THE STORY OF THE FRAPPE
A VARIED COFFEE STORY Coffee can trace its evolution through the ages from when it began as a simple concoction to the popular drink enjoyed globally today. It is also…
THE CITY-KINGDOMS OF ANCIENT CYPRUS
HOW THINGS ONCE WERE A REMARKABLE FEATURE OF THE ISLAND’S HISTORY Several ancient city-state kingdoms once governed Cyprus. Evidence suggests that some were settled as early as the 15th century…
THE DRAGOMAN OF CYPRUS
SKILLED CULTURAL MEDIATORS & POLITICAL NAVIGATORS WHAT IS A DRAGOMAN? The Ottoman Empire at its height was vast conquering several lands and many peoples. As their empire grew, the Ottomans…
THE VENETIAN BRIDGES OF CYPRUS
THE ARCHITECTURAL MARVELS OF THE RENAISSANCE A TRADING EMPIRE AT ITS CORE The Venetian era began in Cyprus in the year 1489 and lasted up until 1571. The Venetians were…
THE ROMA PEOPLE OF CYPRUS
THE ‘TSINGANI’ OF MANDIA & THE ‘GURUBETS’ A DISPERSED ETHNIC GROUP The Roma people are a dispersed ethnic group who originate from the northern regions of India. Constantly on the…
THE UNIQUE CYPRIOT DIALECT OF GREEK ALSO KNOWN AS ‘KYPRIAKA’
A UNIQUE DIALECT FOR A UNIQUE PEOPLE A SPECIFIC VARIANT OF MODERN DAY GREEK Like Greece, the official language of the Republic of Cyprus is Greek. Cypriots, however, speak with…
THE TRADITIONAL CYPRUS COFFEE SHOP
THE TRADITIONAL COFFEE SHOP’S VALUED PLACE IN CYPRIOT SOCIETY THE MAIN FOCAL POINT FOR CYPRIOTS In earlier times, the traditional Cyprus coffee shop or ‘Kafeneío’ as it came to be…
WHEN THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR RULED CYPRUS FROM 1192 TO 1193
AN ISLAND BOUGHT FOR A PRICE! A HUGELY UNPOPULAR RULE The rule of the Knights Templar in Cyprus was an unhappy and tumultuous affair. It saw the island descend into…
THE CYPRUS CAT STORY
A CAT SANCTUARY IN THE VILLAGE OF TALA THE EASTERN WILDCAT Ancient writings indicate that Cyprus has had a long association with cats. This goes back many thousands of years.…
WHO WERE THE PHOENICIANS OF CYPRUS?
AN ANCIENT CIVILISATION The Phoenicians were an ancient civilisation, originating from the region of modern-day Lebanon, parts of Syria and Israel. Known for their seafaring skills, trade networks, and unique…