Why do Russians choose Cyprus as their new home?

The flow of Russians to Cyprus

Against the backdrop of an increasing flow of tourists and migrants, Russians are beginning to take the places of the English, who were the first to settle on the largest island in the Mediterranean in the last century. The unique climate, stunning natural landscapes, and the simplicity of visa procedures make Cyprus attractive to people from various corners of the world.

In recent years, the island has also become known for Russian culture and traditions, creating a comfortable atmosphere for our compatriots. According to residents who have moved here from post-Soviet republics, the atmosphere of homey coziness is easily felt in Cyprus.

The nature of this island offers a harmonious interaction between ancient historical monuments and modern residential complexes. This combination of traditional and innovative architecture attracts attention and delights the eyes of many Russians.

Geographical features of Cyprus

Cyprus, the Republic of Cyprus, as stated in the reference guide "Residence Guide - 2012," is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located on the eastern side of the region, 105 kilometers from the Syrian coast, 75 kilometers from Turkey, and 380 kilometers from Egypt.

The length of Cyprus is approximately 240 kilometers from east to west, and its width reaches up to 100 kilometers from north to south. The island's terrain is mostly mountainous, with the Troodos and Kyrenia mountain ranges standing out, while the flat areas feature the expansive territories of Mesaoria. The total area of the island is 9,251 square kilometers.

The climate of Cyprus

The climate of Cyprus can be characterized as Mediterranean, with hot and dry summers, as well as mild, rainy winters. The average annual temperature hovers around 20.5 °C.

August is the hottest month, with temperatures often reaching 38 °C. The least warm month is January, when temperatures do not drop below 10 °C. In the coastal plains, the level of precipitation ranges from 360 to 400 millimeters, while in the mountainous areas, this figure reaches 700-1000 millimeters.

January and February are considered the rainiest months of the year, creating ideal conditions for plant growth and the formation of green landscapes.

Population and culture

As of July 2008, the population living in the government-controlled areas of Cyprus exceeded 792,000 people. The majority of the local residents are made up ofethnic GreeksAbout 10% of the population consists ofTurks.

Among the minorities are:

• the English (the number of which exceeds 25 thousand)
• Russians
• Poles
• Armenians

After the conflicts of 1974, many Turks moved to the northern part of the island, while many Greeks were forced to leave their homes. Only a small portion of the Turkish population remained in the south.

The official languages of the island are -GreekandTurkishHowever, English is also widely used, which makes communication easier for tourists and new residents.

Cyprus attracts people with its diversity of cultures and coziness, creating a unique environment for living and relaxing.

Religious distribution of the population of Cyprus

The population of Cyprus has diverse religious beliefs: about 78% of the residents practice Orthodoxy, 18% are Muslims, and the remaining 4% represent various Christian denominations, such as Maronites, Catholics, and followers of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Cities and territory of Cyprus

The capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, is also known as Lefkosia. Among other major cities, it is worth mentioning:

• Limassol
• Larnaca
• Paphos
• Ayia Napa
• Protaras

It is worth mentioning the unrecognized state — the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which includes cities such as Famagusta (or Gazimağusa) and Kyrenia (commonly known as Girne).

The history of ancient settlements

Remains of ancient settlements dating back to the Neolithic period, which spans the years 7000–3900 BC, have been found in Cyprus.

At the beginning of the second millennium BC, Greeks began to settle on the island, driven by thriving trade connections, forming numerous kingdoms inspired by ancient Greek culture and way of life. The name of the island derives from the Latin word cuprum, which translates to "copper," and it was this metal that served as the foundation for the region's economic prosperity.

Civilizations and control over Cyprus

Over time, different civilizations — the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Assyrians, and Persians — took turns battling for control over Cyprus.

Alexander the Great was able to liberate the island from foreign domination; however, after the collapse of his empire, Cyprus became part of Egyptian territories and came under Roman influence from 58 BC. From 330 AD, after the division of the Roman Empire, Cyprus became part of Byzantium, which had a significant impact on its fate and the development of Greek Orthodoxy.

The Crusades and the Kingdom of Cyprus

During the Crusades, Richard the Lionheart captured Cyprus on his way to the Holy Lands, which led to the establishment of a kingdom based on the Western feudal system that lasted from 1192 to 1489.

After that, the island came under the control of Venice.

Ottoman rule

In 1571, Cyprus became part of the Ottoman Empire and remained under its rule for more than three centuries.

In 1878, when the Ottoman Empire ceded control of Cyprus to Great Britain, this decision was made in exchange for a promise of British assistance in the event of a war with Russia. Thus, Cyprus remained a British colony for almost eighty years.

Independence of Cyprus

On August 16, 1960, after long efforts by the Greek Cypriots, Cyprus was proclaimed an independent state, named the Republic of Cyprus. The first president of the new republic was Archbishop Makarios, who became a symbol of the struggle for independence and the rights of the people of Cyprus.

The struggle for the right to self-governance and respect for cultural traditions has been a central aspect of Cypriot politics for decades, shaping the unique identity and history of this island in the Mediterranean.

Historical background

In 1974, Cyprus underwent significant changes that led to its de facto division into two key territories: Greek and Turkish. This event was a result of a military coup in Greece, during which the country's authorities attempted to achieve unification with Cyprus.

In response to this attempt, Turkey deployed troops to the northern part of the island, citing the need to protect its independence, while the northern region already had a significant Turkish population.

Nine years later, in 1983, the independence of Northern Cyprus was proclaimed as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus; however, this entity received recognition only from Turkey, while the international community considers this area to be occupied. The Republic of Cyprus claims to maintain sovereignty over its entire territory, which existed before 1974.

