Cyprus - this is what country?Let us understand this issue together.First of all, we note that it is an independent state since 1960.Previously, it was a colony of Britain.Part of the population speaks Greek, part - in Turkish.In 1974 Turkish troops invaded the island and occupied its northern part.Since then, Cyprus has arrived more than a hundred and fifty thousand settlers.
The country is part of the European Union, its population is called Cypriots.
territory in the north and south
Cyprus is divided into two parts.North controlled by the Turks.They formed in the area of the TRNC - Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.However, it recognizes only the Turks themselves.The remaining call this territory occupied.The Republic of Cyprus - which country is?Sovereign.It is located in the southern part of the island.It is sometimes mistakenly referred to Greek Cyprus.
common misconception
Cyprus - this is what country?The State in question, of course, has a broad cultural ties with Greece, but still it independently.This is an internationally recognized country, which is legally vested with sovereignty over the whole island and its surrounding waters.Exceptions are only three per cent of the territory, which, according to the annex to the decree about the foundation of the Republic, the United Kingdom reserved to accommodate naval bases.With regard to the real situation, the island is divided into four parts:
- Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (north);
- the Republic of Cyprus (south);
- the so-called Green Line separating the two above-mentioned parts and controlled by the United Nations;
- two military bases in 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, you can see why the country had to overcome many difficulties and to reflect the constant attacks of the invaders.All is simple: for many neighbors played the role of the island naval base is a source of taxes and valuable natural resources.The Greeks brought civilization to these territories, attacked the Assyrians, Persians, Romans, Phoenicians, Venetians, Byzantines, Crusaders, Latins, the British and the Turks.The power over the island, many wanted to get, but the Greeks were able to maintain a leading position.
Prehistory
in the Paleolithic era the island was not inhabited by people who lived there only Cyprus Dwarf Elephant (hippos).This is not the time confirmed the found remains of animals.Unfortunately, they all became extinct after people mastered Cyprus.It happened in the Neolithic period, about nine or ten thousand years BC.The first people brought with them, and livestock - goats, cows, pigs, dogs.Newly Cypriots actively erected houses of burnt lime.Some houses up to ten meters in diameter.Next
history of Cyprus makes a dramatic turn: about 3800 BC there was a strong earthquake destroyed the entire Neolithic culture.Was replaced by copper-stone age.To have survived unique artifacts - chisels and hooks pure copper.
next stage of development in the history of the island under consideration is connected with the arrival of migrants from Anatolia.This happened around 2400 BC.e.- At the beginning of the Bronze Age.It was during this period began to appear defensive fortress that shows the tense atmosphere of the time.
found ceramic objects belonging to the Iron Age, lead to the conclusion that Cyprus was under the influence of the Greeks.Prehistory of the island ended with the advent of the Assyrian and later Greek and Roman written sources, telling about these areas.
Antiquity
Cyprus in antiquity was still a disputed territory.In 526 BC the Persians conquered it from the Egyptians, and in 449 BC the island was under the power of the Athenians.The conquerors of many countries pulled each other the reins of Cyprus for a long time.Thus, historians distinguish the Roman period, then - Byzantine.In 1191 the island was captured crusaders, led by Richard the Lionheart.Later, the Ottomans occupied the island, as well as British.
period intercommunal tensions
In 1960 Cyprus gained long-awaited independence.The talks were attended by representatives of Turkey, Britain and Greece.As a result, the island was divided into two communities - Greek and Turkish.The first president was Archbishop Makarios.According to the 1960 Constitution it was considered the two communities - the Greek (about 80% of the population) and Turkish (18%).At the same time Turkish Cypriots received a third of the posts in the administration and the right to veto laws.In addition, the Vice President also became their spokesman.All
growing tension between the communities has resulted in an armed clash.This event took place in 1963.The fighting ended only after entering the UN peacekeeping forces, but to repay the conflict failed.
military coup
tense situation led to new clashes in 1974.As a result, power was the military junta.Coup attempt was made Greek Cypriot right-wing extremists.Legitimately elected President Makarios was overthrown.Cyprus reunited with Greece.Five days later, the Turkish authorities under the pretext of protecting the Turkish Cypriot troops entered and occupied about forty percent of the northern territories of the country.As a result of this conflict, about six thousand people were killed and at least two hundred thousand have left the island in the Status of Refugees.
on land occupied by the Turks destroyed the monuments, Byzantine churches looted, many cultural treasures out of the country.First in November 1983 it was proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.Until now, no country in the world has recognized it.The problem is the division of the island and today cares Cypriots.
Symbols
Cyprus flag (photo you can see below) has a white background with the silhouette of the island.The color of the latter - the orange and it is not by chance, because it symbolizes the vast deposits of copper, found in Cyprus about three thousand years before our era.Under the image of the island - the two branches of the olive tree, embodying a resident on the island of ethnic groups of Turks and Greeks.It is noteworthy that more than at any flag in the world used the image contours of the country.
geographical position of Cyprus on the map is 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 - 100 km.Its area is more than 9 thousand sq. M.km.Mediterranean Sea washes the 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.
Coordinates Cyprus - 35º1000 north and south 33º2100 longitude.
