Ottoman Period
The Ottoman Empire ruled Cyprus from 1571 to 1878, following its conquest from the Venetians. Under the millet system, the island's population was organized by religion rather than ethnicity, with Greek Orthodox Christians and Muslims coexisting in shared villages while maintaining separate communal governance structures.
Ottoman Empire Conquers Cyprus
The Ottoman Empire conquers Cyprus from the Venetians. Cyprus had been shaped by successive civilizations including Mycenaean Greeks, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Lusignans, and Venetians. At the time of the Ottoman conquest, the island had a predominantly Greek Orthodox Christian population. The Ottoman period introduced a significant Muslim community alongside the existing Christian population.
Under Ottoman rule, residents were classified by religion rather than ethnicity, as 'Muslims of Cyprus' and 'Christians of Cyprus,' under the millet system, which allowed each religious community to govern its own internal affairs. Both communities shared villages and maintained common traditions, with intermarriage occurring in mixed areas. Turkish Cypriots in mixed areas typically acquired Greek as a second language; Greek Cypriots rarely learned Turkish.
Ottoman Authorities Execute Archbishop Kyprianos and Cypriot Leaders
Ottoman Governor Kucuk Mehmet orders the execution of Archbishop Kyprianos of Cyprus and hundreds of prominent Greek Cypriots in retaliation for the Greek War of Independence. Kyprianos is publicly hanged in Nicosia, while the Bishops of Paphos, Kition, and Kyrenia are beheaded. Over the following days, approximately 486 influential Greek Cypriots are executed and their property confiscated. Kyprianos had been a member of the Filiki Eteria revolutionary society but had advocated that Cyprus contribute supplies rather than direct military participation.