Nestled on the beautiful island of Cyprus, the village of Episkopi is not just another picturesque location; it carries also historical weight, being part of the British Sovereign Base Area. Unlike other villages in Cyprus, Episkopi is one of the two areas in the island that remains under British control, forming part of the 14 British Overseas Territories.
To understand why Episkopi holds this peculiar status, we need to look back at the history of Cyprus. The British began administering the island in 1878 and officially declared Cyprus a colony in 1925. When Cyprus gained independence in 1960, most of the island became part of the newly formed Republic of Cyprus. However, certain areas retained a unusual status, remaining under British sovereignty through the creation of the British Overseas Territories.
The United Kingdom currently has 14 British Overseas Territories. These are not part of the United Kingdom but are under its sovereignty, maintaining a strong constitutional and historical link with Great Britain. The 14 territories include places like Bermuda, Gibraltar, the Cayman Islands and the Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) in Cyprus. Specifically, the Sovereign Base Areas are divided into two parts: Akrotiri, located near the district of Limassol, and Dhekelia. Episkopi is part of the Akrotiri Area and has been administered and policed differently from the Republic of Cyprus since 1959, primarily for military purposes. Like the Dhekelia Base, Episkopi is governed by the Commander of the British Forces in Cyprus, who holds both executive and legislative authority. Moreover, Episkopi serves as the administrative center of the Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area and is home to the military and civilian headquarters of the SBAs.
Contrarily to how one could imagine it, Episkopi does not resemble a strongly militarized area. The village is easily accessible from all parts of the island, with no border controls—just a sign welcoming Cypriot citizens and tourists to the area. While driving through the village, you may notice some military buildings, but they are not much different from those you might see elsewhere in the country, where, sadly, there are plenty of colonialist and military signs.
Episkopi itself appears as a charming small hamlet with narrow roads and brick-built houses in soft, welcoming colours. The village features five little churches and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches that Cyprus has to offer. The tranquil environment and picturesque scenery make it a delightful destination for visitors looking to explore a lesser-known part of Cyprus.
As if possessing natural beauty wasn’t enough to make Episkopi special, the village is also located at the foot of the ancient city of Kourion. Kourion was destroyed by an earthquake in 356 AD, and its ruins were only discovered in the 8th century BC. Among these ruins is the sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, one of the main religious centres of ancient Cyprus, where the god Apollo was worshiped as the god of the woodlands. The site also boasts a Greco-Roman Theatre known as the Ancient Theatre of Kourion. According to the myth of Herodotus, this theatre was built by the Achaeans from Argos. The ruins of Kourion are famous for their well-preserved mosaics and columns of ancient temples, offering a fascinating glimpse into the island’s rich history.
Episkopi is more than just a village in Cyprus; it is a blend of traditional Cypriot charm and ancient history. It also represents a lingering legacy of British colonialism in Cyprus, with the United Kingdom retaining control of two military bases on the island. This enduring presence reflects the complexities and lasting impacts of colonial history not only in the region, but also in general, regarding the history and power of western countries.
