Cyprus has hot temperatures for nearly the whole of the year and is situated in between three separate continents. The island boasts beautiful beaches and clear sea and so it is no real surprise that it is so popular with people looking for a relaxing sun holiday. In addition the sun and the many beaches, Cyprus also has fantastic scenery with mountains and historic buildings. Cyprus has been in the media recently because of outbreaks of conflict due to uncertainty of its allegiance with either Greece or Turkey and this has made many think twice about a holiday there.
From 1878 until 1960 Cyprus was under the control of Britain. With agreement from Turkey who had a strong presence in the country, Britain took over in 1878 with Turkey maintaining a say in the country's matters. The Turkish people living in Cyprus however didn't like the way the British ran the country and there was a lot of unrest. When the world war broke out, Turkey sided with Hungary against the British and so the British relinquished the agreement and ruled Cyprus as they saw fit and without Turkish input.
Up until 1960, Cyprus stayed under the rule of Britain who had a large presence of armed forces there. In 1960 however, Britain gave up its rule and Cyprus became entirely independent which sparked a debate between Greece and Turkey over who would have influence in the country. As part of the agreement with Cyprus, Britain still owns three per cent of the country for strategic military purposes.
The disagreement between Greece and Turkey became a conflict when in 1974 Cyprus declared a union with Greece. Turkey's government were unhappy about this and so they sent in their armed forces to try and claim the country. Turkey managed to take over 40 per cent of the country and this created a divide which is still present today. The North is known as Turkish Cyprus and the south Greek Cyprus. In 2004 the divide became larger when Greek Cyprus joined the EU but Turkish Cyprus did not.
Despite its conflict filled history, Cyprus is still a beautiful island and perfect for a holiday. There are tourist locations in both Turkish Cyprus and Greek Cyprus both of which are completely safe. The conflict between the two has somewhat subsided now and is more a political matter than a conflict between the two part's citizens.
From 1878 until 1960 Cyprus was under the control of Britain. With agreement from Turkey who had a strong presence in the country, Britain took over in 1878 with Turkey maintaining a say in the country's matters. The Turkish people living in Cyprus however didn't like the way the British ran the country and there was a lot of unrest. When the world war broke out, Turkey sided with Hungary against the British and so the British relinquished the agreement and ruled Cyprus as they saw fit and without Turkish input.
Up until 1960, Cyprus stayed under the rule of Britain who had a large presence of armed forces there. In 1960 however, Britain gave up its rule and Cyprus became entirely independent which sparked a debate between Greece and Turkey over who would have influence in the country. As part of the agreement with Cyprus, Britain still owns three per cent of the country for strategic military purposes.
The disagreement between Greece and Turkey became a conflict when in 1974 Cyprus declared a union with Greece. Turkey's government were unhappy about this and so they sent in their armed forces to try and claim the country. Turkey managed to take over 40 per cent of the country and this created a divide which is still present today. The North is known as Turkish Cyprus and the south Greek Cyprus. In 2004 the divide became larger when Greek Cyprus joined the EU but Turkish Cyprus did not.
Despite its conflict filled history, Cyprus is still a beautiful island and perfect for a holiday. There are tourist locations in both Turkish Cyprus and Greek Cyprus both of which are completely safe. The conflict between the two has somewhat subsided now and is more a political matter than a conflict between the two part's citizens.
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