History of Cyprus. Briefly. Very briefly. History of Cyprus: modern times
The first human settlements in Cyprus date back to the Neolithic period, approximately 8200-3900 BC. At this time, tools for labor and hunting made of stone prevail. By 3900 B.C. e. stone dwellings were already being built in Cyprus, and agriculture is developing in the western part of the island.
IN XVII centuries BC. Cyprus is mastered by settlers from the island - the Minoans. During the XII - XI centuries BC. e. ancient Greek merchants and settlers found city-kingdoms in Cyprus:,.
New owners
In the 7th century BC, Cyprus is a Greek province with ten city-kingdoms living in an era of significant economic prosperity on the island.
This period lasted for quite a long time, although from the middle of the 8th to the 4th centuries BC. Cyprus falls either under the rule of the Assyrians and Egyptians, or under the rule of the Persians. The history of Cyprus is generally an endless series of conquests and dual rule.
The disunity of the island cities is increasing. At the beginning of the 5th century, King Evagoras of Salamina, brother of the Egyptian pharaoh Ptolemy I, united Cyprus and made it the economic and cultural leader of the Greek world.
In 380 BC. e. the Persian king Artaxerxes II returned the island to Persia, but as a result of the campaigns of Alexander the Great, who, as you know, defeated the Persians, Cyprus became part of the Hellenistic. Thus, until the strengthening of the Roman Empire, the island is under the rule of the Egyptian-Hellenistic Ptolemaic dynasty. The city becomes the capital of Cyprus.
Romans and Christianity
During the prosperity of Rome (58-330 AD), the history of Cyprus becomes part of history great empire. During the missionary Christian campaign of St. Paul and the Apostle Barnabas, Cyprus accepts Christianity. Notably, Cyprus becomes the first country ruled by an Orthodox Christian.
After the division of the Roman Empire, the island is under the rule of its eastern part - Byzantium (395-1191 AD). The official religion of Cyprus is Orthodoxy. This period in the history of Cyprus lasted almost 800 years. The Cypriot Church received the status of autocephalous, autonomous, giving the Cypriot archbishop a status equal to the viceroy of the emperor.
Kings of Cyprus
In 647, the Arabs, led by Moavi, invaded Cyprus and captured it. For the next 300 years, the island was under the rule of both Byzantium and Arab world, with an unprecedented agreement reached between the two sides despite their endless wars on the mainland.
In 1191 the English king Richard I the Lionheart occupied the island during the Third Crusade. Thus ended Byzantine rule. Local guides say that the legendary king chained the last Cypriot emperor not in iron, but in silver chains, thereby keeping his oath.
Islam
During the period of the existence of the Venetian Republic, the Catholic Church almost supplanted the Orthodox Church, traditional for the population of the island. The Venetians saw the island as the last bastion of defense against the Ottoman Empire.
But in 1571, the Turks captured and laid siege to Famagusta for a year. Despite the heroic defense, under the leadership of Mark Antony Bregadino, Famagusta fell in 1570.
The Turkish authorities pursued a purposeful, cruel and cunning policy on the island, suppressing the uprisings. local population, increasing the tax on Christianity, encouraging the conversion of Cypriots to Islam. The Islamization of the island is gradually taking place.
In 1869, three centuries of Turkish domination came to an end, and the Turkish occupation was replaced by the British.
Fight for independence
The Turkish population of the island forms the TMT organization in 1957, which tries to resist the EOKA, an alliance of Greek fighters for the independence of the island from British rule, formed two years earlier. TMT is helping not only England, but, of course, pursuing its interests in Cyprus.
Recent History of Cyprus
Finally, in 1960, the island of Cyprus gains independence from Britain and becomes a republic. Two British military bases remained on the island. The Constitution recognized the existence of two self-governing communities, Turkish and Greek. A larger percentage of the population (80%) belongs to the Greek community. But the tension caused by different goals and political intrigues is undoubtedly growing.
In 1974, tension escalated into an open military conflict between the organized Greek junta and. The Turkish army, violating all UN resolutions, is infiltrating the island and occupying 37% of the island's territory.
In March 2008, the Greek and Turkish communities of Cyprus began to dismantle the wall on Ledra Street in the capital. This wall divided the island into two parts for many years.
The history of Cyprus is the oldest recorded in the world. Since ancient times, the historical significance of Cyprus has exceeded the small size of the island. Its favorable geographical position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, as well as significant reserves of copper and timber from ancient times made the island a very tasty morsel for conquerors.
Around 9000 B.C. e. only pygmy elephants and hippos lived in Cyprus (archaeologists have found the corresponding bone remains).
The first signs of human civilization appeared in the 3rd millennium BC. Copper was discovered, bringing wealth to the island and making trade possible. Starting around 3500 B.C. a process began that gave Cyprus the individuality that it still keeps - the arrival on the island of the Mycenaean-Achaean Greeks for a permanent settlement, who brought their language and culture with them. Subsequently, Cyprus was conquered by various nations, but, despite this, managed to maintain its individuality, language and culture. Turkish Cypriots came to the island much later. They were the descendants of the Ottomans, who conquered the island for more than three hundred years between the 16th and XIX centuries and certainly contributed to the culture of Cyprus.
Brief historical overview
Neolithic period (8200 - 3900 BC)
The first settlements of ancient people discovered in Cyprus date back to the Neolithic era. The settlement of the early Neolithic era in the village of Khirokitia in the vicinity of Larnaca has been well preserved to this day.
Chalcolithic period (3900 - 2500 BC)
The transitional period between the Stone and Bronze Ages. Most of the Chalcolithic settlements have been found in the western part of Cyprus. A cult of fertility was developed. Copper was discovered and used on a small scale.
Bronze Age (2500 - 1050 BC)
Copper is used more intensively, bringing wealth to Cyprus. Trade develops with the Middle East, Egyptians and Aegeans, where Cyprus was known as Alasia.
The inhabitants of mainland Greece (Mycenaeans) and the Cretans brought their writing to Cyprus, from which the Cypriot-Minoan syllabic script arises, which remains undeciphered to this day. Around 1200 BC the mass arrival of the Achaean Greeks led to the spread of the Greek language, religion and customs on the island - the Hellenization of the island. The first city-states were founded - Paphos, Salamis, Kition and Kourion.
