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S
ituated at the crossroads of three continents, the
location of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterrane-
an and the island’s plentiful natural resources have
been a mixed blessing since ancient times. The
easternmost member of the European Union, Cy-
prus has always been strategically important to for-
eign powers wishing to exercise influence or con-
trol over the EasternMediterranean. To a greater or
lesser extent, all of these powers left their mark on
the island’s political, social and cultural life.
ALong and Turbulent History
The exhibition
Mapping Cyprus: Crusaders, Trad-
ers and Explorers
examines a long period in the
turbulent history of the island of Cyprus. The exhi-
bition begins with the occupation of the island by
Richard the Lionheart in 1191 and concludes with
the Cypriot Presidency of the EUduring the second
half of 2012: the establishment of the Republic of
Cyprus in 1960 and the Republic’s accession to the
EU in 2004 are also featured.
Traditionally Close Ties with Europe
Although Cyprus has had a close connection with
Europe since ancient times, it is nevertheless rec-
ognised that these relations were reinforced and
expanded during the late Byzantine period and
especially during the Middle Ages. The arrival of
Richard the Lionheart and the occupation of the
island by his troops, accidentally or not, changed
the history of the island. In addition to the estab-
lishment of the Medieval Kingdom of Cyprus, the
island played a pivotal role in the introduction of
Western European civilisation to the Middle East
and beyond.
The period of Frankish rule (1191-1489) and the
period of Venetian rule that followed (1489-1571)
were important stages in the history of the island,
linking it to a flourishing European civilisation
without cutting it off from its Greek, Byzantine
and Eastern roots. During this period, the island
gained its important role as an economic, cultural
and geopolitical bridge between East and West.
Despite the extremely difficult conditions the
people of Cyprus endured, the cultural synthesis
that resulted on the island can be seen as an early
expression of the European spirit and an authentic
product of the Renaissance. The Lusignans and
the Venetians left their mark on the art and soul
of the people; this mark was eventually absorbed,
giving the country a more cosmopolitan spiritual
and cultural identity.
Cypriots and the Island’s Local Character,
and Its Connection with Europe
The museological approach of this exhibition is
based on two main pillars. The first pillar is the
Cypriot people and the local character of the is-
land, visually expressed through magnificent
Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, most of
which will be shown in public for the first time,
and other artefacts. The second pillar is the is-
land’s deep connection to Europe since 1191.
Rare manuscripts and works of art by artists such
as Titian and Teniers are gathered together for the
first time to emphasise their historical and aesthet-
ic connection to Cyprus.
AVoyage through Time
Mapping Cyprus: Crusaders, Traders and Explor-
ers
is a voyage through time and history, one that
gives visitors the opportunity to learn, to discover
and to revise their perceptions of Cyprus. An effort
has been made to implement and connect all five
senses with a sensational trip through the island’s
past. Music from the Lusignan Court of Cyprus
underscores the religious, mystical importance
of a Byzantine icon, while the aroma of an olive
tree takes you deep into the natural beauty and ag-
Mapping Cyprus 1191-2012:
Crusaders, Traders and Explorers
BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels, 22 June – 9 September 2012