CYPRUS

our country

Cyprus, copper and peace• Our island was named after

copper, the product for which was well known in ancient years.

• Cyprus = cuprum = copper

• On our flag the shape of the island is represented in the color of copper

• The olive tree branches under it represent the desire of Cyprus’ people for peace

Geographical Position

• It’s the 3rd biggest island at the north-eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea.

• Its geographic location at the crossroads of three continents - Europe, Asia and Africa - has been a major factor influencing the island’s history

Our 6 cities

• Cyprus is classified into six districts which include major cities with their suburbs. These major cities are: Nicosia (the capital), Limassol, Larnaka, Paphos, Famagusta and Kyrenia.

Nicosia

• Our capital is in the centre of the island

• Medieval venetian walls surround the old city of Nicosia

• Our school is located in one of Nicosia’s suburbs, Strovolos

Ethnicities, Religions, Languages• Ethnicities• We have two main ethnic communities, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, who

share many cultural traits but maintain distinct identities based on ethnicity, religion, language, and close ties with their respective motherlands. Other communities include Armenians and Maronites

• Languages• Greek and Turkish are the main languages spoken by the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-

Cypriot communities respectively.

• Religions• Christians make up 78% of the Cypriot population whereas most Turkish Cypriots are

officially Sunni Muslim. • There are also Jewish, Protestant (including Anglican), Roman Catholic, Maronite

and Armenian Apostolic communities in Cyprus.

History

• People have been living in Cyprus for more than 12 000 years! This is what their houses looked like 10 000 years ago:

• And this is what they used to eat

History

• Hellenisation of the island: Greeks settled here, bringing their language, religion and culture.

History

• Many foreign nations conquered Cyprus(Romans, French, Venetians, Turks, Persians, British etc)

St. Nicolaos Church (built by the French)

The Venetian Walls of Nicosia

Kourion Greek-Roman theater

History

• In 1960 Cyprus became an independent Republic.

• The emblem symbolizes peace

• Unfortunately, disagreements on the constitution lead to domestic conflict and foreign interference

History• 15 July 1974: a coup against the government by the military junta ruling

Greece• 20 July 1974: Turkey invaded the island. • As a result about 36% of the

Republic was occupied and still remains under Turkey’s military control

• After 4 centuries of peaceful coexistence the two communities of the island were separated by force

• The war killed, wounded and left thousands of people refugees.• Nicosia, our capital, is divided

History

• In 2004 Cyprus joined the European Union

• So, now we participate in programs like Erasmus+

Traditions

• Apart from the many religious customs and festivals, there are many more relating to music, arts, drama, dance, food and wine.

Traditional folk arts

• Weaving• Emboidery• Woodcarving• Leatherwork• Goldsmith• Metalwork• Pottery

Traditional Food and Drinks

Choiromeri Mezedes Koupepia

Halloumi Souvlaki Afelia

Traditional Food and Drinks Ouzo Cypriot coffee

Wine Zivania beer

Mythology

• According to mythology, Cyprus is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty

• It is said that she arose from the sea foam at Aphrodite Rock in Paphos.

Pafos 2017

• Pafos has abundant historical legacy with many wonderful cultural heritage sites. Among them the remains of Aphrodite’s temple, castles, amphitheatres, fortresses, the famous Roman period mosaics and the Tombs of the Kings are listed in the UNESCO archaeological sites of Kato Pafos.

European Capital of Culture

• Ευχαριστούμε• Teşekkürler• Dziękuję• Grazie• Danke• Ačiū

The action has received funding from the European EunionThis presentation reflects only the authors’ view.The Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains