Cypriot

Cypriot is a demonym and adjective relating to Cyprus, an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean, or to its inhabitants. It is used to describe people who originate from Cyprus and things associated with the island’s culture, history, and geography. In linguistic contexts, Cypriot Greek refers to the regional variety of Modern Greek spoken by Greek Cypriots, while Cypriot Turkish refers to the Turkish spoken by Turkish Cypriots; both are local varieties rather than separate standardized languages. The term also appears in references to Cypriot cuisine, arts, and traditions.

Cyprus lies in the eastern Mediterranean and includes the main island and several smaller islets. Since 1974 the island has been effectively partitioned between the southern Republic of Cyprus and the northern Turkish Cypriot administration. The Republic, an internationally recognized state and European Union member, governs the southern part, where Greek is the main official language; the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, declared in 1983 and recognized only by Turkey, governs the northern part, where Turkish is the main official language. The Green Line marks the ceasefire boundary, and the populations are predominantly Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, with Armenian, Maronite, Latin, and Roma minorities.

Cypriot culture encompasses a long tradition of music, dance, and cuisine. Notable foods include halloumi cheese, souvla (grilled meat), and a variety of pastries. The island’s architecture and archaeological heritage reflect Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences. English is widely used in education and commerce, reflecting historical ties with Britain and the island’s international interactions.