Geometric period (1050 - 750 BC)
Cyprus is Greek island with ten city-states - Salamis, Kition, Amaphunta, Kourion, Idalion, Palea Paphos, Marion, Soli and Tamassos. The island has a thriving cult of the goddess Aphrodite, born here according to legend. The technology of making iron was discovered (transition to the Iron Age). The geometric period (ceramics at that time was mainly decorated with drawings of geometric figures) of the Iron Age coincided in time with the arrival of the Phoenicians in Cyprus and their capture of Kition.
Archaic and classical periods (750 - 310 BC)
At the beginning of the archaic period (750-480 BC), the Assyrians captured Cyprus. During the entire period of their reign, the Cypriot city-states retained their independence as long as they could pay tribute to the Assyrian governor. After many years of Assyrian rule, Cyprus was captured Egyptian pharaoh Amasis. Then formally Cyprus became part of the Persian Empire, but largely retained its independence. During the period when Evagoras ruled in Salomina (411-374 BC), Cyprus became a major political and cultural center of Hellas. The Persians lost control of Cyprus when Alexander the Great began his campaign to the east.
Hellenistic period (310 - 30 BC)
After the death of Alexander the Great, Ptolemy, one of his commanders, became the ruler of Cyprus. The Ptolemies used Cyprus mainly as military base, and also exported copper, ship timber, olives and wheat from the island. Paphos becomes the capital instead of Salamis.
Roman period (30 BC - 330 AD)
The beginning of Roman rule in Cyprus is formally dated to 58 BC, but in reality Cyprus became dependent on the Roman Empire only in 30 BC. The Romans ruled the island for 300 years. The economy of Cyprus during this period developed dynamically due to active trade. The most important event in the history of Cyprus during Roman rule was the baptism of the inhabitants of the island by the apostles Paul and Barnabas in 45 AD.
Throughout the 1st century BC. and 1st century AD strong earthquakes happened in Cyprus, destroyed cities were built anew.
Byzantine period (330 - 1191)
In 330, the capital of the Roman Empire was moved from Rome to Constantinople, and Christianity became the official state religion. In 395 the Roman Empire collapsed. Cyprus became part of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium), which existed from the 4th to the 15th centuries. New cities were built in Cyprus, many old settlements were destroyed by earthquakes. The capital of Cyprus was moved from Paphos to Salamis (Constantia), next to which in the 7th century. appeared new town Famagusta (Ammochostos). Amathunta remained a major center, a new city was built nearby - Neapolis (Nemesos), which during the reign of the Franks was renamed Lemesos. On site ancient city Lidra arose the new city of Lefkosia (Nicosia). It became the capital of Cyprus in the 11th-12th centuries.
The Byzantine period was marked by the flourishing of church art, which combined Greco-Roman and Eastern traditions. The first churches on the island were built on the model of Roman basilicas (elongated buildings with arched vaults and aisles, separated by a row of columns). The most significant examples of architecture are the early Christian wooden basilicas decorated with frescoes (the Basilica of Chrysopolitissa in Kato Paphos, the church of Campanopetra in Constantia, the temple of the Holy Trinity in Yalus, the monastery of Panagia Kanakaria on the Karpasia peninsula, the church in Kourion, the basilica of St. George in the village of Peyia).
Arab attacks on Cyprus began in 648-649. and continued until 965, when the Byzantine emperor Nikephoros Phocas defeated them in a decisive battle. Forts and forts were built along the Pentadaktylos mountain range (Saint Hilarion Castle, Bufavento Castle and Kantara Castle), the monasteries of Kykkos, Machairas and Saint Neophytos.
Richard the Lionheart and the Templars (1191 - 1192)
In 1191, the English king Richard the Lionheart captured Cyprus. The island was a strategically important facility for supplying troops participating in the Third Crusade (theThird Crusade). In Cyprus, the wedding of Richard and his bride Berengaria, Princess of Navarre (Berengaria of Navarre), who accompanied him on a military campaign, took place. Realizing how difficult it will be to control the island, Richard sells it for one hundred thousand dinars to the Knights Templar, who abandoned Cyprus after the uprising that took place on the island. Richard later sold Cyprus to the Frenchman Guy de Lusignan, former King of Jerusalem. Lusignan became the founder of the royal dynasty in Cyprus.
Frankish (Lusignan) period (1192 - 1489)
A feudal system was established on the island, Catholicism became the official religion. Cyprus produced and exported sugar, wines, agricultural products. Weaving crafts and the art of embroidery flourished, and a lot of ceramics was produced. The most famous examples gothic architecture relating to the period of Frankish rule - the Church of Hagia Sophia in Nicosia, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Famagusta, Bellapais Abbey.
Venetian period (1489 - 1571)
The last queen of Cyprus, Caterina Cornaro, widow of King James II (Jacques II of Lusignan) and sister of the Venetian nobleman Andreas Cornaro, abdicated in 1489. Cyprus became part of the Venetian Republic.
The main exports during this period were wheat, barley, sugar, cotton, wine, and olive oil. For the export of products from the island, the port of Famagusta was mainly used. Toward the end of the Venetian rule, Larnaca became the main port of Cyprus. From there, the salt mined on the island was exported. The port of Limassol gradually developed.
The Venetians sensed a threat to their dominance over Cyprus in 1522 when Ottoman Empire captured the island of Rhodes. Fortification walls were built around Nicosia and the fortress of Famagusta was fortified. To this day, Othello's Tower stands on the seashore.
