The national coat of arms of Cyprus is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and independence. It features a shield divided into four quadrants, each representing a different aspect of the island’s history and culture. The coat of arms is predominantly gold and blue, with touches of red and green.
The first quadrant of the shield features a lion passant, which is a common symbol of royalty and strength. This represents the island’s long history of being ruled by various empires and kingdoms, including the Byzantine Empire, the Venetian Republic, and the Ottoman Empire. The lion is depicted in gold on a blue background, which represents the sea that surrounds Cyprus.
The second quadrant features a dove with an olive branch in its beak, which is a symbol of peace. This represents the island’s desire for peace and reconciliation with its neighbors, particularly with the Turkish Cypriots in the north. The dove is depicted in gold on a green background, which represents the island’s fertile land and agricultural heritage.
The third quadrant features a copper-colored silhouette of the island of Cyprus, which is surrounded by two olive branches. This represents the island’s natural resources, particularly its copper mines, which have been a source of wealth and prosperity for centuries. The olive branches symbolize peace and prosperity, and are also a nod to the island’s status as a major producer of olive oil.
The fourth quadrant features a stylized representation of the mouflon, a wild sheep that is native to the island. This represents the island’s unique flora and fauna, and its commitment to preserving its natural heritage. The mouflon is depicted in gold on a red background, which represents the island’s struggle for independence and its commitment to freedom.
Above the shield is a copper-colored wreath of laurel leaves, which represents victory and achievement. The wreath is tied with a ribbon in the colors of the Cypriot flag: white, yellow, and orange. The ribbon is inscribed with the words “ΚΥΠΡΙΑΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ” (Cyprus Republic) in Greek, and “KIBRIS CUMHURIYETI” (Republic of Cyprus) in Turkish.
The national coat of arms of Cyprus has a long and complex history. The first official coat of arms was adopted in 1960, when Cyprus gained independence from the United Kingdom. This coat of arms featured a dove with an olive branch in its beak, surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves. The dove was a symbol of peace and reconciliation, while the laurel leaves represented victory and achievement.
In 2006, the coat of arms was revised to include the other elements that are present today. The revision was part of a broader effort to modernize and update the symbols of the Cypriot state. The new coat of arms was designed by the Cypriot artist Andreas Protopapas, who drew inspiration from the island’s history, culture, and natural beauty.
The national coat of arms of Cyprus is an important symbol of the country’s identity and heritage. It represents the island’s long and complex history, its commitment to peace and reconciliation, and its natural beauty and resources. The coat of arms is prominently displayed on official documents, government buildings, and other public spaces, and is a source of pride for the Cypriot people.