When one thinks of Cyprus, it can’t help but think about it being a tiny country, geographically located right next to the Asian continent, but still part of the European one. Many know Cyprus either because of its recent conflicted past or because of trips and holiday. Although I knew these facts too, I had never delved into them, thus moving to Cyprus gave me the opportunity to do so.

Cyprus features a very intense history and recent past, made of conquests, sufferings and influences from different populations.  For instance Larnaca, the city where I live, is a place where one can really see the east meeting the west, as hundreds of years of contrasting civilizations, architecture and culture have left their mark on an authentic coastal village.

Moreover Cyprus owes much of its cultural evolution to the Mediterranean Sea, which has shaped the development of the country over the millennials. Studies have shown that living by the sea influences people’s life, leading to what psychologists refer to as “blue space”. This inducts a meditative state that can make happier, more relaxed and helps in easing stress. Statistics show that attitudes and behaviours of coastal communities are shaped in a great way by the sea.

I have been living in Larnaca for three months now and I could witness these characteristics. On the one hand, not only I can see how the various and different populations that colonised and lived in Cyprus have shaped its history, but I can also see how this interplay reflects the composition of beliefs and customs that define Cypriot society nowadays. A straightforward example of the complex and fascinating culture of the island is the role played by religion. In fact Christianity and Islam intertwine with each other, both because religion remains still very present in people’s lives nowadays and because of the architecture in Larnaca, featuring a mosque right next to an orthodox church. 

Regarding Cypriot people, every person I have met so far has been very welcoming and accommodating, as well as gentle and always willing to help in any possible way. At the same time, this willingness to assist is balanced with some sort of feelings of calmness and conviviality, creating an atmosphere of ease. These are exactly the sensations I experienced when I met a local artist based in Larnaca. I got the chance to meet him in his studio, that revealed an air of creativity and artistic vision inspired by the rhythm of the waves or in simple daily habits. As I entered in his workshop, I could see sculptures, paintings and very colourful pieces of art. Some of them were big, occupying a lot of space in the narrow hallways, some others were incomplete, hanging from the walls or placed on tables. Although at first sight it could seem an eclectic and chaotic place, the sculptor was guiding me through the studio in a confident and peaceful way.

The strong coastal identity I can feel in Cyprus is still striking for me. Indeed, coming from the northern part of Italy, I was neither used to living by the sea, nor used to the relaxed way of living I am experiencing in Larnaca. At the same time the history and contradictions of this country represent a permanent source of discovery, giving me the opportunity to feed my curiosity towards a different country and still, despite the peculiarities, to recognise commonalities and connections between countries.