CYPRUS

Cyprus - officially the Republic of Cyprus , is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Cyprus is thethird largest and third most populous island in the

Mediterranean, and a member state of the European Union. It is located

south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, northwest

of Israel and the Gaza Strip, north of Egypt and east of Greece

The earliest confirmed site of human activity on Cyprus

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. The arrival of the first humans correlates with the

extinction of the dwarf hippos and dwarf elephants.

Water wells discovered by archaeologists in western

Cyprus are believed to be among the oldest in the world, dated at

9,000 to 10,500 years old.

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after the Italian

islands of Sicily and Sardinia (both in terms of area and population). It is also

the world's 81st largest by area and world's 51st largest by

population. It measures 240 kilometres (149 mi) long from end to end and 100 kilometres (62 mi) wide at its widest

point, with Turkey 75 kilometres (47 mi) to the north.

The Hymn to Liberty or Hymn to Freedom is a poem written by Dionýsios

Solomós in 1823 that consists of 158 stanzas, which is used as the national anthem of Greece and Cyprus. It was set to music by Nikolaos Mantzaros, and is the longest national anthem in the world by length of text. In 1865, the first three stanzas (and later the first two) officially

became the national anthem of Greece and, from 1966, also

that of the Republic of Cyprus.

Cyprus has a subtropical climate – Mediterranean and semi-arid type (in the north-eastern part

of the island) – Köppen climate classifications Csa and BSh, with very mild winters (on the coast)

and warm to hot summers. Snow is possible only in the Troodos

Mountains in the central part of island. Rain occurs mainly in winter, with summer being

generally dry.

CLIMATE

Cyprus is a presidential republic. The head of state and of the government is

elected by a process of universal suffrage for a five-year term. Executive power is exercised by the government

with legislative power vested in the House of Representatives whilst the Judiciary is independent of both the

executive and the legislature.

POLITICS

Administrative divisionsMain 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.

The majority of Greek Cypriots identify as Greek Orthodox, whereas most

Turkish Cypriots are adherents of Sunni Islam. According to Eurobarometer 2005, Cyprus is the second most

religious state in the European Union, after Malta. The first President of

Cyprus, Makarios III, was an archbishop. The current leader of the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus is Archbishop Chrysostomos II.

RELIGION

Cyprus has two official languages, Greek and Turkish. The everyday spoken language

of Greek Cypriots is Cypriot Greek and that of Turkish

Cypriots is Cypriot Turkish. These vernaculars

both differ from their standard registers significantly.

LANGUAGE

Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots share a lot in common in their culture but also have differences. Several traditional food (such as souvla and halloumi)

and beverages are similar, as well as expressions and ways of life. Hospitality and buying or offering food and drinks for guests or others are common

among both. In both communities, music, dance and art are integral parts of social life and many artistic, verbal and nonverbal expressions, traditional dances such as tsifteteli, similarities in dance costumes and importance

placed on social activities are shared between the communities. However, the two communities have distinct religions and religious cultures, with the

Greek Cypriots traditionally being Greek Orthodox and Turkish Cypriots traditionally being Sunni Muslims, which has partly hindered cultural

exchange. Greek Cypriots have influences from Greece and Christianity, while Turkish Cypriots have influences from Turkey and Islam.

CULTURE

Cyprus’ main celebrations:• 1st January- The New Year

• 20th February - Apokries - beginning of the Fat Week on Cyprus

• 25th March - National Day of the Greek Independence• 1 April - National Holiday of Cyprus

• 1st May- Labor Day• 6th May – Anthestiria

• 1st October- Independence Day• 28th October- Ochi Day on Cyprus

As soon as hands of clocks stand on hour 12, and happy cheers

already sound, into the sky colour fireworks are cracking, and

cheerful companies are commencing the manoeuvring. It sometimes happens that they are

joining one group next and everyone together are dancing.

1st January - The New Year

At that time on Cyprus parties are held and is inviting himself - especially of the ones a long time ago not seen - is having staying.

The music and the voice of drums are spreading all over the country. Apokries is

starting on Thursday of week which Cypriots are naming "aromatic" - then abundant

dishes of the meat are being prepared. Apart from various varieties of the grilled meat,

dumpling of the meat filling are popular - it is necessary after all to eat its fill its fill! The

fat Week is ending with "cheese Sunday", tyrofagos which constitutes the last day of the carnival. The meat filling is exchanging

the "ravioli" in cheese and curd (and Cypriots have wonderfulcheeses).

20th February - Apokries - beginning of the Fat Week on

CyprusApokries, it Cypriot "fat week" which the possibility is giving to the man to enjoy light-hearted joy before the Lent - with the severest period in the

liturgical calendar.

The holiday is commemorating the day of proclaiming independence in 1821 Cyprus is an independent country and Cypriots are proud of

it, as a matter of fact - what country, having survived so much different invasions and political intrigues, wouldn't be pleased with

liberties? Greeks are comprising majority of inhabitants of Cyprus and Cyprus has always felt the political influence of Greece. Cypriots have always admitted that they are a part of the Greek culture, with part of

the "cradle of civilization". This holiday is outweighing both for Greeks, and for Greek-Cypriots. On that day ceremonial marches are usually organised with dances and songs. In houses tables whereas

festive set are waiting.

