Cyclades
Islands
: Amorgos, Andros,
Folegandros, Ios,
Kea, Kythnos,
Milos, Mykonos,
Naxos, Paros
and Antiparos, Santorini,
Sifnos, Serifos,
Sikinos, Syros,
Tinos
Northern
Aegean Islands:
Chios, Ikaria,
Limnos, Lesvos,
Samos, Samothraki,
Thassos
Ionian
Islands:
Corfu (Kerkyra), Ithaki,
Kefalonia, Kythera,
Lefkada, Paxos,
Zakynthos
Saronic
Islands:
Aegina, Angistri,
Poros, Hydra,
Salamina, Spetsis
Sporades
Islands:
Alonissos, Skiathos,
Skopelos, Skyros
Dodecanese
Islands:
Astypalia, Halki,
Kalymnos, Karpathos,
Kassos, Kastellorizo,
Kos, Leros,
Nisyros, Patmos,
Rhodes, Symi,
Tilos
Other
Islands:
Crete, Evia,
Cyprus
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Greek Islands - Cyprus
The island
Cyprus consists of two independent states, both independent
of Greece, but culturally and historically it has always
been tied to Greece and Turkey. The northern two-thirds
of the island is occupied by the Republic of Cyprus, and
the rest by the Turkish Republic of Southern Cyprus; both
countries claim Nicosia as their capitol. Nicosia is so
full of archaeological treasures and historical buildings
that in 2002, it was difficult for the Republic of Cyprus
to find a nonhistorical site on which to build a new parliament
house.
Because of its location, Cyprus’s earliest histories
included elements from Minoan, Mycenaean, Egyptian, Hittite,
and Greek cultures; Cyprus was apparently not prominent
in any way, but became an important trading hub between
many different civilizations. Archaeological digs have turned
up a wide variety of artifacts from every conceivable culture
and historic time period around the Mediterranean. Cypriot
craftsmen became known for fine jewelry making, ivory carving,
and bronze figures.
History
Cyprus’s history is marked by its ability to mold
itself to foreign rule; when the Egyptians were prominent,
it bowed to Egyptian pharaohs; when they worried about the
Assyrians, the eleven Cyprian kings paid him homage. This
lasted through Alexandrian times, when the Ptolemies made
Cyprus a mere province of Egypt. Later, after Christianity
began to rise, the Church of Cyprus was very important;
it is possible that prior to Christianity being adopted
by Rome as the official state religion in about 300 AD,
Cyprus was already mostly Christian. Today, the independent
Church of Cyprus still exists, and in the Republic of Cyprus,
most of the population are still Greek Orthodox Christians.
In the Turkish Republic, Sunni Muslim is the primary religion.
Because tensions still exist between the two republics,
it’s advisable to check with your government regarding
travelers advisories before seeking a visa to visit the
country. When visiting Cyprus, it’s also advisable
to stay in modern hotels; some of the country’s architecture
uses a form of asbestos that can pose a health hazard.
Treasures
Cyprus, particularly Nicosia, can be well worth the visit.
Besides the incredible variety of architectural and archaeological
treasures, the Cyprian government subsidizes many of the
arts; there is a traditional Greek theater in Nicosia, and
several restored ancient Greek theaters still host both
old and new plays. Nicosia holds regular exhibitions of
both modern and ancient Cyprian art. And the Cyprian government
encourages and subsidizes young writers, musicians, and
dancers.
Things to see
Cyprus is filled with surprises: ancient Neolithic cities,
and tall Crusader castles from Cyprus’s days as a
base for Crusade activity; beautiful artwork from many cultures,
and modern art by Cyprians showing the influence of four
millennia of history; amazing archaeological treasures and
a rich history, yet a surprisingly modern focus including
excellent communications infrastructure and a growing role
as a digital hub for the eastern Mediterranean region. When
you visit Cyprus you will see the best of the old and the
new of the Mediterranean world.
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