Partner Country of the Month: Cyprus
Cyprus has both Mediterranean beauty and warmth, as well as a long and turbulent history. Traces of all kinds of empires can be found on the island – Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines, Crusaders and Venetians, the Ottomans and the British. Today, Cyprus is de facto a divided country, with Greek culture dominating in the south and Turkish culture in the north. There is definitely enough to learn to fill a whole exchange semester. And there is so much beauty to discover: rugged mountains, turquoise waters, and, last but not least, lots of delicious food!
With the "Partner Country of the Month" campaign, we want to shine a spotlight on the wide diversity of countries, regions and partner universities of TU Dresden that our students can explore during a semester abroad.
Table of contents
General facts and figures about Cyprus
Official languages: Greek, Turkish
Capital: Nicosia (Greek: Λευκωσία Lefkosía, Turkish: Lefkoşa)
Population: 1.4 million (2024)
National holiday: April 1 (start of the revolt against British colonial rule)
Currency: Euro
You can find further facts, figures and information on Wikipedia or on the website of the German Federal Foreign Office. For travel info, see wikivoyage or visitcyprus, the official travel website of the Republic of Cyprus.
Cyprus is a divided country. Only the Republic of Cyprus is recognized internationally, but effectively, it only controls the south, not the entire island. The north is under de facto control of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The border can be crossed for day trips at certain checkpoints. Find out here what to keep in mind regarding the division of the country and when traveling to the north.
As a condition of independence at the end of the colonial era, the United Kingdom retained two overseas areas in Cyprus: the military bases of Akrotiri and Dhekelia. Caution may currently be advised in the vicinity of these bases – stay up to date when traveling.
Language matters
Cyprus is a bilingual country. While Greek dominates in the south, the north mainly speaks Turkish. Both languages sound different in Cyprus, but while Cypriot Turkish is still fairly easy to understand, Greek speakers often have difficulty with the Cypriot dialect. Cypriots, on the other hand, usually also speak Standard Greek. The difference arises from a long period of linguistic separation – Cypriot Greek developed more directly from Byzantine Greek.
- Hello – G: Γεια σου ya su, or polite / to a group: Γειά σας ya sas; T: Merhaba
- How are you? – G: Τι κάμνεις Ti kamnis? T: Nasilsin?
- Excuse me (+ formal ending) – G: Συγνώμη sygnómi; T: Affedersin(ız)
- Slowly, slowly – G: σιγά-σιγά siga-siga
- Yes / no – G: Ναί nä / όχι óchi; T: Evet / Hayır
- Please – G: Παρακαλώ parakaló; T: Lütfen
- Thank you – G: Ευχαριστώ efharistó; T: Teşekkürler
English is everywhere in Cyprus, too. While this is a result of the British colonial era during the last century, it’s very handy for tourism today. English is widely used in education and as a lingua franca, intended to be understood by everyone. So don't worry about the language barrier at our partner university. You need B2-level English to apply. You can join the preparation course for a period abroad at TUDIAS to brush up on your English.
Of course, speaking even a little of the local language(s) will put a smile on people’s faces and help you immerse yourself in Cypriot culture. In Dresden, VHS offers Greek and Turkish language courses (starting from German). For a free introduction online, try Filoglossia and turkishteatime.com.
Did you know that ....?
- Cyprus has no natural freshwater lakes, only salt lakes? In winter, flamingos and other birds breed there. During the hot summers, the lakes disappear almost completely - the water first turns pink and then dries up into a white salt crust. Cyprus’s water supply is ensured by seawater desalination plants, dams and reservoirs. Northern Cyprus is even supplied with freshwater by Turkey via an 80-kilometer-long undersea pipeline.
- copper was named for Cyprus? During the Bronze Age, Cyprus rose to become a major trading power in the eastern Mediterranean, thanks to its significant copper deposits. In the Roman Empire, copper was therefore called aes cyprium (Cypriot ore), which evolved into cuprum and later into copper.
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olive trees are the most common fruit trees in Cyprus? Citrus fruits and winegrowing are also important. Even bananas can be grown in southern Cyprus, although increasing water shortages put these plantations at risk.
- Nicosia is currently the only divided capital city in the world? The so-called Green Line – a military buffer zone that can be crossed at several checkpoints – runs through the city and across the entire country. Since 1974, UN peacekeeping forces have been monitoring the ceasefire between Southern and Northern Cyprus. The division is due to ethnic conflicts that escalated between Cypriots of Greek and Turkish descent.
- the oldest discovery of a pet cat comes from Cyprus, dating back 9,500 years? While the association of cats and ancient Egypt is well-known, felines have been living with humans even before that. In Cyprus, a person and a cat were found buried together in a Neolithic grave. Although we know nothing else about their lives, their positioning suggests a close association between them, possibly making the feline the world's oldest known pet cat.
- Aphrodite rose from the sea in Cyprus? According to myth, the Greek goddess of love and beauty was born from the sea foam near Petra tou Romiou, or Aphrodite’s Rock. Swimming around the picturesque rock three times is said to strengthen your luck in love. Why not try it yourself to see if there’s a grain of truth to it? Aphrodite’s main sanctuary can also be found in Cyprus: her temple in Paphos was an important pilgrimage site in antiquity.
