On This Day Today | May 11

11.05.2026 10:23

From the founding of Constantinople in the fourth century to landmark political, cultural and sporting events of the modern era, 11 May marks a series of moments that shaped Cyprus, the wider region and world history, alongside notable births and deaths.

330: Constantinople founded. Emperor Constantine the Great selects Byzantium as the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. The inauguration of the new city, renamed Constantinople, takes place with great ceremony.

912: Leo VI, Byzantine emperor, dies.

1191: Guy de Lusignan arrives in Cyprus. Three ships arrive in Cyprus from Acre carrying Guy de Lusignan, deposed King of Jerusalem and vassal of Richard the Lionheart, along with 160 knights, including Templars, who place themselves under Richard’s command.

1284: John I crowned King of Cyprus. John I is crowned King of Cyprus in a ceremony held in Nicosia. He dies one year later.

1964: Arms transported to Kokkina area A British sergeant serving with the peacekeeping force transports weapons from Turkey to Turkish Cypriots via Mansoura. He also carries a letter from the Turkish Cypriot leadership of the Mansoura–Kokkina enclave outlining plans to strengthen and expand the bridgehead until it links with the enclave of Lefka.

1975: First match at Tsirio Stadium. The first football match at Tsirio Stadium takes place, with Cyprus playing England (0–1) in a Euro 1976 qualifier. Around 20,000 spectators attend.

1995: Clerides meets Holbrooke and Hurd in London. President Glafcos Clerides meets British Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd and US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke, who call for an unconditional resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus issue.

2014: Ayia Napa Sculpture Park inaugurated. The foundations of the Sculpture Park are laid following the first Sculpture Symposium held from 23 April to 10 May 2014. Artists create their works on site, with the official inauguration taking place on 11 May.

2017: Constantinos Petrides appointed Interior Minister. Constantinos Petrides assumes duties as Minister of the Interior. On 1 December 2019, following a cabinet reshuffle, he takes over the Ministry of Finance.

2019: Cyprus participates in Venice Biennale. Cyprus takes part in the 58th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia with the posthumous exhibition of Christoforos Savva titled Early, Again.