As I stroll through the timeless grounds of the Nicosia Field Club, where generations have swung rackets over the distinctive red clay, I am reminded of the layers of history beneath my feet. The clay whispers stories of colonial days, blending seamlessly into the Cypriot sun. The game of tennis, much like the island itself, has seen rules evolve and players come and go, yet the essence remains unchanged. Here, amid the echoes of matches past, there is no East or West, only the game—played under a sky that favors no empire, just the unjudging sweep of the breeze."
On this adventure back through the history of my island, we will explore together the period in which Cyprus was under British rule. Unlike our past journeys through the many centuries, this trip only reaches back to 1878. Before we get started, it is important to mention that much of the British influence still exists on the island today. Echoes from the past still stand proudly as gentle reminders in multiple aspects of daily life from the structures themselves to the philosophies which are ingrained within our society.
The arrival of the British Empire in Cyprus was not a matter of chance but a calculated move in the grand chessboard of international geopolitics. Seeking to secure its maritime routes and extend its strategic reach, the British gaze settled on the Mediterranean, where Cyprus, an unsung jewel, offered strategic depth vital for protecting the Suez Canal, the lifeline to India. This era, marked by the Great Game’s diplomatic rivalry and territorial ambitions, saw Cyprus as a crucial pawn against Russian expansionist threats. By embedding Cyprus within the complex tapestry of late 19th and early 20th century alliances, the British Empire underscored the island’s strategic importance, which was further highlighted during both World Wars as a pivotal military base.
One of the finest aspects of British Empire was the high-quality transportation infrastructure that was established. Many practices and customs were played forward throughout these decades and even the most ordinary aspects of life today remain tightly linked. Right-hand driving of the cars is only one of many traditions resulting from the period. Concerning currency, the Cypriot Pound remained until the transformation to the Euro, and much of our laws are based from that within the British legal system.
Schools were established across the island such as the English School in Nicosia. Sporting facilities were erected, and several have become a significant part of our everyday Cyprus. Nicosia still hosts the infamous Field Club with nine exceptional tennis courts, and the city’s Race Club delivers quality horse racing conducted under the same rules as the British Jockey Club. Even the lavish Presidential Palace, still shines from the yesteryears adorning the Nicosian backdrop like a well-preserved gem. Now that we have mentioned a few of the brightest stars still shining from the British rule, please take my hand and let us find out how they came to our shores.
Yet, as the British flag unfurled across the island, a shadow was cast, dimming the vibrancy of Cypriot life. This era, while stitching the fabric of modern Cyprus with the threads of progress, also wove tales of loss and resistance. Beneath the surface of newly laid roads and administrative order, the soil of Cyprus was bled dry, its mineral wealth, the essence of its natural heritage, ferried away to fuel the insatiable hunger of the British empire.
Amidst the echoes of mining, a subtler yet profound erasure was at play—the dilution of cultural identity. Artifacts unearthed, whispering tales of ancient civilizations, were often spirited away, leaving empty the halls of Cyprus’s memory.
The Palmerocracy Era then descended, a cloak of suppression, muffling the voice of nationalism, forbidding the flutter of the Greek flag, and erasing the lessons of Greek history from the minds of the young.
As war clouds gathered, the British painted illusions of unity with Greece, a promise as fleeting as the wind, leaving behind a trail of broken trust. In the post-war shuffle, Britain’s chess move to entangle Turkey in Cyprus’s narrative was a calculated stroke to ensure the dream of Enosis remained just that—a dream.
The spirit of the Cypriot people, however, burned bright, undimmed by British brutalities. As the shadow of British rule stretched over the island, a flame of resistance was kindled, epitomized by the courageous efforts of the EOKA movement. Under the leadership of General George Grivas, and fueled by the collective valor of numerous fighters including notable figures such as Gregoris Afxentiou and the youthful Evagoras Pallikaridis among others, EOKA’s campaign embodied a wide-ranging resistance against colonial rule. The British response was marked by a harsh crackdown, with tactics that often bordered on brutality. Afxentiou’s fierce last stand against overwhelming forces and Pallikaridis’s execution at merely 19 years old are but poignant reminders of the high price paid in the quest for independence. These acts of defiance, set against the backdrop of British repression, not only galvanized the Cypriot people but also sowed the seeds of an indomitable spirit that would eventually lead the island to sovereignty. This chapter of history forever reminds the world of the profound price of freedom, highlighting the resilience against the dark tactics of oppression and the indomitable will of the Cypriot people in their quest for sovereignty.
