Prostitution in Cyprus is not illegal, [ 1 ] but operating brothels , organising prostitution rings, living off the profits of prostitution, encouraging prostitution or forcing a person to engage in prostitution are illegal activities. The ancient Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite , was reputed to have been born near Paphos , and a temple was built on the site.
From the 5th century BC sacred prostitution took place at the temple. Every woman in the land was expected to make a journey to the temple once in her lifetime and have sex in exchange for money in the temple grounds. Following the island coming under control of the British , prostitutes were required to be registered. In the Larnaca Town Museum the registration book is on display, which contains photographs of the town's prostitutes.
Brothels were outlawed by the Governor, Ronald Storrs , in , but there were exceptions during WW2 for the use of allied troops. In cards were issued. The prostitutes had to have a daily health check, and if clear of infections the card was stamped. If infected the women were treated and their card was withheld until they were cleared of the infection.
Prophylactic centres were set up for the troops to attend prior to visiting the brothels where they were issued condoms. In it was estimated that there were prostitutes working on the island, mainly in Nicosia , Famagusta and Limassol.
Every major town except Kyrenia had a venereal clinic. Twelve prophylactic centres were established and a bed venereal ward at Nicosia General Hospital. Cyprus is a source and destination country for women and children subjected to sex trafficking.
