Cyprus
About Cyprus
Credit And Source: Visitcyprus.com
Situated at the north-eastern end of the Mediterranean basin, Cyprus is the third largest island in the region, with an area of 9,251 square kilometres (3,572 square miles).
Demography
Population in the Republic of Cyprus: 920.701 (January 2023)
Greek Cypriots (737.196)
Foreign residents (183.505)
Cyprus is the only country still divided worldwide
On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus with massive military force. The pretext was a criminal coup against the President of Cyprus, on July 15, instigated by the military junta of Greece. Turkey put into operation its plan to partition Cyprus, an objective advocated by Ankara for many years. Despite the swift collapse of the coup, and the restoration of the legitimate government of Cyprus, Turkey undertook a second wave of invasion in August, in violation of UN ceasefire agreements, and expanded its occupation to nearly 40 percent of the Republic’s territory.
Turkey’s military aggression against Cyprus tragically continues unabated to this date. The military occupation, forcible division, violation of human rights, massive colonisation, cultural destruction, property usurpation and ethnic segregation imposed since Turkey’s military invasion remain the main characteristics of the status quo on the island.
Today, Turkey, an aspiring member of the EU, still stands guilty of international aggression against a member-state of the EU and the UN. This is certainly a totally unacceptable state of affairs, an affront to the international legal order, and an ongoing threat to regional stability that must be urgently redressed.
The dire consequences of the invasion and subsequent military action by Turkey are still felt today by the people of this EU member-state:
- 36,2% of the sovereign territory of Cyprus is still under illegal military occupation by Turkey.
- About 200,000 Greek Cypriots - one third of the total population - who were forcibly expelled from the occupied northern part of the island (where they constituted about 70% of the population) are still deprived of the right to return to their homes and properties.
- Some 1,400 persons (among them several hundred civilians) are still missing, while the Turkish side refuses to cooperate in ascertaining their fate.
- Less than 500 Greek and Maronite Cypriots, out of 20,000 at the end of August 1974, remain enclaved in their villages which are still occupied. These people are living under conditions of oppression, harassment and deprivation. (The rest were forced to abandon their homes and become refugees).
- The true casualty numbers are not those killed or missing, but in fact the thousands of men who returned damaged emotionally and mentally while being held captive by the Turks, as well as the families of all the above-mentioned men, who lost loved ones, or are still hoping for their return, or live with men who will never be the same again. In addition, in a nation that survives any war, that survives atrocities upon its people, or has half its country and homes taken away from them - will never be the same. Yes, the Cypriots have shown incredible resilience and most of the refugees have not only survived, but they have thrived in re-establishing businesses and families – but – the scar runs deep within their hearts and souls, and this wound transfers down the generations. After 50 years, most Cypriots no longer believe that a solution will be provided that will allow them to return to their homes and inherited land – but they will never forget.
- 43,000 troops from Turkey, heavily armed with the latest weapons, supported by air, land and sea power, are illegally stationed in the occupied area, making it one of the most militarized regions in the world.
- About 160,000 settlers from Turkey have been imported illegally to colonize the occupied area and alter the demographic structure of Cyprus.
- 58,000 out of the 116,000 Turkish Cypriots have emigrated from the island since Turkey’s invasion, according to Turkish Cypriot sources, because of the economic, social and moral deprivation which prevails in the occupied areas. Turkish Cypriots are now outnumbered by troops and settlers from Turkey by more than two to one.
- Illegal construction on Greek Cypriot land and illegal sale of property owned by Greek Cypriots who were forcibly expelled from their homes by Turkey’s invasion have intensified. This unprecedented usurpation of property is yet another flagrant violation of human rights by the Turkish side.
-The illegal Turkish Cypriot regime and Turkey continue to destroy, deliberately and methodically, the Hellenic and Christian cultural and historical heritage in occupied Cyprus.
Cyprus combines crystal clear water of Blue Flag beaches, with cosmopolitan vibe
Few feelings can compare to that of sinking your toes into warm sand… of the sun kissing your skin, and your senses taking in the fresh, salty breeze and the endless views of glittering blue waters.
This idyllic scene is one that can be enjoyed for the most part of the year on the island of Cyprus, and one that offers a myriad of experiences, from the total relaxation of sunbathing with drink in hand, to the thrill and challenge of trying a new water sport.
From secluded bays, to lively resorts and sandy beaches to rocky coves, the island’s expansive coastline is home to a variety of different-style beaches; each unique in its appearance and the facilities it offers.
And aside from lazing on hot sands, the crystal depths of the Mediterranean Sea can be appreciated both on and in the water, after all, even the Goddess of Love - Aphrodite herself - was born of the sea foam in Pafos (Paphos)!
Take a stroll to a backdrop of sea and bobbing boats at one of the quaint piers, marinas and harbours…. try your hand at reeling in the ‘catch of the day’ on a fishing trip, or discover the coves and caves of the different coastal areas on a boat trip. By venturing further still with a short cruise to a neighbouring country, you can beautifully combine two holidays in one.
For the more daring visitor, the island’s ideal wind and water conditions open up endless possibilities for exhilarating sports such as windsurfing, sailing and kitesurfing, whilst beneath the foam, a whole new underwater world invites you into to discover a diver’s paradise of world-ranking wrecks and diverse marine life.
So, whether you prefer to be lounging on hot sands, riding the waves, or taking in the views from a porthole, Cyprus is the perfect destination for all the very best of sun and sea.
