Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ottoman Rule
Over 20,000 Turks settled in Cyprus following its capture from the Venetians in 1571, but
the island was not a high priority for the Ottomans. The ruling sultan sent Turkish gov-
ernors to rule the island, who quickly suppressed the Latin church. They abolished serfdom
and restored the Orthodox hierarchy and Church of Cyprus, to better appease and control
the population.
From then on, taxes were arbitrarily increased for the Greek Cypriot population, and the
Orthodox archbishop (considered the leader) was made responsible for their collection. In
the wake of huge taxes, some Greeks converted to Islam to avoid oppression.
The Ottomans appointed a Dragoman of the Serai (translator to the governor's palace) to
each town. They resided in opulent stone houses and acted as arbitrators for all business
with Greek Cypriots.
In 1821, Greeks from the mainland were fighting the great war of liberation against the
Ottomans. Cypriot Orthodox Archbishop Kyprianos sent money and support to Greece, in
the hope that it would help to free Cyprus also. When the
paşa
(lord) Mehmed Silashor
found out, he had the archbishop hanged in the public square in front of the
serai
(palace).
Any support for the growing Greek revolution was quickly crushed. Another three bishops
were beheaded on similar suspicions, and several priests, including the Abbot of Kykkos,
were also put to death.
The Ottomans remained in control of the island until 1878, when the British sought au-
thority in the region.
For more insight into the archaeology of Cyprus, check the excellent website
www.cyprus-archaeology.org.uk
Colin Thubron's
Journey into Cyprus
is a classic travel tale. In 1974, just before the Turkish invasion of the island,
the author crossed almost 1000km on foot, weaving myth, history and personal stories.