Ottoman period (1571 - 1878)
The Ottoman period in the history of Cyprus began in 1571 after the capture of Famagusta by the Turks. The Venetians were expelled and Muslim settlements first appeared in Cyprus. The 30,000th garrison of the Ottoman Empire was stationed in Cyprus, almost the same number of Turks were resettled to the island from Turkey. (The island was a place of exile, as it was considered the most unhealthy place in the empire.) Thus, a significant Muslim, mainly Turkic-speaking, community appeared on the island. Institutes of Muslim spiritual culture began to function - mosques, madrasahs, zawiyas. Over time, the Muslim community began to increase due to the conversion of Christian Cypriots. The Greeks and Turks of the island lived separately and had their own administrative bodies, headed, respectively, by the Orthodox and Muslim clergy. From the end of the 18th century, national self-consciousness began to awaken among the non-Muslim population, and the idea of liberation from the “Turkocracy” became widespread. However, the Turkish authorities drowned in blood any manifestations of the liberation movement.
In the XVIII century. the processes of weakening the Ottoman Empire and improving the socio-economic situation of Cyprus began. The trade of the coastal cities of Cyprus expanded with European countries, consulates opened in Larnaca different states. The rapid growth of the urban population began, ties with continental Greece were strengthened, where in 1821 an independent Greek state appeared.
Period of British rule (1878-1960)
In 1878, Cyprus was leased by the Ottoman Empire to Great Britain. Formally, the island remained part of the Ottoman Empire and paid tribute to the Sultan's treasury. In fact, it became the possession of Great Britain.
British troops landed in Larnaca in May 1878. In 1888 a constitution was drafted. In Cyprus, limited self-government of the Greek and Turkish communities was established. The Greek Cypriots persistently sought to join Greece, enosis (Greek Ένωσις - union, unification), but Great Britain wanted to retain this strategically important area.
In November 1914, Turkey announced its entry into the First World War on the side of Germany, in turn, London announced the denunciation of the 1878 treaty and the annexation of Cyprus. Thus, the Cypriots became subjects of the British crown. The Lausanne Peace Treaty of 1923 formalized the annexation of Cyprus by England and Turkey's renunciation of all rights to the island.
Under the conditions of the Second World War, the colonial authorities went to soften the regime, and in 1943 municipal elections were held in Cyprus, in which the communists from the AKEL party (Progressive Party of the Working People of Cyprus (Greek: Ανορθωτικό Κόμμα Εργαζόμενου Λαού) - the communist party in Cyprus) achieved significant success established in 1941). The hopes of the Cypriots for independence in the post-war period did not materialize, as Britain still viewed Cyprus as an important strategic foothold in the Eastern Mediterranean. After attempts at a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus issue failed, the War of Independence began, which lasted until 1959.
On January 15, 1950, the leadership of the community and the Cypriot Orthodox Church organized a referendum on the issue of unification with Greece: the absolute majority of the island's population voted for the accession of Cyprus to Greece (95.7%), but the UK did not recognize the results of the referendum. Since 1954, the question of Cyprus, at the initiative of Greece, was raised in the UN, but its discussion was frustrated. Not having received a peaceful resolution of the conflict, the extreme wing of the Greek nationalists created the National Organization of Cypriot Fighters (EOKA) (Greek Εθνική Οργάνωσις Κυπρίων Αγωνιστών, the Union of Fighters for the Liberation of the Nation of Cyprus) and in April 1955 began an armed partisan struggle for reunification with Greece.
Negotiations between the foreign ministers of Great Britain, Greece and Turkey on Cyprus ended inconclusively. The Turkish government demanded that the island be handed over to Turkey or divided between Greece and Turkey. In March 1956, negotiations between the British authorities and the leadership of the Greek community of Cyprus, headed by the archbishop of the Cypriot Orthodox Church, ended in vain, the bishops were arrested and sent to Seychelles. The colonial authorities launched an operation to suppress the national movement in Cyprus: the number of British troops on the island reached 30 thousand people, mass arrests were made.
The Foreign Ministers of Great Britain, Greece and Turkey met in February 1959 for a conference in Zurich, at which a preliminary Greek-Turkish agreement was signed. This was followed by a conference in London with the Prime Ministers of Great Britain, Greece and Turkey, as well as representatives of both communities of the island. As a result, an agreement was reached on granting political independence to Cyprus, subject to the self-government of the communities and guarantees from all three interested states. According to this agreement, England, Greece and Turkey are the guarantors of the "independence, territorial integrity and security" of Cyprus, which gives these countries the opportunity to interfere in its internal affairs ("Treaty of Guarantees"). In addition, Greece and Turkey received the right to maintain their military contingents on the island - 950 and 650 people, respectively. ("Treaty of Union"). England also retained under its full sovereignty the territory of the island with an area of 99 square meters. miles (158.4 sq. km), on which two large military bases are located - Dhekelia (east of Larnaca) and Akrotiri Episkopi (near Limassol), and also secured the right to use other "small plots" of the island and its infrastructure in connection with the activities of bases and facilities.
On December 13, 1959, Archbishop Makarios III, who returned from exile, was elected the first president of Cyprus. Parliamentary elections in July 1960 brought victory to his supporters, who formed the Patriotic Front. Turkish Cypriot Fazil Kuchuk became the vice-president of the island.
Republic of Cyprus, Turkish invasion, entry into the European Union (1960–present)
On August 16, 1960, the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus was proclaimed. Cyprus became a member of the UN, the British Commonwealth, the Council of Europe and the Non-Aligned Movement.
In 1963, the President of Cyprus proposed a series of amendments to the Cypriot constitution, which were rejected by both the leaders of the Turkish Cypriot community and Turkey. The Turkish Cypriots withdrew from the government of Cyprus and created an illegal Provisional Turkish Cypriot Government. As a result, in 1964, a conflict arose between the Turkish and Greek communities of the island, which led to the adoption by the UN Security Council of a decision to introduce its own peacekeeping forces to the island.
In 1974, the military junta that came to power in Greece staged a military coup in Cyprus to overthrow President Makarios. Turkey, in turn, sent troops to the territory of Cyprus. On July 20, 1974, Turkish forces landed in Cyprus and occupied 36.2% of the island's territory. About 200 thousand Greek Cypriots became refugees. In 1974-75. almost all Turkish Cypriots moved to the part of Cyprus occupied by Turkish troops, and Greek Cypriots to the south of the island. The European Court of Human Rights found Turkey responsible for the violations of the rights of Greek Cypriots forced to leave their homes and lands in northern Cyprus.
