The History of Cyprus Podcast

The roots of the Black Cypriot community can be traced back to different historical periods. Cyprus, being under various foreign dominations, witnessed the movement of people from Africa, particularly through trade routes and often forced migrations. The archaeological record can certainly attest to a Black presence as far back as the Archaic Period (for more on this see "Blacks in Ancient Cypriot Art" by Vassos Karageorghis). However, most Black Cypriots today can trace their origins to the Ottoman Period which has left an indelible mark on their identity. With me this month to discuss the Black experience in Cyprus is published author and freelance artist, Serap Kanay.

According to late Ottoman historian, Ronald C. Jennings, little is known “about the places of origins of Black slaves or free blacks in Ottoman Cyprus except that their presence can be documented by the 1590s in the judicial registers from Nicosia” -- as can be heard in this excerpt. Though a very short Primary Source, it is revealing. As was common practice, they assimilated into the Turkish Cypriot community, adopting Turkish names, embracing Islam and integrating themselves into the community. Next month I interview Serap Kanay who speaks about Cyprus' historic Black Cypriot community, its place and its enduring presence. Here is the text in full: “Raziye ibn Murid of Lefkosa made a claim against a black man named Rukan ibn Adbullah. Rukan has taken possession of 25 olive trees. Raziye has no proof of his claim. Rukan claims to have bought them from Sumbul Aga 8 years prior. Rukan is invited to take an oath which he does. The Lefkosa judicial register, 17th century."

My guest this month is renowned archaeologist, Eric Cline. You might be familiar with Dr. Cline from his seminal work, "1177 BC: The Year Civilization Collapsed," which was shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize in 2014, in addition to "Three Stones Make a Wall" and "Digging up Armageddon." Eric, in collaboration with renowned illustrator, Glynnis Fawkes*, is releasing 1177 BC as a graphic novel this month to coincide with its 10 year anniversary since its initial release, along with a much anticipated sequel to 1177 called, "After 1177BC: The Survival of Civilizations."** Today, Eric is discussing both 1177 and its sequel -- and Cyprus' pivotal role during the Bronze and Iron ages! * In case you missed my interview with Glynnis, check out Primary Source XXV: 1177 BC: An Interview with Glynnis Fawkes, published on March 15th, 2024. ** You can purchase the Graphic Novel, 1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed" from major bookstores or order it from amazon.com by clicking here! And "After 1177 B.C.: The Survival of Civilizations" here!

For all Patreon members, you can access my interview on Zeno of Citium with Professor Andrew Erskine (University of Edinburgh) now on Patreon. For as little as $1 a month, your contributions help fund the History of Cyprus Podcast and keep it ad free. Please consider supporting the History of Cyprus Podcast and help build this digital repository of Cypriot history! The History of Cyprus Podcast | Patreon In this episode, Professor Andrew Erskine (University of Edinburgh) delves into the life and legacy of Zeno of Citium, the ancient philosopher whose teachings laid the foundation for the Stoic school of thought. Born in Citium (Kition) Cyprus, Zeno's journey from humble beginnings to philosophical prominence is a testament to the power of resilience and intellectual curiosity. Shipwrecked in Athens, he established his own philosophical school in the Stoa where his students became known as "Stoics." Stoicism had many famous adherents, including of course, Emperor Marcus Aurelius. But Andrew shares with us a lesser known Stoic, Persaeus of Citium, a favourite student of Zeno's, who becomes an influential member in the Macedonian Court. So who was Zeno? What were the tenets of Stoicism? And what impact did Zeno's thought have on the Greco-Roman world? Join us as we explore Zeno's upbringing in Cyprus, his philosophical influences, and the enduring impact of Stoicism on modern thought.

This month's primary source is bit different! Glynnis Fawkes, a highly acclaimed cartoonist and illustrator, has made significant contributions to the field of archaeology by illustrating numerous excavations in the Eastern Mediterranean (and in Cyprus) since 1998. Some of her work is featured in the book, "Cartoons of Cyprus" -- with a wonderful forward from celebrated archaeologist, Vassos Karageorghis. In addition to her archaeological work, Glynnis has authored several graphic novels and has lent her artistic talents to various books such as "Kinyras the Divine Lyre," "Persephone's Garden" and "the Homeric Hymns." For this Special Episode, Glynnis and I discuss her time in Cyprus as a Fulbright Scholar, her role as an educator, and the publication of the graphic novel edition of Dr. Eric Cline's seminal work, "1177 BC: The Year Civilization Collapsed,*" next month! (in which Cyprus makes a prominent appearance!) *1177BC can be purchased from major bookstores (e.g., Barnes & Noble in the U.S. or Indigo/Chapters in Canada) or you can order it from amazon.com by clicking here!

