Cyprus is what country? History of Cyprus. Flag of Cyprus

Cyprus is what country? Let's deal with this issue together. First of all, we note that this is an independent state since 1960. Previously, it was a colony of Britain. Some of the population speaks Greek, some in Turkish. In 1974, Turkish troops invaded the island and occupied its northern part. Since that time over one hundred and fifty thousand settlers arrived in Cyprus.

The country is part of the European Union, its population is called the Cypriots.

Territory in the north and south

Cyprus is divided into two parts. The 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. The Republic of Cyprus is what country? Sovereign. It is located in the southern part of the island. Sometimes it is mistakenly called Greek Cyprus.

A common misconception

Cyprus is what country? The state in question, of course, has extensive cultural ties with Greece, but it is still independent. It is an internationally recognized country, which is legally endowed with sovereignty over the entire island and its surrounding waters. An exception is only three percent of the territory, which, according to the appendix to the decree on the founding of the republic, are allotted to the UK for the location of naval bases. As for the real state of affairs, the island is divided into four parts:

- The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (in the north);

- the Republic of Cyprus (in the south);

- the so-called green line separating the two above parts and controlled by the UN;

- Two military bases of Britain - "Dhekelia" and "Akrotiri".

History of Cyprus

This island is the third largest among all the others in the Mediterranean. Considering Cyprus on the map, one can understand why the country had to overcome many difficulties and reflect the constant raids of the invaders. All is explained simply: for numerous neighbors this island played the role of the 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, Latino crusaders, British and Turks. Many wanted power over the island, but the Greeks managed to maintain their leading position.

Prehistoric period

In the Paleolithic period, the island was not inhabited by humans, only Cypriot dwarf elephants (hippopotamus) lived there. This was repeatedly confirmed by the found remains of animals. Unfortunately, they all died out after the man had mastered Cyprus. It happened in the Neolithic period, about nine-ten thousand years before our era. The first people brought with them cattle - goats, cows, pigs, dogs. Newly-minted Cypriots actively erected dwellings from burnt lime. Some houses reached ten meters in diameter.

Further, the history of Cyprus makes a dramatic turn: around 3800 BC there was a powerful earthquake that destroyed the entire Neolithic culture. The copper-stone age came to replace it. To this day, unique artifacts have survived - chisels and hooks made of pure copper.

The next stage in the development of history on the island under consideration is connected 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 testifies to the tense situation of that time.

Found ceramic items relating 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 the Assyrian, and then Greek and Roman written sources, narrating about these territories.

Antiquity

In the era of antiquity Cyprus was still a disputed territory. In 526 BC, the Persians recaptured it from the Egyptians, and in 449 the island was under the rule of the Athenians. The conquerors of many countries of the world have wrested the reins of Cyprus from each other for a long time. Thus, historians distinguish the Roman period, then - Byzantine. In 1191, the island was captured by the Crusaders under the leadership of Richard the Lionheart. Later, the island was occupied by the Ottomans, as well as the British.

Inter-communal tension period

In 1960 Cyprus gained its long-awaited independence. Representatives of Turkey, Britain 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. According to the Constitution of 1960, two communities were recognized - Greek (approximately 80% of the population) and Turkish (about 18%). At the same time, the Turkish Cypriots received a third of all posts in the administration apparatus and the right to veto laws. In addition, their representative also became vice-president of the country.

The growing tension between the communities resulted in an armed clash. This event occurred in 1963. The fighting ended only after the introduction of the UN peacekeeping forces, but the conflict could not be completely repaid.

The military coup

The tense situation led to new clashes in 1974. As a result, the military junta was in power. An attempt was made by the Greek Cypriot right-wing extremists to commit a coup d'état. Legally elected President Makarios was overthrown. Cyprus was reunited with Greece. Five days later, the Turkish authorities, under the pretext of protecting the Cypriot Turks, introduced their troops and occupied about 40 percent of the country's northern territories. As a result of this conflict, about six thousand people were killed and at least two hundred thousand left the island as a refugee.

In the occupied land of Turks, monuments were destroyed, Byzantine churches were plundered, many cultural values were exported from the country. On November 1, 1983, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was proclaimed. So far, no state in the world has recognized it. The problem of the separation of the island even today is of concern to the Cypriots.

Symbolism

The flag of Cyprus (photo you can see below) is a white cloth with the silhouette of the island. The color of the latter is orange, and it is not accidental, as it symbolizes the vast deposits of copper discovered in Cyprus about the third thousand year BC. Under the image of the island are two branches of an olive tree, embodying the ethnic groups of the Turks and Greeks residing on the island. It is noteworthy that more than one flag in the world does not use the image of the contours of the country.

Geographical position

Cyprus on the map is located at the intersection of the following regions: Asia Minor, North Africa and Europe. The island stretches from west to east for 240 km, and from north to south - for 100 km. Its area is more than 9 thousand square meters. Km. The Mediterranean Sea, washing Cyprus, makes the country attractive for beach lovers. Island shores 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 35º1000 north latitude and 33º2100 south longitude.