The Turks occupy 36.2% of the island's territory, in its northern part, separated from the south by the Attila line (“Operation Attila” - this is the code name Turkey gave to the invasion of Cyprus). The "Green Line" 180 km long ran from the city of Kokkina in the northwest to Famagusta in the east. The line dividing the island into two sectors is guarded by a contingent of the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP, English UNICYP). Numerous Turkish settlers were brought to the north of Cyprus. These territories are part of the so-called "Turkish Federal State of Cyprus" (since 1983 - the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", since May 23, 2012 - the "Turkish Republic of Cyprus"), which is not recognized by any country in the world, with the exception of Turkey . Despite the condemnation of Turkey's actions and the recognition of the rights of the indigenous people of Cyprus in the resolutions of the UN, the UN Security Council, the British Commonwealth, the Non-Aligned Movement and others international organizations, Turkish troops still occupy northern part islands.
In the course of negotiations on a settlement between the communities, it has not been possible to reach a compromise so far due to the different vision of the Cypriot federation by the parties.
On May 1, 2004 Cyprus became a full member of the European Union. A protocol is attached to the EU accession agreement for Cyprus, which provides that EU law will not apply in territories not controlled by the Cypriot government. This protocol will lose its force after the solution of the Cyprus problem. Since January 1, 2008, the Euro has been introduced in Cyprus to replace the Cypriot pound.
Cyprus is a small island ancient history and rich culture. It is not surprising that UNESCO included the monuments of the ancient culture of Paphos, Khirokitia and ten temples Byzantine period, located in Troodos, in the list of world cultural heritage sites.
richest cultural heritage- the main treasure of the people of Cyprus. The identity of the people has found reflection in history of cyprus and this great history has not been interrupted for many centuries.
Cyprus - third largest island mediterranean sea. Helies at the intersection sea routes connecting three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. The geographical position of Cyprus playedan exceptionally important role throughout the history of the country, starting from ancient times.
In the prehistoric era, 3500 years ago, on the islandthe Mycenaean Greeks arrived. They assimilated with the people who from time immemorial lived onCyprus. The Hellenistic civilization flourished on the island, which forever connected Cyprus with Greece. And staying on the island of the apostles foreverassociated him with Christianity. Over the past millennia, a variety of peoples have visited Cyprus - Phoenicians, Assyrians, Franks,Venetians, Ottoman Turks, English… All of themleft a significant mark in the history of the island.For many centuries, the Byzantine Empire owned the island, and this time was marked by the heyday of Cyprus.
Prehistoric period 8200-1050 BC
The first settlement of ancient people discovered in Cyprus dates back to the Neolithic era (8200-3800 BC). In both the Neolithic and the Chalcolithic era (the next era), they lived in small one-room houses, used stone tools and vessels, made jewelry from picrolite, ate fish, cereals, sheep and goat meat. The oldest pottery found in Cyprus dates back to the fifth millennium BC.
The first significant changes in culture that had big influence on all aspects of society, occurred in Cyprus around 2200-2400. BC, at the end of the Chalcolithic era and at the beginning of the early Bronze Age. Then the inhabitants of the island stopped building small houses resembling a cylinder in shape. They were replaced by large buildings with several rooms. In addition, the ancient Cypriots began to process copper, which they used to make jewelry, and began to use a plow in agriculture.
Archaeologists have discovered finds dating back to the late Bronze Age (1650-1050 BC), which irrefutably indicate that it was during this period that a number of significant changes took place in Cyprus almost simultaneously. IN coastal zone the first settlements appeared, copper ore and ores of other metals were mined more and more actively, the first alphabet appeared, trade was actively developing with the peoples living in Egypt and the Middle East, on the islands Aegean Sea and the eastern Mediterranean in general.
Historical period: geometric and archaic periods 1050-480. BC.
The transition from the prehistoric to the historical period was marked by two significant events. Firstly, a new political entity appeared in Cyprus - the city ofstate. According to the legends, the new cities were founded by the heroes of the Trojan War who were returning from the campaign, which is partially confirmed historical facts, namely the last wave of Achaean Greek migration to Cyprus. As a result of Hellenization Cyprus spread Greek culture and language. Starting from the tenth century. BC. Cyprus' links with the islands of the Greek archipelago, such as Euboea and Crete, were constantly strengthened.
Secondly, the technology of making iron was discovered, which marked the transition to a new era - the Iron Age. At first, iron was used only in the manufacture of jewelry, but soon it replaced copper and began to be used in the manufacture of tools.
The Geometric Period (1050-750 BC), so named because at that time ceramics were mostly decorated with patterns in the form of geometric figures, also belongs to the Iron Age. It coincided with the arrival of the Phoenicians in Cyprus and their capture of the large coastal Mycenaean city of Kition.
The beginning of the archaic period following the geometric one (750 - 480 centuries BC) coincided with the capture of Cyprus by the Assyrians. During the entire period of their reign, the Cypriot city-states of Salamina, Kition, Amaphunta, Kourion, Idalion, Paleapaphos, Marion, Soli and Tamassos retained their independence as long as they could pay tribute to the Assyrian governor. After many years of Assyrian rule, Cyprus was captured by the Egyptian pharaoh Amasis. For this period, there was typically a strong influence of Greek and Eastern cultures on all aspects of the life of the island, especially on its culture and religion.
Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods 480 BC - 330 AD
During the classical period (480 BC - 310 AD) Cyprus became embroiled in the Greco-Persian Wars. Despite the fact that formally Cyprus became part of the Persian Empire, it largely retained its independence. During the period when Evagoras ruled in Salamis (411 - 374 BC), Cyprus became one of the largest political and cultural centers Hellas. Evagoras revolted against the Persians, but after a long war he was forced to make peace with them. During the entire period of Persian rule, Greek influence in Cyprus remained very strong. The population worshiped Greek gods, Greek artists were assigned to create the seals of the coins that were minted in the Cypriot city-states.