25th March - National Day of the Greek Independence

The full name of this holiday sounds: day of commencement of the National struggle for liberation against English Colonizers.

In 1571 Cyprus was occupied by the powerful Ottoman Empire. In that time island, remaining in an grave economic crisis, former ready to take everyone

who will free her from the high taxation established by Venetians. Unfortunately, Turk-saviours didn't meet expectations of Cypriots. To 1878

the island stayed in hands of the Ottomans. Moods started growing antytureckie and unification moves with Greece. Under an agreement with Great Britain Turkey, in the framework of a defence alliance against Russia, assign righted for her to Cyprus. After annexation of Cyprus in 1914 Great

Britain officially announced its island in May 1923 with colony. 1 April 1955 a "Nationalist organization of Cypriot fighters for independence" opened. Cyprus plunged into the riot, addresses antybrytyjskich and armed clashes. A few years were needed before Cyprus finally got the autonomy,

whereas the fight for the freedom and the independence was crowned only in 1959.

With full member Cyprus became an UN in September 1960.

1st April - National Holiday of Cyprus

It is possible to divide in two the celebration of this May holiday: serious and cheerful. To serious it is possible to rank demonstrations taking place in

streets of Cyprus and rallyes of workers, of trade unions etc. To cheerful - everything what is being combined with entertainment. In squares, in

theatres and in concert halls different parties are held. on 1 May every year to the island some superstar, for which performances are becoming a centre of the attention of residents arrives by plane and is having islands staying.

1st May - Labor Day

On that day also a custom of plaiting garlands of self-set grass and wild flowers is popular in order to drive evil spirits wanting to disrupt off

joyful mood.

One should rank 1 May among rounds still falling on that day anniversary of

the entry of the country to the European Union (2005) what is included in landmarks of the

contemporary history of the island.

Holiday of Flowers on Cyprus, i.e. Anthestiria, these are special regards for the extraordinary natural richness of this island. Specially on the occasion of this holiday a committee of taught biologists which is recapitulating examinations

of the flora and fauna of its country is gathering.

On this little island c 2000 species of plants were calculated, from what about 150 endemic

species, it is so which it is possible to meet exclusively on Cyprus. They are these are above

all all sorts species of orchises, the lily, tulips and swordtails.

6th May - Anthestiria

Anthestiria traditionally is treating in May. The May on Cyprus is regarded already as the summer month, however doesn't still have heat, and all plants seem to collect the energy for surviving throughout hot days being supposed

to come.

Very religious name derives from the Greek word "anthos" what the "flower" is determining.

Holiday get around on Cyprus with the great respect and not a lower dash. In 1960 Cyprus

got the long expected independence and became a sovereign power.

Independence Day, it another day, when the family is gathering together and is inviting

guests. Preparations are beginning from the morning. At home this work usually falls on bars for the housewife, while the rest of the household is pretending sie to the military

parade which is starting at hr 11 of local time. A parade is a special chance for guests of

Cyprus in order to admire the Cypriot army. After the last sounds of fanfares will die away,

walks for which they will last up to the late evening are beginning. There are always

stage performances and street concerts in the program of the holiday with the participation of stage stars and the circus. On everyone a tasty food, drinks and traditional sweets are

awaiting those present.

1st October - Independence Day

The World War II didn't also pass Cyprus. Fascist Italy wanted to see Greece, as its ally and to arrange the contingent of armies on

her territory, as well as to use the airspace of Greece for the attack on the Soviet Union. Mussolini offered the neutrality to

Greece, but in response heard determined "not", what in a Greek manner just sounds "ochi". It happened 28 October 1940. The opposition of Greeks and Cypriots lasted c 7 months and in the

end armies had to give Mussolini up. This significant victory over fascists was in South Europe.

For commemorating the determined resistance of fascist armies, the day on 28 October is great with holiday both for Cyprus, and

for very Greece. Including days military parades, games and demonstrations take place.

28th October - Ochi Day on Cyprus

The history of every country is counting a lot of wars, in which either they were defending themselves against the invader or possessive plans were being carried out. The coincidence caused, around small island Cyprus became crossing sea routes and the tying link between Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Such a location has often been a virtue, but has often also caused problems.

The etymology of the name is unknown. Suggestions include:the Greek word for the Mediterranean cypress tree 

the Greek name of the henna plant (Lawsonia alba), κύπρος (kýpros)an 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 copper through the phrase aes Cyprium, "metal of Cyprus", later shortened to Cuprum.

Cyprus, more specifically the seashore at Paphos, was also one of the birthplaces given in Greek mythology for Aphrodite, who was known

as Kýpria. This was because Astarte, goddess of love and beauty in Phoenician mythology, for whom Cyprus was an important cult centre, was

later identified with Aphrodite.The standard demonym relating to Cyprus or its people or culture is Cypriot.

The terms Cypriote and Cyprian are also used, though less frequently.

CURIOSITYThe earliest attested reference to Cyprus is the 15th century

BC Mycenaean Greek. The classical Greek form of the name is Κύπρος

(Kýpros).

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