A COMPREHENSIVE HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
A DISTINCTIVE ERA IN THE ISLANDS HISTORY
Venetian rule in Cyprus represents a distinctive era in the island’s history. Their rule was firmly characterised by military conflict, architectural advancements, and a whole new range of rich cultural practices. Overall, the Venetians can be said to have transformed and improved the daily lives of all people living on the island at the time.
A DIPLOMATIC VICTORY
The Republic of Venice was an empire built on trade. It initially engaged Cyprus as a trading partner, but this changed when they saw the potential for greater control and influence on the island. A succession of power struggles within the Lusignan ruling class paved the way for them to seize control of the island. This was used as a pretext to coerce the last Lusignan Queen, Caterina Cornaro, who stemmed from Venetian nobility, to relinquish her throne in 1489. Full control then passed over to the Republic of Venice, which soon established itself as the island’s new ruler. Their rule, however, became overshadowed by the emerging Ottoman Empire in the east, which also had designs on the island. This conflict of interest would eventually lead to the subsequent Ottoman conquest of Cyprus in 1571.
A NEW SOCIAL HIERARCHY
Although Venetian rule overall proved prosperous, several high-ranking, influential Cypriot families lost both influence and wealth during their reign. Venetian administrators went on to implement an unpopular, centralised bureaucratic system. This saw the emergence of a new class system on the island that favoured Venetian nobles. These nobles automatically took up high administrative positions. This enabled them to confiscate land, forcing Cypriots to occupy a lower-class status. This would go on to create several negative social interactions between the new ruling class and Cypriot leaders.
ENHANCED TRADE
The Venetian administration sought to enhance trade. Whilst most Cypriots continued to engage in in both farming and fishing activities, the Venetians encouraged several of them to create local artisanal crafts. The Venetians, under this pretext, allowed the Cypriot economy to revolve around these three main sectors. The Venetians constantly contributed to improved agricultural practices, with a view to enhancing Cypriot crop yields. Their new, improved systems of management, in turn, improved yields and ultimately trade. New trade routes were also introduced, and existing ones were expanded. This fostered an economic environment conducive to growth. This expansion of trade generally benefitted everyone concerned, improving the living standards for most Cypriots.
LAW & ORDER
The Venetian changes to local governance also impacted the overall legal system on the island. This became a point of contention for several Cypriots. The imposition of new Venetian laws, which were often at odds with local Cypriot customs and practices, did not sit well with the greater populace. New laws governing a new taxation system were also introduced, and although they were designed primarily to increase trade, they were met with stiff resistance. The revised tax laws for local merchants and traders also established an unpopular relationship with the new Venetian social hierarchy that held dominion over Cypriots.
NEW INFLUENCES
Traditional Cypriot practices, in most areas of daily life, were allowed to continue, allowing the Venetian administration to flourish. The Venetians successfully integrated and also heavily influenced daily life on the island with several Venetian nuances. Several culinary traditions also evolved under Venetian stewardship. This directly led to the introduction of several Venetian culinary elements that were introduced to local Cypriot cuisine. New imported spices were introduced, and variations in Cypriot cooking methods at the time began to reflect wider Western Mediterranean influences. Traditional Venetian garments also began to blend their styles with local Cypriot attire. This new hybrid fashion became commonplace all over the island.
CULTURAL CHANGES
Daily life became dominated by a complex interplay of local customs and newly introduced Venetian practices. The new socio-economic landscape experienced several changes as a result of these new influences. Venetian rule brought about several cultural changes, too. An influx of Latin culture, art, and customs was steadily introduced to the island. This influence is evident in the literature, painting, and music of the time. This led to a cultural fusion that generally created a new, enriched Cypriot identity. This was also evident in particular in the form of festivals and public celebrations. Elements of Venetian traditions were fully absorbed into Cypriot culture, and several new festivals, such as the carnival, were introduced. These reflected both Venetian traditions and local Cypriot customs and helped to create a sustained harmony on the island.
THE VENETIAN CARNIVAL
Still celebrated today, the Venetian carnival was one of the biggest annual events that was introduced to the island. This event was characterised by elaborate masks and costumes and lively music that led to a rigorous street celebration. Public revelry also included large street parades and several staged theatrical performances.
RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
The Catholic Venetians interacted well with the predominantly Greek Orthodox population. This led to the renovation and construction of several new churches all over the island. Religious festivals continued to play a crucial role in Cypriot society, and the feast days of various saints of both Christian religions were celebrated with great fervour. Religious processions, featuring altars decorated with flowers, and several communal celebrations, highlighted the strong spiritual life of the people under Venetian rule. The Venetians installed St. Barnabas as the island’s new 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 a major event featuring music, dance, and fine food.
