Greek flag in Cyprus
Celebrating a Greek National holiday
The 82% of the Cypriot population have Greek ethnic background and they speak the Greek language. Cyprus has been a British colony until 1960 and until then, for the Greek Cypriots, liberation and decolonization meant Cyprus becoming part of the Greek Republic. Although this did not happen, and Cyprus became an independent country instead, most Greek Cypriots still closely associate themselves with Greece and the Greek flag. For this reason the Greek flag is flown during many national and other events in Cyprus. It can also be found flying over schools, churches, military camps and may other places.
According to the constitution, the Republic of Cyprus authorities as well as communal authorities and institutions have the right to fly on holidays together with the flag of the Republic of Cyprus either the Greek or the Turkish flag at the same time.
The 1960 constitution also gave the right to Greece to maintain in Cyprus a contingent made by 950 Greek military officers.
Greek flag in Cyprus in the news
- Owner of a building in Nicosia, has had a 60 square meter Greek flag painted down the side of its wall. The blue and white stripes are impossible to miss as you drive by, almost jumping out at you and daring you to deny that remarkable win in the world of football.