The Probert Encyclopaedia of Places of the World

CYPRUS

Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean. The chief features of its surface are two mountain ranges, both stretching east and west, the one running close to the northern shore, and extending through the long north-eastern horn or prolongation of the island, the other and more massive (Mount Olympus) occupying a great part of the south of the island, and rising in Trocidos to 6590 feet.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. In 1191 Cyprus was bestowed by Richard of England on Guy de Lusignan, and after his line was extinct it fell into the hands of the Venetians in 1489, with whom it remained until it was conquered by the Turks in 1571 and annexed to the Ottoman Empire, before returning to Britisish administration in 1878 when Cyprus was ceded to Britain by the convention of Constantinople concluded between England and Turkey, its reversion to Turkey being provided if Russia should give up Batoum and Kars. Britain was also bound to pay a subsidy to Turkey annually amounting to about 93,000 pounds sterling.

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