|
....
Cyprus
is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is
situated in the Eastern Mediterranean and lies approximately 70
kilometres south of Turkey, 100 km West of Syria and 800 km from
Greece. The area of the island is 9,251 square kilometres.
The island's strategic position at the crossroads of three continents
(Europe, Asia and Africa), the oil producing countries of the Middle
East as well as its proximity to import land and sea route ways, have
shaped its destiny throughout centuries. It has been part of the
important trading routes in the Mediterranean and has also been exposed
to a wide variety of cultural influences. In fact, Cyprus became
the target of various powers that conquered the region at one time or
another and left their traces on the island. The major conquerors
included the Egyptians, the Romans, the Arabs, the Venetians, the
Ottoman Turks and the British, and all their influences can be seen in
the cultural heritage of the island and its reputation. In spite
of this the island has remained predominately Greek in character with
the Greek language, culture and religion.
|