Persians lose control of Cyprus. The Hellenistic period begins (310 - 30 BC), during which Alexander the Great carried out his campaign to the east. After his death, Ptolemy, one of Alexander's generals, became the ruler of the island. At that time, the new capital of the Ptolemaic kingdom, Alexandria, had a strong influence on all areas of art in Cyprus. This influence is clearly felt when looking at the sculptures, ceramics and figurines of that period. The Ptolemies used Cyprus mainly as a military base. Copper and ship timber, olives and wheat were also exported from the island.
The Romans, who came to Cyprus after the Ptolemies, also continued to actively mine copper on the island. Despite the fact that the beginning of the rule of the Romans is formally dated to 58 BC, in reality Cyprus became dependent on the Roman Empire only in 30 BC. During the entire period of Roman rule (30 BC - 330 AD), the name of Cyprus is associated with the Latin word "suprum" (copper). The Romans ruled the island for three hundred years, which were marked by the dynamic development of the Cypriot economy through active trade. The most important event in the history of Cyprus during the Roman rule was the baptism of the inhabitants of the island by the apostles Paul and Barnabas in 45 AD.
Byzantine period 330-1191
In 330, the capital of the Roman Empire was moved from Rome to Constantinople, and Christianity became the official state religion. In 395 the Roman Empire collapsed. Cyprus became part of the Eastern Roman Empire, called Byzantium, which existed from IV V. by the 12th century During the entire early Christian Byzantine period (4th - 7th centuries), the Church of Cyprus was autocephalous and retained its full independence. Due to significant efforts, she managed to significantly expand her influence. In 488 Emperor Zenon granted the Archbishop of Cyprus and all his successors the right to appear at official ceremonies in a purple robe, carry a scepter and sign in red ink. Archbishop Anthemios, in gratitude, presented the emperor with a manuscript of the Apostle Barnabas from the Gospel of Matthew, which was found in the tomb of St. Barnabas near Salamina. At the site of the discovery of the tomb of the apostle, a monastery was erected, and St. Barnabas is considered the founder of the Cypriot Orthodox Church.
During the first peaceful centuries of Byzantine rule, new cities were built in Cyprus, many old settlements were abandoned due to large destructive earthquakes that occurred on the island. The capital of Cyprus was moved from Paphos to Salamina (Constantia), next to which in the 7th century. a new city of Arsinoe appeared - Ammochostos (Famagusta). Amaphunta, actively developing during Roman rule, remained a major center, and a new city appeared next to it - Neapolis or Nemesos, which was renamed Lemesos during the reign of the Franks. On the site of the ancient city of Lidra, a new settlement arose, called Lefkosia (Nicosia). It was this city that became the capital of Cyprus in the 11th-12th centuries.
The Byzantine period was marked by the flourishing of church art, which combined Greco-Roman and Eastern traditions. The first churches on the island were built on the model of Roman basilicas. These were elongated buildings with arched vaults and aisles, separated by a row of columns. Over time, domes and arches were added, as well as other architectural elements. TO Among the most significant examples of architecture of that period are early Christian basilicas with a wooden roof, decorated with frescoes.
Cyprus takes on particular importance in the 7th century as a result of the conflict between Byzantium and the Islamic powers of the time. Arab attacks on the island began in 648-649. and continued until 965, when the Byzantine emperor Nicephorus II Phocas defeated them in a decisive battle. Up to the XII century. Byzantium built fortresses and forts along the Pentadactylos mountain range (St. Hilarion, Bufavento and Kantara). In addition, the monasteries of Kykkos, Machairas and St. Neophyte were built during that period.
Frankish period 1192-1489
In 1191, the English king Richard the Lionheart realized how strategically important Cyprus would be for supplying the troops taking part in the Third Crusade, and captured the island. In Cyprus, the wedding of the English king and his bride Berengaria, Princess of Navarre, who accompanied Richard on a military campaign, took place. She became Queen of England. Realizing how difficult it would be to control the island, Richard decided to sell it to the Knights Templar, who abandoned Cyprus after an uprising took place here. Later, Richard sold the island to the Frenchman Guy de Lusignan, who shortly before became king of Jerusalem. Guy de Lusignan, born in Poitiers in France, became the founder of the royal dynasty in Cyprus. The period of Frankish rule, also known as the rule of the Lusignans, lasted three centuries (1192 - 1489). A feudal system was established on the island, and Catholicism became the official religion. After the capture of Acre by the Egyptian Mameluks in 1291 and the fall of the Latin-Jerusalem kingdom, Cyprus remained the only outpost of Christianity in the east. In addition, the island became the most important center of trade in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In the XIV century. The Cypriot economy has developed dynamically. The capital of Lefkosia and the port city of Ammochostos (Famagusta) have become large shopping malls. During the Middle Ages, Cyprus produced and exported high quality sugar, fine wines and other agricultural products. At the same time, weaving crafts and the art of embroidery flourished. In addition, a large amount of glazed pottery was produced in Cyprus, which was used on the island and was also exported.
Gothic architecture dating back to the period of Frankish rule in Cyprus is represented mainly by cathedrals and castles. Their architecture mixed Western and Byzantine styles. The most famous examples of Gothic in Cyprus are the church of St. Sophia in Lefkosia, St. Nicholas in Ammochostos, as well as Bellapice Abbey.
Venetians in Cyprus
1489 - 1571
The last queen of Cyprus, Caterina Cornaro, widow of King James II and sister of the Venetian nobleman Andreas Cornaro, abdicated in 1489, after which Cyprus became part of the "Quiet Venice". This led to the expulsion of the Genoese from the island. The main task of the Venetians on the island was to establish tight control over the island so that nothing would interfere with the movement of Venetian ships in the eastern Mediterranean, as well as their unhindered supply.
During this period, the main exports of Cyprus included wheat, barley, sugar, cotton, wine and olive oil. The artisans of Cyprus were mainly engaged in weaving, and in the village of Lefkara, the art of embroidery flourishes. For the export of products from the island, the port of Ammochostos was mainly used. Toward the end of the Venetian rule, Larnaca became the main port of Cyprus. It was from there that the salt mined on the island was exported. At the same time, the port of Lemesos gradually developed. The Venetians felt threatened by their dominance over Cyprus in 1522, when the Ottoman Empire captured the island of Rhodes. Therefore, they built fortifications around Lefkosia and fortified the fortress of Ammochostos. The so-called Othello Tower, known from the tragedy of the same name by W. Shakespeare, still stands there on the seashore.