Cooperations with Universities in Cyprus
You can find all cooperations of TU Dresden in our database. Have a look at the experiences of our previous exchange students at Questionnaires. Professors at your faculty may have direct contacts to your partner university of choice and can advise you.
Our partner university: Panepistimio Kyprou (University of Cyprus)
- Currently available for:
- Classical Philology
- Psychology
- Our cooperation in Cyprus is part of Erasmus+. You can find the contact persons and application deadlines for your faculty here.
- The University of Cyprus is the island's leading institution of higher education. About 7,000 students are enrolled across its eight faculties. Greek and English are the languages of instruction, and you can absolutely study completely in English. After classes, you can enjoy a wide range of student clubs and sports. Both the old and the new campus are located right next to forest parks – perfect for taking a relaxing break.
- Our partner university is located in Nicosia, the cultural and economic center of Cyprus. Therefore, you will be surrounded by a lively, fascinating, historical city, and at the same time, have an easy starting point for trips around the island.
Don't miss...
The ruins of St. Hilarion Castle are perched high in the rugged Pentadaktylos Mountains of northern Cyprus. A hike to the top is rewarded with a spectacular view, encompassing northern Cyprus from the north coast to Nicosia in the south. Like Cyprus itself, St. Hilarion has a turbulent history: Originally founded as a Byzantine monastery, it later fell into the hands of the Crusader kings, and was finally razed in the 16th century under Venetian rule. The sister castles of Buffavento and Kantara are also worth a visit.
Paphos Archaeological Park encompasses the excavation site of the island's capital during antiquity. While Cyprus can boast many ancient sites, this is one of the most beautiful. Well-preserved mosaics cover the floors of Roman villas, showing colorful mythological scenes. Nearby, you can visit the "Tombs of the Kings" of Nea Paphos, whose columns and chambers were carved directly into the rock.
The Zenobia wreck is considered one of the best wreck diving sites in the world. It's easily accessible, impressively large, and the water is so clear that you can see a lot even when just snorkeling or going on a tour in a glass-bottom boat. Sunk just off the Cypriot cost with no casualties in 1980, the 178-meter-long freighter is now home to sponges, many kinds of fish, and even sea turtles. There are tour options on offer in nearby Larnaca (snorkeling, boat tours, or diving at various skill levels). While you’re in the area, don't forget to visit Larnaca Salt Lake!
The Ottoman heritage of Nikosia and Lefkoşa includes many fascinating sites. In both parts of the capital, Ottoman townhouses have been converted into ethnological museums that showcase life as it was back then – Cyprus Ethnological Museum in the south and Dervish Pasha Mansion in the north. In Lefkoşa, the caravanserai Büyük Han and Selimiye Mosque (formerly a Gothic cathedral) are also worth seeing. At the steam bath Büyük Hamam, you can experience the traditional bathing culture that traces its roots back to Roman and Byzantine baths.
Cape Greco National Park. The southeastern tip of Cyprus is definitely worth a visit, with white cliffs, spectacular sea caves, and turquoise-blue water. There are numerous hiking and biking trails running along the coast, such as Agioi Anargyroi - Sea Caves Trail. Cape Greco also offers great spots for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The Blue Lagoon is particularly famous for its brilliant blue waters.
Let's get cooking...
Greek and Turkish influences also show up strongly when it comes to Cypriot cuisine. Olive oil, garlic, parsley, yogurt, and lemon are very popular, as well as stews and grilled meats. For some typical dishes, try the warmly spiced meat stew tavás, the lemon chicken soup avgolemono, or kanelónia, stuffed and baked omelets. The British have left their mark, too – fries have become a popular side dish.
Meze is a particular specialty of Cypriot food culture. This is a type of meal – or rather, a type of feast – made up of a variety of small and often seasonal dishes served one after another and shared among a group. It starts out with cold appetizers like tzatziki, hummus, salad, and olives; followed by warm appetizers like grilled halloumi and mushrooms cooked in wine. Grilled and fried meats make up the main part. For dessert, you might get fresh fruit, loukomades (honey-dipped doughnuts), and glyko tou koutaliou (candied fruit or vegetables). Thanks to the small portions, you can end up savoring your meal for hours on end.
Our recommendation: Halloumi
Did you know that halloumi is a protected designation of origin in the EU? Only Cypriot cheese may be called that. Halloumi is one of Cyprus’s most important export products. The squeaky cheese has a long history here, even leading to surnames like Hallouma, Halloumakis, or Halloumis.
Halloumi (usually grilled or fried) is everywhere in Cypriot cuisine. Halloumi in pita bread makes for a filling snack. In summer, a juicy and salty watermelon and halloumi salad is a classic and wonderfully refreshing. For variety, you can switch out the fruit and try halloumi and peach salad.
Contact
Have you had a great time in Cyprus? Do you have tips for places and experiences that are not to be missed? We would be happy to share your experiences here, on social media or, if you want, in information events for other TUD students. Get in touch with us:
© Sven Ellger/TUD
Advice on studying abroad
NameMs Federica Serra
Infocenter/ Study abroad; TUDworldwide: America
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Visiting address:
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