The fact that Cyprus is an island caused drastic changes in its population over time. In the course of its history, especially in times of drought and locust invasions, famine broke out and caused largescale migrations from the island to Anatolia and Syria, which resulted in sudden, considerable changes in the population and ethnic structure of the island.1 But most of the emigrants subsequently returned home. Also, the adverse economic and social conditions led to continual emigration and long-term depopulation of the island.