Cyprus Citizenship Test flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Choirokoitia

A Neolithic settlement in Cyprus dating to about 7000 BC; its well-preserved round houses make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mycenaean Greek settlement

Mycenaean Greeks settled Cyprus between about 1400 and 1200 BC, bringing Greek language and culture that shaped the island's identity.

Lusignan dynasty

A Frankish dynasty that ruled Cyprus from 1192 to 1489, building Gothic monuments and a feudal order on the island.

Ottoman conquest of Cyprus

Ottoman forces captured Cyprus in 1570–1571, beginning Ottoman rule that lasted until British administration began in 1878.

Republic of Cyprus 1960

Cyprus became an independent republic in 1960 after British colonial rule, with a constitution dividing power between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

1974 invasion

Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974, occupying the northern part of the island and displacing many Greek Cypriots from their homes.

President of Cyprus

The directly elected head of state and government, serving a five-year term; the President appoints the Council of Ministers.

House of Representatives

Cyprus's unicameral legislature, elected for five years by proportional representation; 56 seats are held by Greek Cypriots and 24 Turkish Cypriot seats remain vacant.

Council of Ministers

The executive body of Cyprus, appointed by the President and responsible for implementing government policy and administering public services.

Supreme Court of Cyprus

The highest judicial body, exercising appellate, constitutional, and administrative jurisdiction and safeguarding the rule of law.

Cyprus districts

Cyprus is divided into six administrative districts: Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, Famagusta, and Kyrenia; Nicosia is the capital.

Cyprus EU accession

Cyprus joined the European Union on 1 May 2004 and adopted the euro as its currency on 1 January 2008.

Greek official language

Greek is an official language of Cyprus alongside Turkish under the 1960 Constitution, and it is also an official EU language.

Greek alphabet

The Greek alphabet has 24 letters, from alpha to omega; each letter has upper-case and lower-case forms.

Greek noun cases

Modern Greek nouns inflect for four cases: nominative, genitive, accusative, and vocative, and for three genders.

Cypriot Greek dialect

A distinct dialect spoken in everyday life in Cyprus, differing from Standard Modern Greek in pronunciation, vocabulary, and some grammar.

Greek verb aspect

Greek verbs distinguish perfective and imperfective aspect, which shows whether an action is viewed as complete or ongoing.

Church of Cyprus

An autocephalous Greek Orthodox church whose independence was recognized in 431; its head is the Archbishop of Cyprus.

Easter in Cyprus

The most important religious festival for Greek Orthodox Cypriots, marked by church services, fasting before Pascha, and family celebrations.

Kataklysmos festival

A Pentecost festival celebrated especially in Larnaca with water customs, fairs, and songs, recalling the biblical flood.

Lefkara lace

A traditional Cyprus embroidery inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, known for intricate geometric patterns and cutwork.

Halloumi

A traditional Cypriot cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk, granted protected designation of origin status by the European Union.

Mount Olympus Cyprus

The highest peak in Cyprus at 1,952 metres, located in the Troodos massif; it is also called Chionistra.

Mesaoria plain

The central plain of Cyprus between the Troodos and Kyrenia ranges, where much of the island's agriculture is located.

Pedieos River

The longest river in Cyprus, flowing through Nicosia and across the Mesaoria plain; its flow is seasonal.

Cape Apostolos Andreas

The northeastern tip of Cyprus, located at the end of the Karpas Peninsula and marked by a historic monastery.

Cyprus mouflon

An endemic wild sheep found in the Troodos forests, recognized as a national symbol and protected by conservation laws.

Right to fair trial

A constitutional right guaranteeing access to independent courts, a fair hearing, and legal representation for persons accused of offences.

Ombudsman of Cyprus

The Commissioner for Administration, an independent authority that investigates complaints about maladministration by public bodies.

Voting age in Cyprus

Citizens aged 18 and over may vote in national and European elections by secret ballot.

Compulsory military service

Greek Cypriot men are required to serve in the National Guard; conscription supports the island's defence forces.

EU citizenship rights

Cypriot citizens are EU citizens and may move, work, and vote in European Parliament elections in other member states.