Introduction to Cyprus (02:48)

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The island's strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean has resulted in multiple occupations. In 1974, an armed conflict divided Greek and Turkish populations into separate territories.

Tourism in Cyprus (01:58)

According to legend, Aphrodite was born on a southern beach. The island--known as the Eastern Mediterranean "clubbing" capital--receives 2.5 million visitors each year.

Dividing Cyprus (02:58)

Learn about the (1974) armed conflict that resulted in a UN buffer zone between Turkey’s politically unrecognized northern territory and the Greek Republic of Cyprus. Towns such as Famagusta were caught in the crossfire and abandoned.

Living in a Divided Nation (02:04)

A Greek farmer has been displaced by the dispute with Turkey; his land is inaccessible in the UN buffer zone. He sees Cyprus as Greek—rather than possessing a unique Cypriot national identity.

Cyprus History (03:37)

Nations around the Mediterranean fought over the island's strategic location. The ancient city of Salamis features Assyrian, Egyptian, Persian and Roman elements—but the dispute between Greece and Turkey forbids archaeological research.

Nicosia: a Divided Capital (02:40)

1,000 UN troops keep the peace between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The city's northern neighborhoods are Turkish, settled by 16th century Ottomans, while Christian Greeks live in the south.

Internal Cyprus Refugees (04:13)

In 1974, thousands of Greeks fled the northern territory while Turks fled the south. Many believed it would be a temporary conflict—but 2,000 civilians are still missing.

Cyprus Embargo (04:02)

The Nicosia border is open to foot traffic but not to commerce. Northern businesses can only trade with Turkey while Southern Cyprus has access to the EU and the global economy.

Cyprus Religious Division (02:16)

Orthodox Christians and Sunni Muslims occupy the island. Ottoman invaders converted Famagusta's St. Nicholas Cathedral into a simple mosque by in 1571—contrasting ornate Byzantine basilicas.

Rural Cyprus Traditions (03:51)

The Orthodox religion is central to the Greek Cypriot national identity. Village residents prepare for an Easter celebration by building a bonfire and cooking customary recipes.

Cyprus Easter Celebration (05:22)

Witness a Greek Orthodox Church service and village procession. The next day, families play games and enjoy a traditional feast—an event highlighting the island’s Greek and Turkish division.

Peace on the Karpas Peninsula (03:29)

Isolated from South Cyprus during the 1974 conflict, Greeks remained under Turkish rule in Rizokarpaso, where they coexist today. A unique interfaith community patronizes St. Andrew's monastery.

Cyprus Eco Tourism Project (04:01)

A Turkish Cypriot and his Canadian wife moved to Buyukkonuk on the fertile Karpas Peninsula. They are leading a self-sufficiency effort to help the village heal from the 1974 conflict with Greece.

Cyprus Peace Choir (06:59)

Greeks and Turks rehearse together in Nicosia's UN buffer zone before performing in a Greek village—using music to appeal for harmony and reconciliation on the divided island.

Credits: Cyprus: Islands and Life (00:39)

Credits: Cyprus: Islands and Life