Historical Encyclopedia
The government system of Cyprus has undergone a long and complex evolutionary path, reflecting the historical changes, social transformations, and political upheavals that have taken place on the island. Since its inception as part of various civilizations, including Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, Byzantium, and the Ottoman Empire, to gaining independence in 1960 and establishing a modern republican system, Cyprus has always been at the crossroads of various cultures and political influences.
In ancient times, Cyprus was part of various empires and kingdoms, starting with early states such as Kush and Hittites, and culminating in its significant status within the Roman Empire. During this period, the island was divided into several independent kingdoms, which existed under the influence of the Phoenicians and Greeks. In the 6th century BC, the island became an important trading and cultural center, and its rulers became part of the Greek political system.
After the Roman conquest of the island in 58 BC, Cyprus became a Roman province. During this period, the island underwent administrative centralization, and the Romans established a strong state infrastructure, including a tax system and a network of roads. Despite this, the island continued to preserve its culture and management features while adhering to Roman laws and policies.
When the Roman Empire split into two parts, Cyprus came under the control of Byzantium. The Byzantine period from 330 to 1191 became a time when the Christian nature of the government system was consolidated on the island. The Byzantines actively developed local administrative structures, building monasteries, churches, and fortifications. Byzantine emperors ruled the island through governors, ensuring control over the economy, agriculture, and the military. During this period, Cyprus became an important Christian center, and many local rulers actively participated in church life.
In 1191, after a brief rule by the Anglo-Normans, the island became part of the Lusignan Kingdom established by the Crusaders. Rulers from the Lusignan dynasty brought a Western European model of governance that included a feudal system with estates and vassalage. During this period, Cyprus was an important center of the Christian world, and the island’s kings played a significant role in the events of the Crusades.
After this, the island became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1571. The Ottomans organized a governance system, dividing the island into administrative regions where local leaders governed according to Islamic laws. This was a time when a new order was established in Cyprus, and social relations were regulated within the context of Islamic authority, despite the Christian majority population.
The Ottoman Empire played a crucial role in the evolution of Cyprus's government system. The island remained part of the Ottoman Empire for over 300 years (1571–1878). During this period, governance of the island was concentrated in the hands of the Ottoman sultan and his appointed representatives — beys and pashas. A system of militia and civil authority was established, where Muslim residents played a key role in political life, while Greek Cypriots could hold positions as local administrators.
The administrative division of the island included several major districts, and power was based on the Ottoman system of taxation and governance. Despite the long period of Ottoman control, Cyprus maintained its unique social structure, where two main ethnic groups — Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots — existed in a divided political life.
In 1878, Cyprus was leased by Britain from the Ottoman Empire. In 1914, following the outbreak of World War I, Britain annexed the island and made it a British colony. This became an important period in Cyprus's history when political and social transformation began. The British established their administrative system, replacing the Ottoman administrative apparatus with British officials. The British governance system focused on efficient taxation and social reorganization, which significantly changed the nature of the Cypriot government structure.
At the same time, Cypriots began to fight for independence, seeking to establish a nation-state. In 1955, the EOKA organization was formed with the goal of ending British rule and uniting with Greece. The struggle led to violent conflicts and battles, and only in 1960 was an agreement signed that led to Cyprus's independence.
Cyprus became an independent state in 1960 with the signing of the London agreements, which established its status as an independent republic. A new stage in the evolution of the government system was marked by the establishment of a presidential form of government. Archbishop Makarios III was elected as president, becoming a symbol of the island's independence. The new government system included a bilateral division of powers between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, which ensured political stabilization but also created the basis for further conflicts.
The contradictions between the two main ethnic groups led to the Turkish invasion in 1974 following a coup supported by Greece. This event resulted in the division of the island into two parts, which had a profound impact on Cyprus's political system. The Republic of Cyprus continued to exist in the southern part of the island, while the northern part was occupied by Turkey and declared independence as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which was not recognized by the international community.
In the modern era, the Republic of Cyprus continues to develop as an independent state oriented towards the European Union, which it joined in 2004. However, the ongoing political conflict and division of the island remain an important aspect of the government system. The Republic of Cyprus represents a presidential democracy with a multiparty system, where the president plays a key role in governing the state, and the parliament enacts laws and oversees the executive authority.
Despite numerous attempts to resolve the conflict and reunite the island, the division between Greek and Turkish Cypriots continues to pose a significant political and social challenge for Cyprus. Nevertheless, the Republic of Cyprus continues to develop strategies to strengthen its international position and internal stability.
The evolution of the government system of Cyprus is the result of complex historical processes and numerous external influences. From ancient and Byzantine times to the period of the Ottoman Empire, British rule, and modern independence, Cyprus has undergone numerous changes, each leaving its mark on its government system. Today, the Republic of Cyprus continues to evolve as an independent state, although the issue of the island's division remains an important political question. The history of Cyprus illustrates how geopolitical, ethnic, and cultural factors influence the government system, shaping and altering it over the centuries.