The Island of Cyprus lies at the crossroads between East and West. Due to its strategic location, it was  ruled by many civilizations throughout history, namely the Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Arabs, Knights Templar, Lusignans, Venetians, Ottomans and the British.

During the rule of the Ottoman Empire between 1571 and 1878, the Greek Orthodox faith was restored and the Archbishop was acknowledged as the leader of the Greek Orthodox community, which attained the right to administer its own affairs under the millet system of the Ottomans. Hence, the Ottoman rule for over three centuries was characterized by the peaceful coexistence of the communities on the Island.