| Republic of Cyprus is a Eurasian island nation situated | | | | Cyprus still believes in the family traditions and even |
| in the Eastern Mediterranean.Turkey is located on its | | | | though the family system has undergone change, yet it |
| south while Syria and Lebanon make up the western | | | | has retained the basic essence and the elders are |
| borders.It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean | | | | given due respect and consulted in any important |
| Sea and is also one of the most sought after tourist | | | | decisions.The children are expected to take care of |
| destinations. | | | | their parents in the old age. |
| Cyprus has had a long history of consistent political | | | | There are two major religions in the country |
| turmoil and has been ruled over by different people, | | | | i.e.Christianity and Islam.Most of the Turkish Cypriots |
| finally disintegrating from Greece.Till the 8th century | | | | follow Islam and follow certain rituals required of them. |
| BC, the country was prosperous and ably ruled.But | | | | The island country has been ruled over by different |
| after the various annexations, the scene changed. | | | | rulers over a period of nine millennia and this has |
| Cyprus has been in the hands of the Assyrians, | | | | resulted in the cuisine of the country too.There are |
| Persians, Romans and also the Arabs.But the most | | | | traces of all the cultures in the culinary preparation |
| significant rule has been that of the Greeks.According | | | | amongst the people e of this country.But the most |
| to the Greek mythology, Greek Goddess Aphrodite | | | | favored food is with the essence of Greek and |
| and the Greek God Adonis were born here.This has | | | | Turkish flavor in it.Turkish food dominates the North |
| made a great impact on the culture of the country and | | | | and the Grecian recipes are more popular in the |
| one can easily see a mix of all these. | | | | southern part of the country. |
| The Greek and the Egyptian rule cam to an end when | | | | This diversity can much better be explained in the |
| the country was annexed by the Roman Republic in | | | | words of a French historian who says," neither Greek, |
| 58 BC. | | | | nor Latin; neither gothic nor renaissance; neither Arab |
| Even the Turks have had much of a say in the | | | | nor Turkish". |
| Cyprian politics.The island got its independence on | | | | The island country is richly endowed with many natural |
| August 16, 1960 but it did not merge with Greece nor | | | | resources.It has a long stretch of shoreline which is |
| did it have any partition.But there were constant | | | | very beautiful and attracts a lot of visitors.There are |
| conflicts between the south and northern parts of | | | | plenty of activities which are enjoyed on the beach. |
| Cyprus.Time and again Turkey has tried to invade | | | | The main beaches in Cyprus are in: |
| Cyprus and in 1982, the northern part of the country | | | | Kyrenia |
| declared itself to be the Turkish Republic of Northern | | | | Lefke |
| Cyprus which is recognized only by Turkey. | | | | Famagusta |
| The impact of the various rulers is still visible in the | | | | Agia Napa |
| various facets of the country like the religion, customs | | | | Limmasol |
| and traditions followed by the local population.There is | | | | Larnaca |
| a significant demarcation between the two regions | | | | Protaras |
| based on the religion and culture.The southern side is a | | | | Due to the presence of such scenic surroundings and |
| staunch follower of the Greek culture whereas the | | | | a conducive tourism industry, Cyprus remains one of |
| northern side is inclined towards the Turkish mores and | | | | the most visited tourist spots in the European Union |
| traditions. | | | | and also the world. |