1571 - 1878
Cyprus within the Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman period in the history of Cyprus began in 1571 after the capture of Ammochostos by the Turks. The Venetians were expelled from the island, and Muslim settlements first appeared in Cyprus. At the very beginning of the Ottoman rule, the Orthodox Church of Cyprus was granted extensive privileges, and it gained wide political influence. Cyprus experienced hard times during the Ottoman rule. The participation of the Greek Cypriots in the struggle for Greek independence in 1821 led to repressions: the Turks executed Cyprian, Archbishop of Cyprus, three bishops, and about 470 clergy and laity.
At the beginning of the 18th century, the socio-economic situation of Greece and Cyprus improved. At the same time, the process of weakening the Ottoman Empire was going on. The expansion of trade of the coastal cities of Cyprus with European countries and the opening of consulates of other states in Larnaca were obvious signs of the beginning of radical changes in the public life of Cyprus. If earlier on the island the main industry was agriculture, based on semi-feudal relations, now coastal cities began to develop dynamically in Cyprus, and the urban population began to grow rapidly. This process was largely due to the strengthening of ties with continental Greece, where, as a result of the uprising of 1821, an independent Greek state appeared. Nationalist sentiments intensified among the urban population of Cyprus.
1878-1960 Period of British rule
In 1878, Cyprus was leased by the Ottoman Empire to Great Britain in accordance with a secret agreement signed by these countries. However, the dreams of the Cypriots about significant changes in the political, economic and social life of the island and about the unification of Cyprus with Greece was not destined to come true. Greek Cypriot dissatisfaction with the British colonial rule, as well as a significant decline in the island's economy, led to an uprising in October 1931. However, the uprising only led to an even tougher regime. The Cypriots continued to put forward demands for restoration nation state and unification with Greece, but the British government rejected them. On January 15, 1950, a referendum was held in Cyprus on the issue of unification - “enosis” with Greece, in which 95.7% of the island's population expressed support for such an unification. However, the UK did not take into account the results of the referendum. On October 20, 1950, Bishop Makarios of Kition, a supporter of the course of unification, was elected to the post of Archbishop of Cyprus. The situation came to a standstill, which led to the emergence of a national anti-colonial movement in Cyprus (1955 - 1959). The struggle for independence led National Organization of Cypriot Wrestlers (EOKA). As a result, British colonial rule on the island ended, but the unification of Cyprus and Greece did not occur. The agreements signed in Zurich and London provided for the creation of an independent Republic of Cyprus. 13 On December 1959, Archbishop Makarios III was elected as the first President of Cyprus and Dr. Fazil Kuchuk became the First Vice-President.
1960-present Republic of Cyprus, Turkish invasion, entry into the European Union
On August 16, 1960, the Republic of Cyprus was proclaimed. Cyprus became a member of the UN, the British Commonwealth, the Council of Europe and the Non-Aligned Movement. In accordance with the provisions of the Zurich- Under the Treaty of London, Great Britain retained two military bases in Cyprus, with a total area of 158.4 sq. km. The first of them is in Dhekelia, located east of Larnaca, and the second is in Akrotiri-Episkopi, located next to Lemesos. Two agreements were signed within the framework of the Zurich-London agreements - the Treaty of Union and the Treaty of Guarantees. Under the provisions of the treaty, the three guaranteeing powers (Great Britain, Greece and Turkey) had the right to take action in the event of a breach of its terms.
Despite the fact that the Cypriot constitution protected the basic rights and freedoms of all citizens of the island, it contained certain provisions that made this document too complicated and of little use. In 1963, the President of Cyprus proposed a series of amendments to the constitution, which were rejected by both the leaders of the Turkish Cypriot community and Turkey. The Turkish Cypriots withdrew from the government of the Republic of Cyprus and created an illegal "Temporary Turkish Cypriot Administration". As a result, in 1964, a conflict arose between the Turkish and Greek communities of the island, which led to the adoption by the UN Security Council of a decision to introduce peacekeeping forces to the island. In 1974, the military junta that was in power in Greece organized a military coup in Cyprus with the aim of overthrow of President Makarios. Turkey, in turn, took advantage of the coup as an excuse to introduce its troops into the territory of Cyprus. On July 20, 1974, Turkish forces landed in Cyprus and captured 37% of the island's territory. Approximately 200 thousand Greek Cypriots living in the northern part of Cyprus were evicted from their lands. Despite the condemnation of Turkey's actions and the recognition of the rights of the indigenous population of Cyprus in the resolutions of the UN, the UN Security Council, the British Commonwealth, the Non-Aligned Movement and other international organizations, Turkish troops are still illegally occupying the northern part of the island.
On May 1, 2004, despite the Turkish occupation of part of the territory, Cyprus became a full member of the European Union. A protocol is attached to the EU accession agreement for Cyprus, which provides that EU law will not apply in territories not controlled by the Cypriot government (due to Turkish occupation). This protocol will lose its force after the solution of the Cyprus problem. At present, negotiations are ongoing aimed at making a fair decision regarding the territories occupied by Turkey.
For almost a hundred years (from 1489 to 1571) Cyprus remained part of Venice. The Ottoman threat forced the Venetians to improve the defense of the island.
The Venetians destroy the old French walls and reduce the area of the city for more effective defense. The entrance to the city was limited by three gates: Kyrenia Gate, Paphos Gate and Famagusta Gate.
Under Turkish rule
The new bastions of the Venetians could not protect Cyprus from the attack of the Ottoman Empire. In 1570, Turkish troops landed in Cyprus, occupied Nicosia and massacred about 20,000 inhabitants. whole year The siege of Famagusta continued.
Despite the selfless defense, in 1571 it was surrendered to the Turkish pasha Lala Mustafa, who, having promised a free exit from the fortress to all its defenders, then gave the order to brutally crack down on the head of the garrison, Mark Anthony Vragadin. Other brave warriors were also subjected to cruel tortures.
