Cyprus, Europe, Mythography

Abstract

This article examines the discursive and mythical uses of continental identity. It starts by looking at the Cypriot politics of continental belonging. It then considers early representations of Europe and modern appropriations of the myth of Europa, which empower ideologically specific rationales that project European supremacy. It proposes an alternative reading of the myth, which views the European 'project' as a constant effort to recognise and reunify with the non-European, the Asian, the continent's enabling and legitimating other from where Europe 'mythically' originated.