A Partitioned Island

I recently spent an enjoyable 10 days In Cyprus. It reminded me of Ireland – a small island with a border dividing the north from the south, with a British military presence and two tribes separated by religion and flag – except that the Cypriot climate is a little warmer.

Bellapais Abbey

Paphos Archaeological Park

The Troodos Mountains – for some reason I received a text on my phone here saying “Welcome to Turkey”, even though we were still on the Greek side of the island

Tomb of the Kings, an ancient burial site in Paphos – with KFC sign in background

Memorial to Gergios Grivas military leader of EOKA who fought against British rule in Cyprus in the 1950s

Starred agama (Stellagama stellio), the largest lizard on Cyprus

Ancient Roman Mosaic, Paphos

Mosque at Paphos – recently restored, but now no longer used for worship since the partition of Cyprus and polarisation of its two communities

“Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” flag painted on hillside

Statue of Archbishop Makarios III, first president of the Republic of Cyprus, (1960–1974 and 1974–1977)

Icon at Kykkos Monastery, Troodo Mountains

The ruins of Bellapais Abbey, Northern Cyprus with Turkish and Turkish Cypriot flags visible through the arch

A Cypriot hedgehog