Latin clerics are either expelled from the island or converted to Islam, however, the Orthodox Church maintains its position, and the supreme Ottoman government recognizes the archbishop as the representative of the Greek inhabitants who profess the orthodox faith. The principle of dragomania is introduced, which established a connection between the Greek population and the Turkish authorities of the island.
The duties of the dragoman included the census of the property of the Greeks, the calculation and collection of taxes. The most famous dragoman of Cyprus was Hadjigeorgakis Cornesios. Possessing economic opportunities and political power, he helped the forced Greeks in many ways. As a result of a conspiracy of his political opponents, Cornesius was beheaded in Constantinople.
In 1821, at the beginning of the Cypriot revolution, Archbishop Kypriyan and other representatives of the cult, as well as hundreds of civilians, were shot (July 9, 1821). Many Christian churches were turned into mosques (St. Sophia in Nicosia, St. Nicholas in Famagusta and others).
were built public baths(hammams) and inns. During this period, only one road was built, which connected with Nicosia.
English rule
In 1878, Great Britain, after an agreement with the Ottoman Empire, takes over the administration of Cyprus. Cyprus was officially part of the Ottoman Empire until 1914.
The British considered the island to be their colony, since the Ottoman Empire took part in the First World War on the side of Germany. The inhabitants of Cyprus gladly accepted the transfer of power into the hands of the British. They believed that in the future England would give the island under the flag of Greece, as happened in 1864 with Eptanis (Ionian Islands).
In 1923, Turkey signed an agreement in Lausanne, according to which she renounced all rights of power over Cyprus, and in 1925 the island became a colony of Great Britain.
With the arrival of the British, the management system is radically changing and the foundations for creating a system of public services are being formed. The judicial system is being updated, an incorruptible legislative system is being introduced, and the position of the judiciary is being strengthened. Thus, the abuse of power and self-will was done away with. government agencies, which were a massive disaster during the years of the Turkish yoke.
During the Second World War, the Cypriots fought as volunteers in Greece, and also participated in battles as part of the British troops. After the war, Britain refuses to give Cyprus the right to self-determination that it gave to other countries.
Battle for Independence
After the exhaustion of all peaceful and political means of resolving this conflict, in 1955 the armed movement of the National Organization of the Liberators of Cyprus (EOKA) begins. In response, the British took special measures. Prisons are quickly filled with political prisoners who are subjected to cruel torture and rise to the gallows, paying with their lives for the love of the Motherland.
At the beginning of the 1955 liberation movement, England invites Greece and Turkey to a three-day conference on the political situation on the island. The meeting did not bring the desired results.
This is followed by a series of Greek-Turkish negotiations, which
ends with the Zurich–London Treaty in 1959 and the founding of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960.
Under this agreement, on August 16, 1960, Cyprus was proclaimed an independent republic. Cyprus also becomes a member of the United Nations, the European Community and the Movement of Independent States. Under the Zurich-London Treaty, the UK retains two military bases in Cyprus with total area 158.4 km in the Dhekelia region and in the Akrotiri-Episkopi region.
From this time begins new story islands as an independent state, in which there will be many more difficult moments. But even in the most difficult times, the inhabitants of the island managed to preserve their culture, love for the island and inexhaustible cheerfulness.
Once in Cyprus, you do not immediately feel the breath of history. Over the centuries, many civilizations have changed on the island, located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. The island has seen Phoenicians and Assyrians, Persians and Egyptians, Romans and Crusaders, Byzantines and Venetians, Turks and British, but its inhabitants have always managed to maintain their individuality.
In the late Bronze Age, the Mycenaean Greeks landed in Cyprus and put down the roots of the Greek civilization on the island, which today has been here for more than 3 thousand years. The cult of the goddess of love Aphrodite is the best characterization of this small country. The sense of continuity and continuity is the most important feature of the historical development of the island. Today, the ruins of castles serve as a frame for modern traditions and holidays, which, in turn, originate in distant antiquity.
As a result archaeological sites it has been established that the most ancient settlements arose in Cyprus about 10 thousand years ago. This ancient civilization developed on the northern and southern coasts of the island. The first inhabitants of the Neolithic period used only stone tools. Only after 5000 BC. pottery was invented.
During the Bronze Age, the use and processing of copper enriches the island and promotes trade relations with the Middle East, Egypt and the Aegean region, where Cyprus is known as Alasia. After 1400 BC The first merchants from Greece, the Mycenaeans, arrive in Cyprus. Following them, in the XII-XI centuries, the Achaean Greeks settled on the island and brought here the Greek language, traditions and religion, which subsequently become widespread in Cyprus. The Greeks found the city-states of Paphos, Salamis, Kition, Kourion and others. Later, ten independent city-states arose in Cyprus.
8th century BC. - A century of rapid economic growth in Cyprus. The cult of Aphrodite flourishes. But Cyprus is increasingly becoming a tasty prey for foreign conquerors. The Assyrians invade the island, overthrowing at least seven Cypriot kingdoms. The Egyptians follow. During the reign of Pharaoh Ahmose II (569-525 BC), the island was calm, but soon Cyprus became a hostage to the conflict between Greece and Persia. King Evagoras (411-374 BC) unites the island for the first time, turning it into one of the leading political and cultural centers of the Greek world in 333-325. BC with the capital in Salamis. Later, Cyprus becomes part of the great empire of Alexander the Great - he uses the island's shipyards to prepare his fleet in order to conquer the Middle East. After long disputes about the inheritance that broke out after the death of Alexander the Great between his military leaders, Cyprus becomes a province of the Hellenic Ptolemaic state with its capital in Alexandria (Egypt); for the next two centuries Cyprus remains part of the Alexandrian world. The Ptolemies abolished the independent city-states and united the island, declaring Paphos as its capital. Today, this period is called the "golden age of the island." During this time of prosperity and peace, the population of the island reached 1.5 million people. The historical landmark of Cyprus - "Tombs of the Kings" - refers to this era. During this period, the Cypriot philosopher Zeno of Kition (an area near modern Larnaca) organized his famous Stoic philosophical school in Athens.
