Cyprus Independence Day
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- 1878Britain takes control of Cyprus from Ottoman Empire
- 1960Cyprus gains independence from Britain — Republic of Cyprus established
- 1974Turkish military intervention — island divided to this day
Why Cyprus celebrates 1 October
On 1 October 1960, Cyprus gained independence from Britain after 82 years of colonial rule. The Republic of Cyprus was proclaimed with Archbishop Makarios III as its first president. The date marks the end of a long struggle for self-determination that had included the EOKA armed campaign of the 1950s.
Cyprus's path to independence was complicated by the island's mixed Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot population. The independence agreements — the Zurich and London Accords — created a power-sharing constitution that proved difficult to implement. Political crises in the early 1960s led to violence, UN peacekeeping intervention, and ultimately the Turkish military intervention in 1974, which divided the island along the Green Line that still exists today.
Cyprus Independence Day is marked in Nicosia with a military parade and official ceremonies attended by the president. The day celebrates the republic's founding while acknowledging the ongoing division of the island. Cultural events, concerts and flag displays take place across the government-controlled southern area.
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The flag of Cyprus features a copper-coloured map of the whole island on a white field, beneath two crossed olive branches. The copper colour refers to Cyprus's name — derived from the Greek for copper, which was mined here in antiquity. The olive branches symbolise peace between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.
Cypriot cuisine blends Greek, Middle Eastern and Ottoman influences. Its mezze tradition — dozens of small dishes arriving one after another — is one of the most generous dining experiences in the Eastern Mediterranean.
What to eat
SouvlakiSkewers of grilled pork or chicken marinated in lemon and oregano — eaten in pitta or on a plate.
HalloumiCyprus's famous semi-hard white cheese — grilled or pan-fried until golden, served at every meal.
MezeAn extensive spread of dozens of small dishes — dips, grilled meats, seafood and vegetables.
KleftikoSlow-roasted lamb sealed in parchment or a clay oven — fork-tender after hours of cooking.
MoussakaLayers of aubergine, potato and spiced minced lamb topped with béchamel — a Cypriot celebration dish.
LoukoumadesHoney-soaked deep-fried dough balls dusted with cinnamon — sold at festivals and street fairs.What to drink
CommandariaAncient sweet wine from dried grapes grown on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountains — possibly the world's oldest named wine.
ZivaniaCypriot grape pomace spirit — clear, strong and drunk in small glasses as a digestif.
FrappeFoam-topped instant iced coffee — the ubiquitous Cypriot café drink, consumed year-round.Cyprus culture
Cyprus sits at the crossroads of three continents and has been shaped by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Crusader, Venetian, Ottoman and British rule. Its culture is predominantly Greek in character, with a rich Orthodox Christian heritage.
Aphrodite's RockThe mythological birthplace of Aphrodite on the south coast — a pilgrimage site and iconic landmark.
Byzantine churchesThe Troodos mountains contain 10 UNESCO-listed painted Byzantine churches from the 11th-16th centuries.
Lace-makingLefkara village is famous for its silver jewellery and intricate lace — Leonardo da Vinci reportedly visited to buy a cloth.
Kataklysmos festivalThe Festival of the Flood — celebrated 50 days after Easter with water games, music and folk dancing at the seaside.