*My apologies; I had a broken microphone on the day of the recording. But thankfully John's audio quality is perfect! The Epic Cycle, also known as the Trojan Cycle, refers to a collection of ancient Greek epic poems that were composed between the 8th and 6th centuries BCE. It is a series of narratives that revolve around the events related to the Trojan War and its aftermath. Certainly most are familiar with The Iliad and the Odyssey. But there are other poems that exist today only in fragments or as references in other works including, of course, "The Cypria," which describes the origins of the Trojan War (e.g., the Judgment of Paris) and the events leading up to it.* But why is it called "The Cypria?" And then, of course, there is the King of Cyprus, Kinyras, mentioned in the Iliad. Who was he and where does he fit in this Homeric world? Join me as we discuss The Cypria and the mythical King of Cyprus, Kinyras** with John Franklin, from the University of Vermont. If you're interested in reading up on some of the existing fragments of the Cypria, check out this website. ------------------------------------------------------------------ *For a full background to the Epic Cycle, refer to February 15th's Primary Source episode description **According to Apollodorus in The Library: "This Cinyras in Cyprus, whither he had come with some people, founded Paphos; and having there married Metharme, daughter of Pygmalion, king of Cyprus, he begat Oxyporus and Adonis, and besides them daughters, Orsedice, Laogore, and Braesia. These by reason of the wrath of Aphrodite cohabited with foreigners, and ended their life in Egypt. And Adonis, while still a boy, was wounded and killed in hunting by a boar through the anger of Artemis." You can read more on Kinyras here:

Bear with me. This is a long (but important!) episode description. Cyprus is mentioned only once in The Iliad. Kinyras, The King of Cyprus, gifts Agamemnon a breastplate as he prepares for war against Troy: "First [Agamemnon] strapped the splendid greaves around his shins, fitted with silver bindings around his ankles; Next he girt about his chest a breastplate, which in time before, Kinyras gave him to be a guest friend, for the great rumor had been heard in Cyprus that the Achaeans were about to sail out in their ships to Troy; for this reason Kinyras gave it to him, seeking favor with the king." -The Iliad 11:15-21 However, Cyprus is more intertwined in the Homeric Epics than that sole reference would seem to suggest. According to the ancient scholar and historian, Apollodorus, Kinyras was a legendary King of Cyprus and Priest of Aphrodite who was known for his beauty and musical skill. Apollodorus describes Kinyras as the father of several notable figures in Greek mythology, including the handsome Adonis. In his most famous work, The Library and Epitome (Bibliotheca), Apollodorus informs the reader that in the prelude to the Trojan War, Menelaus and Odysseus visited Kinyras to solicit him for ships to send to Troy. However, the King of Cyprus, being the Priest of Aphrodite, deceived them. Though he promised to send 50 ships, Kinyras provided only one for Agamemnon's cause -- and the rest were made of clay: "Menelaus went with Odysseus and Talthybius to Kinyras in Cyprus and tried to persuade him to join the battle. But he [Kinyras] made a gift of a breastplate for Agamemnon, who was not present; and vowing to send fifty ships, he sent one, which [name lost] the son of Mygdalion commanded. And molding the rest out of clay, he launched them into the sea." -Apollodorus 3.9 Kinyras technically fulfilled his obligation but drew the ire of Agamemnon. In later fragments and references, we learn that Agamemnon had, in fact, cursed the King of Cyprus, and drove him from his lands with his Achaean fleet (which some have said corresponds to the so-called Mycenaean Colonization that took place after the Trojan War). Kinyras would ultimately find refuge in Amathus -- the last "indigenous" city on Cyprus.* And then there is The Cypria -- one of the lost Epics that make up the Trojan Cycle.** It is possible that Apollodorus' story is referenced in its fragments but unfortunately, we know very little about The Cypria. The poem is thought to have covered the events leading up to the Trojan War, including the infamous Judgment of Paris and the Rape of Helen. It is believed to have been authored not by Homer, but by one Stasinus...of Cyprus. Next month I welcome John Franklin from University of Vermont to discuss the very Cypriot connections to this important lost Trojan Tale! --------------------------------------------------------------------- * For more on Amathus' "indigeneity," see episode 2, "The Linguistic History of Cyprus with Pippa Steele" and "Amathus with Thierry Petit" on Patreon! ** The Trojan Cycle (often referred to as the Epic Cycle) was a collection of the epic poems related to the Trojan War. Most readers are familiar with The Iliad and the Odyssey simply because they are the only works to have survived. Unlike the Homeric epics, these other poems exist only in fragmented pieces and summaries. There are, in fact, six other poems that made up the Epic Cycle. The order is as follows: The Cypria, The Iliad, Aethiopis, Little Iliad, Iliou Persis, Nostoi, the Odyssey and the Telegony.

