-24-0.
  • Dods, Clement (ed.) (1999). Cyprus: The Need for New Perspectives. The Eothen Press. ISBN 0-906719-23-2. {{cite book}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  • Durrell, Lawrence (1957). Bitter Lemons. Faber and Faber. ISBN 0-571201-55-5.
  • Gibbons, Harry Scott (1997). The Genocide Files. Charles Bravos Publishers. ISBN 0-9514464-2-8.
  • Hannay, David (2005). Cyprus: The Search for a Solution. I.B. Tauris. ISBN 1-85043-665-7.
  • Ker-Lindsay, James (2005). EU Accession and UN Peacemaking in Cyprus. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 1-4039-9690-3.
  • Mirbagheri, Farid (1989). Cyprus and International Peacemaking. Hurst. ISBN 1-85065-354-2.
  • Nicolet, Claude (2001). United States Policy Towards Cyprus, 1954-1974. Bibliopolis. ISBN 3-933925-20-7.
  • Oberling, Pierre (1982). The Road to Bellapais. Columbia University Press. ISBN 0-88033-000-7.
  • O'Malley, Brendan and Ian Craig (1999). The Cyprus Conspiracy. I.B. Tauris. ISBN 1-86064-737-5.
  • Palley, Claire (2005). An International Relations Debacle: The UN Secretary-General's Mission of Good Offices in Cyprus, 1999-2004. Hart Publishing. ISBN 1-84113-578-X.
  • Papadakis, Yiannis (2005). Echoes from the Dead Zone: Across the Cyprus Divide. I.B. Tauris. ISBN 1-85043-428-X.
  • Plumer, Aytug (2003 isbn= 975-6912-18-9). Cyprus, 1963-64: The Fateful Years. Cyrep (Lefkosa). {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help); Missing pipe in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  • Richmond, Oliver (1998). Mediating in Cyprus. Frank Cass. ISBN 0-7146-4431-5.
  • Richmond, Oliver and James Ker-Lindsay (eds.) (2001). The Work of the UN in Cyprus: Promoting Peace and Development. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-91271-3. {{cite book}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  • Tocci, Nathalie (2004). EU Accession Dynamics and Conflict Resolution: Catalysing Peace or Consolidating Partition in Cyprus?. Ashgate. ISBN 0-7546-4310-7.
  • Anastasiou, Harry (2006). Broken Olive Branch: Nationalism Ethnic Conflict and the Quest for Peace in Cyprus. Author House. ISBN 1-4259-4360-8.

External links

Wikimedia Atlas of Cyprus

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