"The marble plaque is improbably specific. The Greek inscription, from 2013, reads: 'On this beach, on 9 January one thousand years ago, Aphrodite stepped onto the shores of Pafos.' A hulking rock formation marks the spot where the Greek goddess of love is said to have emerged off the coast of Cyprus in a flurry of sea spray and spume."
"Cyprus's strategic location has attracted plenty of unwanted admirers over the ages: the Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Crusaders, Venetians, Ottomans, and British all passed through, and then, in 1974, Türkiye invaded."
Cyprus, shaped by its diverse history and cultures, continues to navigate its modern identity. The island, known for its connection to Aphrodite, has seen various civilizations, including Assyrians, Egyptians, and Ottomans, influence its development. The author reflects on personal experiences growing up in Limassol, feeling a sense of restlessness and disconnection from the island. Despite its beauty and historical significance, Cyprus's strategic location has led to invasions and migrations, complicating its identity and the author's relationship with the place she once called home.
Read at Conde Nast Traveler
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