IMPROVED COMMERCE
The Venetians introduced several new trade routes to several Western Mediterranean countries. They did this by increasing their maritime activites to and from the island. Already a significant maritime power at the time, Cyprus became an important hub for its navy. As well as using the island as a maritime military base, the Venetian administration sought to enhance trade by constantly increasing the exportation of various Cypriot goods from the island’s sea ports. This directly led to several trade enhancements that occurred primarily through the further development of port facilities across the island. Their port expansion program directly led to a notable increase in production of both new and existing commodities. These included cotton, wine, olive oil, and various spices, which were all now locally produced.
NEW URBAN PLANNING
New urban planning also sought to reorganise infrastructure across the island. Several settlements were redesigned and adapted to improve trade and enhance the island’s 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 complete flow of goods and military access across the island. Most religious structures were also adapted by having defensive fortifications installed.
A NEW BUILDING PROGRAM
The Venetian building program included not only fortifications but new public buildings, religious structures, ports and several new roads and BRIDGES. As a result, examples of Venetian influences exist across the island today. Numerous churches and monasteries were expanded, using architecture reflective of both Venetian influence and local tradition. The archbishopric in Nicosia, which was originally built by the Byzantines, underwent a major renovation as a result. This particular renovation saw the Byzantine architectural style blended with several conventional Venetian elements.
THE OTTOMAN THREAT
Cyprus, at the time, was also within easy reach of Ottoman military ambitions. The island became more important to them as they actively sought to extend their influence across the Mediterranean. With Cyprus firmly in their sights, the Ottoman threat remained throughout the Republic of Venice’s tenure on the island. This ultimately led to several significant skirmishes that prompted the Venetians to constantly fortify the island. This led to the renovation and construction of several forts and military buildings across the island. These Venetian fortifications have greatly contributed to the island’s military history and has provided several examples of this type of architecture across the island today.
MOST NOTABLE FORTRESS STRUCTURES
The Venetian military strategy, which was firmly based on defence, set about constructing new military structures for the use of defensive cannon. These new defensive fortifications were equipped with bastions and solid stone walls. Existing fortifications were also modernised through renovation. The Venetians used a mix of Gothic and Renaissance-style military architecture that exemplified the advanced military engineering of the time. The most prominent examples of these fortress structures remain in key locations across the island. The most notable of these are the walls of Nicosia and Famagusta, and the Kyrenia Castle.
THE STAR SHAPED WALLS OF NICOSIA
The Venetian walls of Nicosia, originally built by the Frankish Lusignans, are among the most significant architectural accomplishments of this period. Reconstructed during the 16th century, these walls consist of a unique eight-point star shape that was specifically designed to withstand cannon fire. These walls serve today as a stark historical reminder of the island’s turbulent past.
THE WALLS OF FAMAGUSTA
The abandoned city of Famagusta is surrounded by some of the most formidable fortifications in the Mediterranean. Renovation of many of these defences took place during the 16th century. The defences also include the Othello Tower and the Bastion of Saint Nicholas. All of the structures exemplify the advanced engineering and architectural prowess of Venetian engineering at the time.
THE KYRENIA CASTLE
The Kyrenia Castle, originally built by the Byzantines, underwent significant restoration during the 16th century. The Venetians added some of their fortifications to its already imposing structure. 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. The Ottomans also utilised superior tactics and had far superior artillery. Their invasion, which began in 1570, was well-coordinated and had a good supply chain. This saw the Ottomans rapidly take control of huge swathes of the island, forcing Venetian forces to retreat. The famous star-shaped walls of Nicosia were used as a rallying point for these retreating troops, and this led to the famous siege of Nicosia in 1571. The siege did not end well for the Venetians, and after the fall of Nicosia, the Ottomans advanced to the last Venetian bastion of control on the island, Famagusta. 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. They influenced the island’s wider architectural landscape, leaving a distinct architectural imprint that is still observed today. Cypriot culture still bears remnants of its influences, and this is portrayed by several communal celebrations that have their roots embedded in Venetian culture. Their changes to local governance led to them being the first to introduce a formal class system to the island’s hierarchy. They enhanced the island’s economy through improved agricultural practices and increased trade through their maritime efforts. With all of this in mind, it is fair to say that the Venetian contribution to the island’s historical narrative helped to forge a new Cypriot identity.