When we think of traditional Cypriot music, typically we picture the fiddle -- ubiquitous to both Greek & Turkish communities in Cyprus. But just what is "traditional" Cypriot music? And who exactly was the Cypriot Fiddler? My guest this month is ethnomusicologist, Dr. Nicoletta Demetriou, whose work and book, The Cypriot Fiddler, frames the bulk of this episode. More information on the Cypriot Fiddler can be found here including a NEW online resource called Cyprus Music Archive. https://cyprusmusicarchive.elementor.cloud/ (Greek)** https://cyprusmusicarchive.elementor.cloud/en/home_en/ (English)** https://www.youtube.com/@TheCypriotFiddler https://www.facebook.com/TheCypriotFiddler/ https://www.instagram.com/thecypriotfiddler/ **Nicoletta Demetriou's new site will be moving over from elementor.cloud to cyprusmusicarchive.cy in the coming weeks/months so keep an eye out for that!

A huge thank you to everyone for your unwavering support to The History of Cyprus Podcast. If you're looking for something to tide you over until the next episode, you can find my interview with Thierry Petit, the Director of Excavations at Amathus, on Patreon . The episode is available to all members, regardless of the tier, and for as little as $1 your donations will make a world of difference. Great episodes are planned including ones on Kourion & Earthquakes, Alexander the Great and Cyprus and even...Commandaria! If you're able to, join The History of Cyprus Podcast and help keep the project alive! https://www.patreon.com/TheHistoryofCyprusPodcast

Magda Ohnefalsch-Richter was an ethnographer who lived in Cyprus in the latter part of the 19th century. Her published work provides us an invaluable insight into the customs and mores of Cypriots in the period. In this excerpt, Ohnefalsch-Richter notes the different instruments used in Greek and Turkish communities. However, we can't quite speak of "Greek" and "Turkish" music -- as only the instruments were/are different. If you're familiar with Cypriot music, you'll notice the Cypriot Zeimbekiko/Zeybegi played by both Greek and Turkish communities. Next month my guest is ethnomusicologist, Dr. Nicoletta Demetriou, who shares with us more information on the history of the 20th century Cypriot Fiddler!

Aphrodite is associated with love, beauty and, I learn -- quite erroneously -- with fertility. Often through this sanitized lens, we lose sight of who Aphrodite was: the Goddess of Sex. But who was she? What are her origins? How was she understood in antiquity? And, perhaps more importantly, why is she so intimately associated with Cyprus? Join me as I interview historian and prolific author, Dr. Stephanie Budin, as we discuss "The Kyprogenes."

Cyprus has been intimately associated with the Greek goddess Aphrodite for centuries. According to Hesiod, in a calculated act of violence, she was born from the severed genitals of Ouranos near the coast of Cyprus. It is one of the earliest surviving works of Greek literature and is considered a foundational text of Greek mythology. But who exactly was Aphrodite that is so associated with Cyprus? Next month, my guest is prolific author and historian, Stephanie Budin, who discusses the origins of "The Goddess," of Aphrodite, our "Kyprogenes."

Stavroula Varella (King's College London) joins me this month to discuss the origins of the modern Cypriot Greek dialect. We explore the meaning and origins of a myriad of words (e.g., ίντα, θωρώ, έσσω, ηὗρεν and έννε...) and their possible roots. We touch on all the parent languages that inform the Cypriot vernacular including French, Italian, Turkish & English and not only identify potential etymologies (which, I learn, is notoriously difficult) but also their mode and places of transmission. You won't want to miss this!

Listen closely. You'll hear snippets of the Cypriot Greek dialect in this excerpt from the Chronicles of Leontios Machairas as he describes a particularly compelling event during Genoese invasion of Nicosia in the 14th century. But this excerpt was chosen not for the story per se. Rather, it was chosen for its rich Cypriot vernacular. Word use, such as θωρώ (i.e., to see) heard in this excerpt, have their roots in antiquity (see: θεωρῶ) and were preserved from the Koine into medieval Greek. Many are commonly used today in Cypriot vernacular. Other noticeable words in this recording, such as έσσω (home) and ηὗρεν (found), should be familiar to the modern ear. The Chronicles of Leontios Machairas is one of our earliest sources that both documents the historical developments in medieval Cyprus and provides us the distinct beginnings of the modern Cypriot dialect (though not the first. That would be the medieval law code, The Assizes). There are, however, roots that may go further back into antiquity. Next month, I invite Stavroula Varella (King's College London) author of the fantastic book "Language Contact and the Lexicon in the History of Cypriot Greek" to discuss the origins and evolution of the Cypriot Greek dialect! ...and if you've enjoyed this particular Primary Source, please consider becoming a Patreon member! https://www.patreon.com/TheHistoryofCyprusPodcast For as little as $1 a month, your financial support helps keep the podcast ad-free, offsets the costs of hosting the podcast and funds future primary source recordings like the one you just enjoyed. All members, regardless of which tier they subscribe to, can have access to this month's primary source recording entirely in its Medieval Greek, allowing you to get a better sense of the nuances of the Cypriot dialect in full! And if you become a third tier member, you can have early access to upcoming episodes. Thank you for your support in helping make The History of Cyprus accessible to all!

