10 INTERESTING CULTURAL FACTS ABOUT CYPRUS
A kaleidoscope of cultural and geographical influences, the island country of Cyprus, languishes in the European Mediterranean, even though only half of the country is part of the European Union (EU). Steeped with a mix of British, Western, and Ottoman influence in major tourist centers like Pafos, Agia Nappa, and Limasol, Cyprus is located picturesquely in the midst of Syria, Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon.
1. The Unique Location of Cyprus
Cyprus lies in the midst of several Middle Eastern nations—including Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. But its closest country in proximity is Turkey to the south. This unique location has set up the island of Cyprus as a neutral crossroads for many diplomatic proceedings throughout history.
2. Impressively Sized Cyprus
Everyone knows that Cyprus is an island, but most people aren’t aware that it actually boasts an impressive footprint. In fact, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean—it’s only rivaled in mass by Sardinia and Sicily, and it’s larger than the Greek island of Crete.
3. Cyprus: An Island Divided
Cyprus is a divided island. The North part of the island, called the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”, is ruled by the Turks, but this title is only recognized by Turkey itself, everyone else calls it “Occupied Cyprus”. The southern part of the island is known as the Independent Republic of Cyprus or “Greek Cyprus” even though it’s not part of Greece. However, this gets confusing since the entire island is part of the European Union, with the exemption of the northern portion of the island ruled by Turkey.
4. Capital City Division
Not only is the island of Cyprus largely divided so is the capital city of Nicosia, which lies separated by “The Green Line” akin to the manner in which Berlin was once divided into East and West Germany. Obviously access across the divide patrolled and restricted, but typically its trouble free if you have the proper travel documents.
5. Residents of Cyprus Are Called Cypriots
However, one is not called simply a “Cypriot” alone. You are either a “Greek Cypriot” or “Turkish Cypriot” in recognition of your ethnicity and your residence on either the Greek-speaking-Orthodox or the Turkish-speaking Muslim community.
6. The Official Languages of Cyprus
You will hear a mix of Greek, Turkish, and English on the island of Cyprus. And most locals know how to speak English as the island was colonized by Britain in 1878 and didn’t get independence until 1960. In fact, there are still several British military bases on the island.
7. The Religions of Cyprus
Cyprus is as multi-religious as it is multi-lingual and multi-cultural. The majority of the island’s residents, 78-percent, belong to the Autocephalous Orthodox faith; 18-percent are Muslim; while the remaining 4-percent of worshipers are Maronite or Armenian Apostolic.
8. Easter is the Holiday
Easter is the main holiday of the island with almost 80-pecent of residents worshipping the Autocephalous Greek Orthodox faith. Many businesses on the island remained closed during this stretch that lasts up until the fasting of the Lent and a colorful Easter eve vigil and procession—complete with lively singing, elaborate vestments, incense, and offerings.
9. Church Tours
Many of the famous Byzantine buildings are still considered sacred capacity and guarded by a key-keeper whose job it is to safeguard the building. As a mark of respect, tourists of sacred spaces are asked to wear full sleeves, pants for men, and long dresses for ladies, and never stand with their backs toward the church icons. Also a small donation is appreciated if you tour a church or sacred building.
10. Cyprus is Still Male Dominated
Patriarchy is still largely maintained in Cyprus. In this male-dominated society men are looked to as the family head and roles of importance are always held by men, while women’s rights and gender equality are still a long way away from the rest of the Western world.