The Cyprus Convention established the island as a protectorate for the United Kingdom from the Ottoman Empire with the promise of military support against the Russians. From the start, the Cypriot population under British rule was hopeful of prosperity and even the national liberation associated with democracy. The extremely high taxes charged by the British which was paid to the Sultan quickly erased the visions of hopeful Cypriots who found it difficult to survive under the heavy financial burden. The people were taxed and yet were afforded no voice in the administration of the island which belonged exclusively to London and the High Commissioner.
In 1914, when the Ottoman Empire joined forces and sided against Great Britain during World War I Cyprus was annexed. Greece was offered cede of Cyprus if they would attack Bulgaria but did not accept the deal. In 1925 Cyprus became a Crown Colony of Britain operating with an undemocratic constitution. Turkey had formally recognized British rule over Cyprus in 1923, and although there was marginal input in the mid to late 1920’s by elected Cypriot officials the legislative council ended when it was abolished in 1931.
After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire other islands in the area had joined Greece and Greek Cypriots felt it was the right time to follow suit in that venture. The timing was not to be – the government house in Nicosia was burned to the ground during the Cyprus Revolt in 31 and one of the most difficult decades for Cypriots began. It was the time of the Palmerokratia, named after the Governor Richard Palmer who furthered the concept of limited involvement of citizens in schools, the disallowing of trade unions and other suppressive measures. The regime ultimately lifted the constraints during the start of the Second World War when more than 30,000 joined the British Army from the island.
Grecian King Paul officially declared the desire that Cyprus had to unite with Greece in 1948. More than 95% of Greek Cypriots agreed to the referendum which was presented by the Cyprus Orthodox Church. Enosis was accepted by the United Nations, and the issue quickly stepped into the international arena. Greece and Turkey had both joined NATO in 1952, and a post-war effort from a Cyprus delegation also submitted a demand to London for enosis. Britain proposed a ten year social and economic plan for development and chose to reject the Cyprus group. In the 1950’s Archbishop Makarios awakened a new and stronger force for the demand and the international stage brought attention along with an alert to Turkish Cypriots.
Britain had withdrawn from Egypt and Cyprus had become their headquarters in the Middle East. In 1955 the British Governor declared a state of emergency as a group known as EOKA escalated violence when the crown refused to respond to the international pressure. Four years of attacks and the exile of Makarios. In 1957 Turkish Cypriots adopted “takism” as the alternate answer to enosis. During 57 the UN decided to use a statutory map to remedy the situation, and in 1959 the Zurich Agreement set forth a Cypriot Constitution with several rules. Both “enosis” and “takism” were prohibited and Cyprus was to be considered an independent state. Military forces were apportioned on the island and all three nations, Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey had foreign ministers to oversee them at all times. The President, Vice President, and Cabinet members were to be elected and be a mix of both Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders apportioned by the rule of law.
In August of 1960 Cyprus gained its independence from the United Kingdom. The British Rule period of the island was an event-filled time but out of the confusion arose some relics of the genuine goodness of mankind which are part of the modern way of life on the island. As with all in the world the beauty which can be found far exceeds any temporary blemishes which tend to arise from time to time in the overall complexion of our world. The island is equal to all who love and have loved her throughout the centuries and holds all of the children as precious as the next. That is one of the best parts of Cyprus the memories of mistakes made by all sides are washed away uniformly by the splendor which has prevailed through countless centuries. The luster will never be tarnished by any of the insignificance of a given civilization from any time – and the strength of the land breathes unity to each soul equally under the night skies.
Snow evokes in us a sense of childlike wonder. It paints white over the scenery, using a thick brush and wide strokes. The snowy blanket snuggles everything and puts life itself to a cozy nap. That blanket is woven out of many snowflakes, each of which is unique, landing right where it did for a reason. We know the reason but can’t explain it except — it’s there to create a winter wonderland
The Troodos mountains are a sight to behold in the winter, when snow covers the peaks and valleys like a white sheet. The road winds through the hills, providing stunning views at every turn. If you’re looking for an escape to a winter wonderland, take a drive through the Troodos mountains!
Mighty trees proudly jut out from under their snowy makeover and nod their heads as we drive along. Their entourage of shrubs looks like silhouettes of a crowd, standing by with dignified grace. They cherish the snow too and invite you to come out of the car and join in on the fun.
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