Features

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 predominantly mountainous. Almost 150 kilometers along the northern coastline stretches Kyrenia ridges (maximum height is 1023 m) and Karpas (the highest point is 364 m). They are different in structure, since they were formed under the influence of unequal conditions. The southern and central territories are occupied by the Troodos mountain range.

What else is Cyprus remarkable about? 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 temperate. It is tropical Mediterranean, so the average life expectancy of the islanders is higher than, for example, Americans or Englishmen. Cypriots rarely suffer from infectious diseases.

In summer, the temperature fluctuates between 25-35 degrees Celsius, and in winter it almost never falls 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. Fans of hiking prefer to go to Cyprus in the spring, when the flowers blossom. Types of flowering meadows in Troodos are truly impressive.

Minerals

The island produces copper, marble, sulphate lime (gypsum), bentonite clay and natural dyes (ocher, umbra). 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 (to the south of the coast). Their estimated volume is from 160 to 255 billion cubic meters.

Vegetable world

Evergreen shrubs grow on the plains and in the foothills. Forests can be seen mainly in the mountains, they are composed of oaks, cypresses, Aleppo pine and giant cacti. There are orange and lemon groves. In total, 1890 different species of trees grow on the territory of Cyprus, among them there are endemic, that is, characteristic only for this territory. In the forests you can find anemones, and on wastelands and along roadsides - asphodel. In ancient times, they were considered enigmatic messengers of the underworld.

Animal world

The fauna of Cyprus is not as rich as the flora. There live wild boars, lizards, chameleons, turtles, wild rabbits, caresses, snakes and squirrels. Birds on the island are more than three hundred species, among them jays, large tits, doves, claws, crested ravens, larks, eagles, cemeteries, nightingales and kites.

Religion

Most of the Cypriots adhere to the Christian faith. There are many Orthodox churches on the island. According to the law, religion exists separately from the state. Every citizen is free to choose their own faith. So, in Cyprus, live and Christians, and the Jews, and Islamists, and Hindus.

sights

Cyprus is what 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 during the Antiquity period the island was the center of Mediterranean trade and was the point of intersection of 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 when exactly this settlement was founded. Traces of the first settlers belong to the Bronze Age. At that time the city had a different name - Ledra.

Currently, Nicosia shares the 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 Venetian wall, erected in 1570, and huge stone bastions. It has a radial layout and is called Old Nicosia.

The most outstanding architectural masterpiece of Nicosia is the Famagusta Gate, inside which exhibitions and musical evenings are held. In the central part of the city you can admire the ancient limestone houses, stroll along Freedom Square and visit interesting shops, coffee shops and restaurants.

Not far from the gates of Famagusta is the ancient Byzantine church of Chrysaliniotissa, erected in the distant 1450.

And outside the Venetian walls there is something to admire. So, on a place of a serf trench the Municipal park is broken. This place is like no other suitable for quiet walks. Nearby is the Museum of Cyprus. In its fourteen rooms there are numerous archaeological exhibits.

Limassol

This city - the second largest after Nicosia, is on the south coast of the island. It is not as ancient as the capital, but attracts no less tourists thanks to the beautiful beaches and resorts. Among the latter - Centrulos, Amatos and Yermasoyas. In addition, Limassol has interesting historical monuments, among which even a monument erected in honor of Pushkin.

Near the city is the island of Troodos - a large picturesque array. On its territory is the ancient residence of the rulers - the castle of Kolossi, erected by the Knights Hospitallers. The tower has an observation deck with an amazing view of the surrounding area.

Amathus

This is another ancient city of Cyprus. At the moment, there are only ruins left of him. It is established that it was founded about a thousand years before our era. During the next six centuries, Amathus flourished and developed. In the VII century. AD The city was attacked by the Arabs. The conquerors did not spare Amathus, as a result, it was greatly destroyed. Finally, razed to the ground this city Richard the Lionheart. On the site of the ruins, archaeologists managed to discover the baths, the sanctuary of Aphrodite, the aqueduct system and the basilica of the early Christian period.

Neighborhoods of Amathus not without reason are called the Cyprus Riviera - there are chic beaches, great weather, decent hotels, high-class restaurants, cafes and nightclubs.

Embassy in the Russian capital

How to get a visa to visit the described island? To do this, you need to visit the Embassy of Cyprus. In Moscow it is located at: ul. Cook hours, 9. Opening hours - from 9.30 to 16.30. At the same time, documents are accepted until two in the afternoon, but they are issued from two to three. The visa is issued from three to fourteen days. Currently, the consular fee is 15 euros.

Conclusion

Cyprus - the island of what country? We found out that at present he has autonomy. This state does not submit to Greece or Turkey. That is why the question of which country in Cyprus is incorrect, and can even hurt the feelings of local residents.