6 Amazing Cultural Facts about Cyprus

A kaleidoscope of cultural and geographic influences, the island nation of Cyprus, languished in the Mediterranean of Europe, though only half of the country is part of the European Union (EU). Prepared with a mix of British, Western and Ottoman influences in major tourist centers such as Pafos, Agia Nappa, and Limasol, Cyprus is located right in the middle of Syria, Turkey, Greece and Lebanon.

However, most come to explore the small, colorful villages with spectacular views of the island, enjoy the fresh aroma of orange gardens along the Akamas Peninsula, and lose themselves on the beach of the heavenly gold that stretches along the gold coastline along the Kırpaşa Peninsula.

But you may not know about the interesting facts and culture of this Cyprus ...

1. Unique location of Cyprus

Cyprus lies in the middle of several Middle Eastern countries - including Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. But the closest country is Turkey in the south. This unique location has established the island of Cyprus as a neutral junction for many diplomatic processes throughout history.

2. Cyprus: A Divided Island

Cyprus is a divided island. The northern part of the island, called the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", is ruled by Turks, but this title is only recognizable by Turkey itself, everyone calls it the "Cypriot Original". The southern part of the island is known as the independent Republic of Cyprus or "Greek Cypriot" though not part of Greece. However, this becomes confusing because the whole island is part of the European Union, with the exception of the northern part of the island ruled by Turkey.

3. Capital Division

Not only is the island of Cyprus largely divided into the capital of Nicosia, stretched by the "Green Line" similar to the way Berlin once divided into East and West Germany. Obviously access crosses patrol boundaries and is restricted, but usually the problem is free if you have the right travel documents.

4. Official Cyprus Language

You will hear a mixture of Greek, Turkish, and English on the island of Cyprus. And most locals know how to speak English because the island was colonized by the British in 1878 and did not gain independence until 1960. Actually, there are still some British military bases on the island.

5. Residents of Cyprus Are Called Cypriots

However, one is not called only "Cypriot" itself. You are a "Greek Cypriot" or "Turkish Cypriot" in recognition of your ethnicity and place of residence in either Orthodox Greek or Turkish-speaking Muslim communities.

6. Religions of Cyprus

Cyprus is equally multi-religious because it is multilingual and multicultural. Most of the island's inhabitants, 78 percent, belong to the Orthodox Autocephalous belief; 18 percent are Muslims; While the remaining 4 percent of worshipers are Maronite or Armenian Apostolic.