What is a Cypriot Jew?

Cypriot Jews are Jews who have historically resided in Cyprus. The presence of Jews in Cyprus dates back to the Hellenistic period, when the island was under the rule of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt. At that time, a significant Jewish community was established in the city of Salamis, which was one of the major ports of the Mediterranean Sea. The Jewish population of Cyprus continued to grow during the Roman period, and the island became an important center of Jewish learning and culture. In the 4th century CE, Cyprus became part of the Byzantine Empire, and the Jewish community there experienced a period of decline. However, the Jewish population of Cyprus began to grow again in the 12th century, when the island was conquered by the Crusaders. The Crusaders allowed Jews to settle in Cyprus, and they established a number of Jewish communities on the island. In the 16th century, Cyprus was conquered by the Ottoman Turks, and the Jewish community there was again subjected to persecution. However, the Jewish community of Cyprus managed to survive, and it has continued to exist until the present day. Today, there are approximately 1,500 Jews living in Cyprus. The majority of Cypriot Jews live in the capital city of Nicosia, but there are also small Jewish communities in Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. The Jewish community of Cyprus is a diverse one, and it includes both Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jews. Cypriot Jews have made significant contributions to the social, cultural, and economic life of Cyprus, and they have played an important role in the development of the country's history.