The Probert Encyclopaedia of Places of the World

CYPRUS

Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean. The island is divided into two communities; Greek speaking Greek and mainly of the Greek Orthodox religion, and Turkish speaking Turkish and following the Muslim religion. English is additionally spoken throughout the country. Throughout history the island has been invaded and occupied by different nation, including the Assyrians, babylonians, Egyptians and Persians before being seized by Rome in 58 BC. In 359
Cyprus became part of the Byzantine Empire, and in 1191, during the Third Crusade, was claimed by England. Cyprus was later annexed by Venice in 1489 and became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1571, before returning to Britisish administration in 1878. During the 1950s Greek Cypriots argued for union with Greece, while the Turkish Cypriots advocated partition and in 1960 Cyprus became an independent republic, sharing power between the two communities. The power sharing broke down in 1963 and the United Nations sent troops to police the island. In 1974 Greek Cypriots attempted a coup which resulted in Turkish troops invading the Northern, Turkish part of the island and dividing the country in two, declaring their half 'The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus'.
Research Cyprus