A dragoman was an interpreter and guide who facilitated communication between individuals or groups who spoke different languages, particularly in the context of diplomatic, commercial, or cultural exchanges. During the Ottoman Empire, the position of dragoman was highly respected and influential. For Part 2 of my interview with Antonis Hadjikyriacou, we discuss the impact of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios in 19th century Cyprus. ***Apologies for the audio quality on my end. My external microphone refused to connect prior to the recording.

Cabi Omer Efendi was an Ottoman statesman and military commander who lived from 1750 to 1814. He served as the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire three times, and was known for his military successes, administrative skills, and political influence. For this month's primary source, he provides a direct account of the execution of Dragoman Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios in 1809 and as a springboard for Part 2 of my interview with Professor of Ottoman and Turkish Studies, Antonis Hadjiantoniou. The text in full: "The dragoman of Cyprus caused sedition and discord by performing a great deal of villainy to the Muslim worshippers. He escaped from Cyprus, and when he arrived at Istanbul he was then arrested and executed in front of the Sublime Gate. His corpse was put upside-down in the basket of a broom-seller, carried around, and left outside the gate of the fish market. He thus became a warning to others. He was going to escape to Russia by converting his property and cash to bills of exchange. His house in Beşiktaş was given to the Chief tax inspector. It was rumored that all his property and cash totaled 5,500,000 kurush." -Cabi Omer Efendi 1809

The Ottoman Period in Cyprus, which lasted from 1571 to 1878, was a significant era in the island's history as it had a lasting impact on its culture, society, and economy. During this period, the Ottoman Empire brought Islam to the island and established a system of local administration through appointed governors and officials. This resulted in a diverse population with a mix of Greek Orthodox Christians and Turkish Muslims. The Ottomans also left their mark on the island's architecture, art, and cuisine. The Ottoman Period also saw significant economic development, with the introduction of new crops such as tobacco and the establishment of trade links with other parts of the Ottoman Empire. This is part one of two part interview with Panteion & Stanford University Professor of Ottoman and Turkish Studies, Antonis Hadjikyriacou. ***Apologies for the audio quality on my end. My external microphone refused to connect prior to the recording.

Sokullu Mehmed Pasha was a prominent Ottoman statesman who served as the grand vizier (chief minister) of the Ottoman Empire for over a decade during the 16th century, under the reigns of Suleiman the Magnificent and Selim II. In this excerpt, he addresses the Venetian Ambassador, acknowledging their recent defeat at the Battle of Lepanto but reminding them that they now have Cyprus in their hands. Next month we have a two part interview with Professor of Ottoman and Turkish History, Antonis Hadjikyriacou. Here is the text in full: "I am sensible, Ambassador. You have desired this audience with no other intention than to show the pretentiousness natural to your countrymen. I advise you as a friend, to lay aside those vain airs and consider that though you have indeed shaved us pretty close in Lepanto, we have shaved off your arms. And as the beard, when shaved, grows bigger than before, so our fleet, unless our woods fails us, will in a short space become larger and more numerous, whilst you can’t so much as think of recovering your arms -- for so I call the spacious and famous kingdom of Cyprus." - Grand Vezier Sokullu Mehmet Pasha addressing the Venetian Ambassador, 1571

My guest this month is Dr. Jean-Denis Vigne, Emeritus Director of Research from the Natural History Museum in Paris. In this episode, we discuss the oldest farming village in a Mediterranean island (i.e., Klimonas) in addition to the significance of the Chirokitia Culture to the Neolithic Period and, of course, the earliest possible evidence of felid (cat) domestication: his finds in Shillourokambos that transformed our understanding of the period.

If you have ever visited Cyprus, you would have certainly noticed the abundance of cats on the island. On his way to Jaffa in 1484, the Venetian Friar, Francesco Suriano, noticed the same thing. His observations on the number of cats on the island is a perfect springboard in introducing my next month's guest: Dr. Jean-Denis Vigne, esteemed paleozoologist and Emeritus Director of Research at the Natural History Museum in Paris. His digs in Cyprus have changed our understanding of prehistory on the island and it is his work at Shillourokambos that revealed the earliest evidence of tamed cats. Please join me next month as I interview Dr. Vigne and discuss Cyprus and the first cats! Don't forget to follow the History of Cyprus Podcast on Instagram and support the Channel through Patreon!