A COMPREHENSIVE HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
A DIPLOMATIC VICTORY
Venetian rule in Cyprus represents a distinctive era in the island’s history. Their rule was firmly characterised by military conflict, architectural advancements, rich cultural practices, and the transformation and improvement of the daily lives of many Cypriots. The Republic of Venice was an empire built on trade and initially engaged Cyprus as a trading partner. This however, changed when they saw the potential for greater control and influence on the island after a succession of power struggles within the Lusignan ruling class. This also came to the attention of the emerging Ottoman Empire in the east and the Venetians used this as a pretext to coerce the last Lusignan Queen Caterina Cornaro, who stemmed from Venetian nobility, into relinquishing her throne in 1489. This effectively passed over full control of Cyprus to the Republic of Venice and their rule would last up until the subsequent Ottoman conquest of the island in 1571.
A NEW SOCIAL HIERARCHY
Traditional practices in most areas of daily life were allowed to continue but were influenced by Venetian customs. This allowed the Cypriot economy to still revolve around agriculture and trade, and local communities continued to engage in farming, fishing, and the creation of local artisanal crafts. Venetian rule overall proved to be a prosperous one, but there were some aspects of it that caused friction amongst local Cypriots. Economic activity increased, improving living standards for Cypriots, but administrators implemented an unpopular centralised bureaucratic system that influenced local governance heavily and changed the overall legal system. The imposition of Venetian laws, which were often at odds with local Cypriot customs and practices, became a point of contention for many Cypriots and a new taxation system designed primarily to increase trade, was initially met with resistance. Revised tax laws for local merchants and traders, established a renewed relationship, but the social hierarchy, which saw the emergence of a new class system still proved unpopular. Venetian nobles automatically took up high administrative positions, whilst Cypriots occupied lower-class roles and this created many complex social interactions between the ruling Venetian administration and local Cypriot leaders. Culinary traditions evolved, incorporating Venetian elements into local dishes, and the use of spices and variations in Cypriot cooking methods reflected wider Mediterranean influences. Traditional Venetian garments blended styles, with local Cypriot attire and this new hybrid fashion became commonplace all over the island. New and existing trade routes were expanded, and all of these changes fostered an economic environment conducive to growth, which benefitted everybody.
CULTURAL CHANGES
Venetian rule also brought about a variety of cultural changes that saw an influx of Italian culture, art, and customs to the island. The influence is evident in the literature, painting, and music of the time, and all of this contributed to a cultural fusion that enriched the Cypriot identity, particularly in the form of festivals and public celebrations. Elements of Venetian traditions were fully absorbed into Cypriot culture and several regular festivities were introduced, reflecting both Venetian traditions and local Cypriot customs, creating a sustained harmony on the island. One of the biggest annual events introduced was the annual Venetian Carnival. This event was characterised by elaborate masks and costumes, public revelry that included large street parades, and several staged theatrical performances that took place all over the island. The Catholic Venetians interacted with the predominantly Orthodox Christian population and this led to the renovation and construction of several new churches. Religious festivals continued to play a crucial role in Cypriot society and the feast days of various saints were celebrated with great fervour, blending both Catholic and Orthodox traditions. Religious processions, featuring altars decorated with flowers, and communal celebrations highlighted the strong spiritual life of the people under Venetian rule, and the Venetians installed St. Barnabas as the island’s patron saint, making the annual feast of St. Barnabas particularly significant. Harvest celebrations such as the wine festival, where communities would gather to celebrate the bounty of the land, also became major events featuring music, dance, and fine food.
IMPROVED COMMERCE
Daily life became dominated by a complex interplay of local customs and newly introduced Venetian practices and the new socio-economic landscape experienced several changes as a result of this new influence. Venice was a significant maritime power, and Cyprus became an important hub in its trade network, particularly for the export of various agricultural goods including commodities such as cotton, wine, olive oil, and spices. The Venetian administration sought to enhance trade, primarily through the development of port facilities and improving connections with other Mediterranean countries. New trade routes and the island’s advantageous geographic position
strengthened the island’s economy. The Venetians contributed to improved agricultural practices and enhanced crop management, which in turn improved yields, ensuring that farming remained an integral part of the Cypriot way of life.
