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Asian Gamefowl Society

Cyprus

Introduction

Kopiaste - welcome to this Cypriot gamefowl page - A great civilisation flowered in Cyprus beginning as early as the 8th millennium BC.The discovery of copper which occurred in the 3rd millennium marked the turning point in the history of the island which gradually turned it into a bone of contention among the more powerful neighbours. Hittites in Asia Minor and Egyptians in the south claimed the island as their possession, but the Greeks from the west were those who stamped its destiny when in the late 13th, 12th and 11th centuries BC, they established themselves as permanent settlers. Despite the fact that the island fell prey to all big powers of the day, the presence of Greeks gave Cyprus a historical and cultural ontinuity ever since. Many tried to change the Cypriot culture but were unsuccessful as it remained essentially Greek. Splendid monuments of the Hellenistic and Roman times, attractive Byzantine chapels these decorated with beautiful murals, magnificent Gothic monuments in Nicosia, Famagusta and elsewhere, along with the lion of St Mark, the minarets of the Ottoman empire and the British coat of arms adorn this unique island.It was the Turkish invasion of 1974 that brought about the brutal partition of the island. Valuable monuments and pieces of art have been destroyed and so a part of millennia old Cypriot civilisation. Cypriot culture was through times formed the -visits- of many powerful civilizations. The Mycynaeans Achaeans brought their civilisation heer, establishing the first Greek roots 3.000 years ago. Many others passed through, including Phoenicians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Crusaders, Venetians, Ottomans and British. The apostles of Christ walked this island. The splendour of Byzantium, founded by Constantine the Great at Constantinopole, encompassed the island of Cyprus. Here are prehitoric settlements, ancient Greek temples, Roman theatres and villas, Crusader castles, Gothic churches and Venitian fortifications.

Cyprus on the map

(remark: since 1974 Northern Cyprus is occupied by Turkey).

Find your way in Cyprus. The isle of Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located about 200 km north-west of Israel, 380 km north of Egypt, and 800 km east of the Greek mainland.

Cypriotic Gamefowl

Gamefowl breeding in Cyprus is not organised by special poultry clubs like in many other countries. Breeders only keep, breed and conserve these magnificent skillful feathered warriors for their personal interest. The Cypriot community of gamefowl breeders breed a variety of Asian gamefowl like: Malay, Shamo, Aseel and Hint Horoz (Turkish Game). Cockfighting is illegal.

Photo Gallery

A small display of Cypriot gamefowl.