The question of the reunification of Cyprus has been discussed for a long time. For example, during peace efforts on the night of March 8 to 9, 2007, part of the wall dividing Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, into Greek and Turkish sections was dismantled.

Political system

The political system of Cyprus was formed based on the Constitution adopted in 1960, which presents the island as a presidential republic. Within the government structure, three branches of power are distinguished:

• executive
• legislative
• judicial

Special quotas are provided to protect the interests of the Turkish ethnic group. According to this system, the president and vice president are elected from the Greek and Turkish populations, respectively, with a term of five years.

Since 1964, the representation of the Turkish community in the House of Representatives has remained vacant, which has created additional challenges in the political process.

New president

On February 24, 2008, Dimitris Christofias, representing the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL), became the President of Cyprus. His election program included many areas, with particular emphasis on renewing dialogue with Turkish Cypriots and seeking solutions to the Cyprus problem. However, his powers are also limited to a five-year term.

Geographical features

The shape of the island itself resembles an upside-down seahorse, where the "body" is divided horizontally by a buffer zone established under the auspices of the UN. This buffer zone serves as a border between the Greek and Turkish parts of the island, dividing it into northern and southern sections.

Nicosia, located in the center, is considered the capital for both Greeks and Turks. Turkish residents refer to this city as Lefkoşa or Lefkosia.

Administrative division

Administratively, Cyprus is divided into six districts. Of these, two districts, Famagusta and Kyrenia, are located in the Turkish zone, while three districts - Larnaca (in Turkish, İskenderiye), Limassol, and Paphos (the Turkish version is Baf) - belong to the Greek part.

Additionally, it is worth noting that Nicosia, which serves as a common center for the two communities, is divided into two sections.

Membership in the European Union

Since May 1, 2004, Cyprus has been part of the European Union; however, it should be noted that part of the territory remains outside the control of the island's authorities, and EU laws and regulations do not apply to it.

Cyprus: An Observer in World Politics

Cyprus holds a special position in international politics, acting as an observer while not being a member of NATO.

Tax Agreement

As of today, there is an agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Cyprus aimed at preventing double taxation. Many companies from Russia register their branches specifically in Cyprus. Here, you can find significant players such as VTB, Rosneft, Lukoil, Norilsk Nickel, and VimpelCom. The main currency in Cyprus is the euro, while the northern part of the island uses the Turkish lira.

National holidays

In Cyprus, there are many significant holidays that are designated as public holidays for its residents. The list of key dates includes:

• January 1- New Year's Eve
• January 6- the holiday of Epiphany
• March 25- Day of National Consciousness of Greece
• April 1st- Independence Day of Cyprus
• Easter- is noted on one of the days between April 4 and May 8
• May 1st- International Labor Day
• August 15– The Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos
• October 1– National Independence Day of Cyprus
• October 28- National Day of Greece, known as Ohi Day. On this day, Cypriots remember how in 1940 they resolutely spoke out against Italian aggression by saying "Ohi," which translates to "no." Despite this, Italian troops still entered Greece, leading to its involvement in World War II.
• December 25- Christmas Day
• December 26– Christmas festivities

It is worth noting that the Cyprus time zone is one hour ahead of Moscow in the summer and two hours ahead in the winter.

The popularity of Cyprus

As for the scale of Cyprus's popularity, this island is renowned as the birthplace of the goddess of love, Aphrodite, according to myths. This natural wonder combines magnificent landscapes with mythological tales. Some pessimists may argue that Crimea has more picturesque views, but it is here that the goddess of beauty likely found her unique features.

Geopolitical challenges

Cyprus is also facing serious geopolitical challenges. An important issue remains the status of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is not recognized by most countries in the world and arose as a result of conflicts between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. Although a third of the territory in the north is officially considered part of Cyprus, in practice, it is a rather controversial entity, the status of which depends on political views. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly advises against purchasing property in the occupied area of the island.

Cypriot cuisine

When it comes to cuisine, Cyprus boasts a variety of white and red wines, as well as a unique drink called "Commandaria." The island is also known for its production of alcoholic beverages, and thanks to the favorable climate, true masterpieces are created here. Although Cypriot wines do not have the same worldwide fame as French or Italian wines, their taste can be surprising. As is the case everywhere, there are both less successful samples and quite exceptional drinks, with the latter being much more numerous.

Traditional mezze dish

It is also important to mention meze – a traditional dish consisting of a selection of various seafood and meat delicacies. It is a true pride of even the most exquisite restaurants on the island. Due to its status as a national dish, meze can be among the most expensive items on the menu, but the sensations it evokes leave no one indifferent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that Cyprus is not just a geographical point on the map of the Mediterranean. It is a place where history, culture, and modernity intertwine into a whole. With each passing year, the interest of Russians in this island is growing—not only because of its favorable climate and magnificent landscapes but also due to the shared cultural and linguistic ties that create a sense of closeness and kinship.

Cyprus offers a unique opportunity for those seeking more than just beautiful beaches and warm seas. It is a land of rich history, where every morning you can hear familiar speech as you walk through streets that echo with the remnants of ancient civilizations. The tranquility felt here and the chance to integrate into the local community make Cyprus appealing not only as a vacation destination but also as a place to live.

I hope that those who have not yet joined the ranks of those who have found their home on this island will be inspired and start discovering all its charms. Cyprus is not just a geographical territory; it is a place where everyone can find their cozy corner and feel at home.

Don't miss the chance to be a part of this amazing story, full of harmony and cultural diversity.