In 58 BC - 330 years. AD Cyprus becomes a province of the Roman Empire. In 45 A.D. the apostles Paul and Barnabas visited Paphos. They managed to convert the Roman consul Sergius Paul to the Christian faith. Thus, even at the dawn of a new era, Cyprus became the first state in world history to have a Christian ruler. In the 1st century BC. and in the 1st c. AD the island survived a series of earthquakes, after which the cities were rebuilt. In 313, by the Edict of Milan, Christianity was allowed throughout Cyprus, and in 325, at the historic Council of Nicaea, which laid the foundation for modern Christian institutions in Europe, the bishops of Cyprus occupied a place of honor.
After the division of the Roman Empire, Cyprus becomes part of the Eastern Empire, known as "Byzantium", with its capital in Constantinople. During this period, Empress Saint Helena visited Cyprus, returning from Jerusalem with a precious relic - the remains of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified, and founded three monasteries here. The Cypriot archbishop finds the tomb of St. Barnabas with the manuscript of the Gospel according to Matthew, as a result, Emperor Zeno affirms the autocephalous status of the churches of Cyprus. In 647, the Arab conquerors invaded the island and for three centuries tried several times to retake the island from Byzantium, until the Byzantine emperor Nikephoros Phocas II expelled them from Cyprus in 965.
In 1191, part of the ships of Richard the Lionheart during the third crusade crashed in the region of Cyprus. Outraged by the rude behavior of the ruler of Cyprus, Isaac Komnenos, Richard overthrew the self-proclaimed emperor and married his bride Berengaria of Navvar in Limassol Castle, proclaiming her Queen of England. But a year later, the island was sold to the Knights Templar, who in turn resell it to Guy de Lusignan, the deposed king of Jerusalem.
1192-1489 - the beginning of the feudal system in Cyprus. Catholic Church officially replaced the Orthodox, which, however, managed to survive a period of severe persecution. Lefkosia, Ammochostos and Lemesos are renamed Nicosia, Famagusta and Limassol by the Lusignans. Ammochostos (Famagusta) becomes one of the richest cities in the Middle East. In 1489, the last queen of the Lusignan dynasty, Caterina Coronaro, cedes the island to Venice. The Venetian Principality used Cyprus as a bulwark against Turkish expansion in Eastern Mediterranean. The Venetians build military fortifications here, reduce the borders of Lefkosia (Nicosia), squeezing the city into the fortified walls. Similar walls are being erected around Ammochostos. During the reign of the Venetians, the population of Cyprus suffered from excessive taxes and diseases. In 1546, an uprising was raised against Venetian rule, but it was easily suppressed. There is a legend according to which the Ottoman Sultan Selim II once tasted sweet Cypriot wine, and he liked it so much that he gave the order to drive the Venetians out of the island in 1570.
1571-1878 - The Turkish army attacked Cyprus, killing more than 20 thousand people and besieging the city of Ammochostos. Mark Antonio Bragadino fought to the last to defend the city, but to no avail; Turkish commander Lala Mustafa ordered to kill the valiant Venetian, subjecting him to terrible torture, skinning him alive. This event angered the European powers, and the army under the command of Don Juan of Austria dealt a crushing blow to the Turkish fleet at the Battle of Lepanto. Ottomans restored in rights Orthodox Church, however, the inhabitants of Cyprus were forced to pay for this with high taxes and social oppression.
According to the 1878 convention, the Turks hand over control of Cyprus to Great Britain, while retaining sovereignty over the island. In 1914, when Turkey enters the First World War on the side of Germany, Great Britain annexes Cyprus. In 1923, under the Treaty of Lausanne, Turkey recognizes the legality of the annexation, and two years later Cyprus becomes a British colony. In 1940, Cypriot volunteers serve in the ranks of the British Army. From 1955 to 1959, when all possible peaceful means were exhausted, the national struggle of the Cypriots for liberation from the colonial regime began.
In 1960, as a result of the signing of the Zurich-London Agreement, Cyprus was proclaimed an independent sovereign Republic. The country was headed by Archbishop Makarios III, who became the first president of the island. Under the aforementioned agreement, the UK retained two sovereign military bases at Dhekelia and Akrotiri, totaling 99 sq. miles. Greece, Turkey and Great Britain were declared the guarantors of the independence of the young state. Soon, practice showed the incapacity of the country's constitution. Amendments to the constitution in 1963 led to tensions between the Greek and Turkish communities of the island, which led to threats of a possible invasion from Turkey.
In July 1974, the military junta in power in Greece launched a military coup against the Cypriot government, which gave Turkey a long-awaited excuse to invade and led to the occupation of 37% of the island, as well as the appearance of a large number of refugees. Thousands of innocent people were killed. 40% of Greek Cypriots were forced to leave their homes, abandon their property and move to territories free from occupation. Approximately 35 thousand Turkish invaders continue to illegally stay in the territory Northern Cyprus. UN peacekeeping forces control the situation throughout the island, located along the buffer zone, which runs even through the center of Lefkosia (Nicosia). The Turkish military occupation continues despite the condemnation of the world community, ongoing negotiations and the efforts of diplomatic circles.
Being independent republic since 1960, Cyprus has had a presidential system of government, a democratic government, and free presidential and parliamentary elections held every five years. However " Cyprus problem» has not yet been resolved; but since 1974 there has not been a single armed conflict on the island, and the country remains one of the most stable in the region. The Republic of Cyprus is a member of the UN, the Council of Europe, the British Commonwealth and the Non-Aligned Movement.
Briefly about Cyprus:
Capital - Nicosia
Area - 9,250 km 2 (162 in the world).
The official languages are Greek and Turkish.
Currency - Cypriot pound. Public holiday - October 1 (Independence Day).
About Cyprus on Ozone:
Guides
Cyprus. Guide.
Cyprus. Guide.
Cyprus. Guide.
Cyprus. Guide with maps and mini-dictionary.
Cyprus
Cyprus. Travel guide with a mini-phrasebook.
Greece and Cyprus. Culinary guide.
Cyprus. Travel guide with mini-phrasebook.