Features
Geography of Cyprus owes its originality major volcanic eruption at the intersection of African and Asian geographic plates, resulting in and formed an island.Relief mostly mountainous.Almost 150 kilometers along the northern coast stretch the Kyrenia mountain ranges (maximum height of 1023 m) and the Karpas (the highest point - 364 m).They are different in structure, as formed under the influence of varying conditions.The southern and central area of the Troodos mountain range are busy.
The more notable Cyprus?Its geographical position at the crossroads of sea and air routes makes it an important strategic object of the Eastern Mediterranean.
weather
climate in Cyprus is characterized by stability and moderation.He tropical Mediterranean, so the average length of life of the islanders is higher than, for example, the Americans or the British.Cypriots rarely suffer from infectious diseases.
summer the temperature ranges from 25-35 degrees Celsius, and in winter almost never goes below 10 Celsius.The period from October to April, usually rainy.The best time for a beach holiday - from June to September.Hikers prefer to go to Cyprus in the spring when flowers bloom.Types of flowering meadows in Troodos truly spectacular.
Minerals
The island is made of copper mining, marble, sulphate of lime (gypsum), bentonite clay and natural dyes (ocher, umber).Due to the export of these resources Cypriot treasury is replenished annually by 32 million euros.
In December 2011, on the island (south of the coast) were discovered deposits of natural gas.Their tentative volume - from 160 to 255 billion cubic meters.
flora of the plains and in the foothills of evergreen shrubs grow.Forests can be seen mainly in the highlands, they account for oaks, cypress, Aleppo pine and giant cacti.There are an orange and lemon groves.Total in Cyprus grows 1890 different species of trees, among them are endemic, ie. E. Specific to the territory.In the woods you can find anemones, and on vacant lots and roadsides - asphodel.In ancient times they were considered mysterious messengers of the underworld.
Fauna Fauna of Cyprus is not as rich as the flora.There are inhabited by wild boar, lizards, chameleons, turtles, wild rabbits, weasels, snakes and squirrels.The birds on the island more than three hundred species, among them Jay, big tits, Dipper, crossbill, crested crows, larks, Imperial eagles, nightingales and vultures.
Religion Most Cypriots hold of the Christian religion.On the island there are many Orthodox churches.According to the law, religion is separate from the state.Every citizen is free to choose their own faith.For example, in Cyprus live Christians and Jews, and the Islamists, and Hindus.
Attractions
Cyprus - is what country?Independent and beautiful!Connoisseurs of antiquity attract the ruins of ancient cities, monasteries, temples and residential buildings.The abundance of monuments due to the fact that in ancient times the island was the center of Mediterranean trade and was a point of intersection of sea routes in the Middle Ages.
Nicosia
this city - one of the oldest in the world.Nicosia even in the tenth century had the status of the island's capital.There is currently no established exactly when this town was founded.Traces of the first settlers belong to the Bronze Age.At that time the city was another name - Ledra.
Currently divides Nicosia demarcation line, but even this fact does not detract from its charm.The central part of the city surrounded by the gates of the Venetian walls, erected in 1570, and huge stone bastions.She has a radial layout and is called the Old Nicosia.
most outstanding architectural masterpiece of Famagusta Gate Nicosia considered within which hosts exhibitions and musical evenings.In the central part of the city you can admire the old limestone buildings, walk along the Freedom Square and visit interesting shops, coffee shops and restaurants.
Near Famagusta Gate is the oldest Byzantine church Hrisaliniotissa, built back in 1450.
and outside the Venetian walls is something to admire.So, in place of the moat divided city park.This place is like no other suitable for relaxing walks.Nearby is the Museum of Cyprus.Fourteen its halls are numerous archaeological exhibits.
Limassol
this city - the second largest after Nicosia, located on the southern coast of the island.It is not as old as the capital, but attracted no fewer tourists because of the beautiful beaches and resorts.Among the latter - Tsentralos, Amatos and Yermasoyas.In addition, in Limassol have interesting historical monuments, including even a monument erected in honor of Pushkin.
Near the town is an island Troodos - big beautiful array.Its territory is the ancient seat of the rulers - Kolossi Castle, built by the Knights Hospitaller.On the tower arranged a viewing platform which offers an amazing view of the surroundings.
Amathus
This is another ancient city of Cyprus.At the moment of it remained in ruins.It was established that it was founded about a thousand years before our era.Over the next six centuries Amathus thrive and grow.In the VII century.BCthe city was attacked by the Arabs.The conquerors did not spare Amathus, as a result he was very badly damaged.Finally leveled the city, Richard the Lionheart.On the ruins of archaeologists have discovered baths, the sanctuary of Aphrodite, the system of water pipes and the Basilica of the early Christian period.
Surroundings Amathus without reason called the Cypriot Riviera - there chic beaches, great weather, a decent hotel, upscale restaurants, cafes and nightclubs.
Embassy in the capital of Russia
How to get a visa to visit the island described?To do this, visit the Embassy of Cyprus.In Moscow, it is located at ul.Cook, 9 hours - from 9:30 to 16:30.This document takes up to two hours of the day and give from two to three.Visa make out from three to fourteen days.Currently, the visa fee is 15 euros.
Conclusion
Cyprus - the island which country?We found out that it currently has autonomy.This state is not subject to either Greece or Turkey.That is why the question of which country Cyprus, is incorrect, and may even hurt the feelings of the local people.
