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| Photo courtesy of www.cyprustourism.org |
Cyprus' proximity to Europe, Africa and the Middle East has made it both a beloved tourist destination and a strategically significant, often conquered country throughout history. The Mediterranean island is roughly the size of Connecticut. Known as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, Cyprus boasts many characteristically Mediterranean charms but is also one of the most bitterly disputed countries in modern times.
Recent History
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| Photo courtesy of www.cyprustourism.org |
Until 1960, Cyprus was a British colonial power with Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots living together in villages throughout the country. After gaining independence, violence broke out between the Turkish and Greek Cypriots. This violence came to a head in 1963 when constitutional changes caused the Turkish Cypriots to withdraw from the government and fighting broke out on the streets of Nicosia, the capital city. United Nations peacekeepers were deployed but violence continued and most Turkish Cypriots were forced into enclaves throughout the island.
In 1974, the military dictatorship of Greece staged a coup and overthrew the Cypriot government. This led to a Turkish military intervention and Greek Cypriots began to flee to the southern part of the island, whereas the Turkish Cypriots were pushed to the northern part of the island. The island became ethnically partitioned and U.N. peacekeeping forces arrived to patrol a 108-mile buffer zone which divides the island across the middle from east to west.
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| Photo courtesy of www.cyprustourism.org |
In 1983, the Turkish held area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" but this area is only recognized by Turkey and remains enforced by a Turkish military presence. The United Nations, the United States, Great Britain and the European Union have all tried to broker peace talks between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots but no compromise has been reached. The Greek Cypriot controlled Republic of Cyprus (internationally recognized) joined the European Union on April 1, 2004. All Cypriots holding a Cypriot passport are considered citizens of the European Union but EU laws do not apply to North Cyprus. Today, some 600,000 Greek Cypriots live in the southern part of the island and 150,000 Turkish Cypriots live in the northern part of the island.
Fulbright Scholars in Cyprus |
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| Photo courtesy of www.cyprustourism.org |
Cyprus also welcomes American Fulbright scholars every year who are interested in lecturing, researching and consulting with Cypriot faculty at universities. A unique feature of the Fulbright experience in Cyprus is that scholars spend time at host universities in both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. Scholars are encouraged to develop projects that are relevant to each community and are not politically sensitive. American scholars from a variety of fields, including: conflict resolution, nursing, domestic violence, geology, history, archaeology, drug abuse and prevention, and American studies have contributed considerably to the Cypriot academic dialogue in their respective fields. In return, they have gained perspective and insight into this divided country. Many return to the United States after the experience with new ideas for courses, areas of research and teaching.
One scholar noted recently, "Learn as much as you can about the Cyprus problem prior to your arrival and try to get as unbiased a view as possible. Don't be afraid to ask lots of people their opinions on the problem and what they think needs to happen for a solution. People usually are happy to discuss the issue and will be interested in your opinion."
The experience of being a Fulbright Scholar in Cyprus is felt on a personal, local and ultimately global level as noted by another scholar, "It has always been my feeling that peace comes to the world through the interactions of two people at a time. We never know another country until we know the faces of friends there. Americans know little about Cyprus, but they will learn more when I return. I hope I am now a part of what Cyprus educators think about America. We all need more chances for international exchange, because we grow as people and professionals when we understand other cultures."
Cyprus Fulbright Commission: www.fulbright.org.cy
Cyprus Government: www.cyprus-government.com/
Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus: www.cyprusembassy.net/home/
The “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”: www.trncinfo.com/
U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs: www.exchanges.state.gov/
CIA The World Factbook: Cyprus: www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/cy.html
U.S. Embassy in Cyprus: http://cyprus.usembassy.gov/
Cyprus welcomes Fulbright Scholar applications in many fields. In the past three years, Fulbright Scholars have been affiliated at the following universities in the disciplines designated.
Cyprus American Archaeological Research Institute
www.caari.org
Disciplines: Language and literature (non-U.S.), anthropology, archaeology
Intercollege
www.intercol.edu/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=l
Disciplines: Psychology, American literature
KENTHEA
www.kenthea.org.cy/main.html
Disciplines: Sociology, medical sciences
University of Cyprus
www.ucy.ac.cy/
Disciplines: Architecture
General University Information |
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Braintrack: Cyprus: www.braintrack.com/linknav.htm?pprevid=161&level=3
Yahoo Colleges and Universities: Cyprus:
http://dir.yahoo.com/education/higher_education/colleges_and_
universities/by_region/countries/cyprus/complete_list/
Travel/Tourist Information |
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Cyprus Tourism: www.cyprustourism.org/
Lonely Planet: Cyprus: www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/cyprus/
The Cyprus Weekly: www.cyprusweekly.com.cy/
Cyprus Mail: www.cyprus-mail.com/news/
Cyprus Yellow Pages: www.cyprusyellowpages.com/ypages/IRed.asp?new=y
InterCyprus.com: www.intercyprus.com
Cyprus Cultural Informer: http://cyprus-art.com/
North Cyprus Home Page: www.cypnet.com/
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