A PROSPEROUS RULE
The rule of the Republic of Venice is considered to have been a fruitful one, if not somewhat turbulent, as the Ottoman threat remained throughout their tenor. The island’s strategic position made it an important hub for trade, increasing the island’s wealth, but it was also within easy reach of Ottoman military ambition that sought to actively extend its influence into the Mediterranean. This ultimately led to several significant skirmishes that prompted the Venetians to fortify the island. The Venetian military strategy, which firmly based itself on defence, set about modifying existing structures for the use of defensive cannons. They also went on to construct several new defensive fortifications equipped with bastions and solid stone walls. The Venetians used a mix of Gothic and Renaissance-style military architecture that exemplified the advanced military engineering of the time.
A NEW ERA OF ARCHITECTURE
The Venetian building program included not only fortifications, but new public buildings, religious structures, ports and several new roads and bridges, and examples of Venetian influences can still be seen in buildings and public squares all over the island today. New urban planning sought to re-organise infrastructure and settlements were re-designed and adapted to improve trade and enhance their defensive capabilities. Each settlement had a public square installed and this acted both as a military rallying point and a centre of commerce. New roads and bridges ensured the faster flow of goods and military units across the island and most religious structures were adapted by having a defensive fortifications installed. In addition to this, numerous churches and monasteries were also expanded, using architecture reflective of both Venetian influence and local traditions. The archbishopric in Nicosia, that was originally built by the Byzantines, underwent a major renovation that saw the Byzantine architectural style blended with Venetian elements.
MOST NOTABLE FORTRESS STRUCTURES
The construction of forts and military buildings was crucial to the defence of the island and the Venetian efforts to fortify key locations have contributed to the island’s military history. The most prominent examples of the fortress structures that were built remain in key locations across the island, and the most notable of these are the walls of Nicosia and Famagusta, and the Kyrenia Castle. The Venetian walls of Nicosia are among the most significant architectural accomplishments of this period. Reconstructed in the late 16th century, these walls include an impressive eight-point star shape that was designed to withstand cannon fire. The walls still stand today and serve as a stark historical reminder of the island’s turbulent historic past. The city of Famagusta is surrounded by some of the most formidable fortifications in the Mediterranean, and the Othello Tower and the bastion of Saint Nicholas exemplify the advanced engineering and architectural prowess of Venetian engineering. The Kyrenia Castle, originally built by the Byzantines, underwent significant restoration and fortification by the Venetians and its strategic position allows for commanding views over its harbour.
A WELL ORGANISED OTTOMAN ARMY
Despite their efforts, Venetian forces struggled to defend the island against the well-organised Ottoman army, which utilised superior tactics, better artillery, and a well-coordinated supply chain when they invaded in 1570. The Ottomans rapidly took control of huge swathes of land, forcing Venetian forces to retreat. The famous star-shaped walls of Nicosia was used as a rallying point for retreating troops and this led to the famous siege of Nicosia, which did not end well for the Venetians. In 1571, after the fall of Nicosia, the Ottomans laid another siege at the last bastion of Venetian control on the island, Famagusta, and after a valiant defensive effort and a siege that lasted for ten months; the Venetians finally surrendered abruptly ending their 82-year rule in Cyprus.
A VENETIAN LEGACY
The Republic of Venice left a lasting legacy on the island that is still evident today, influencing the island’s wider architectural landscape, extended culture, systematic governance, and increased economy that helped forge a new Cypriot identity. The Venetians left a distinct architectural imprint on the island, and Cypriot culture still bears the remnants of the Venetian influences that it embraced all those years ago. The Venetians were the first to introduce a formal class system to Cyprus and several communal celebrations held today have their roots embedded in Venetian festivals. Ultimately, it’s true to say that this multifaceted, yet poignant legacy has had a profound impact on the island, contributing to its rich historical narrative, as well as the rich tapestry of the Cypriot identity.
