Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and as such, benefits from all of the advantages of the region. From its glorious Mediterranean climate, where the sun shines for over 300 days of the year, to its beautiful coasts and beaches, Northern Cyprus offers an extremely high quality of life- which is typically Mediterranean- at a very low cost of living.
Northern Cyprus itself has a small population of approximately 265,000 people, of which 20,000 are permanent European residents. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus also takes up just over a third of the island, measuring 3240 km² in surface area.
Historically, Cyprus has always been an island of great geographical importance, and it is for this reason that it has been conquered and occupied by many different cultures and religions over the centuries. The island was under Egyptian rule from 568-525 BC, Persian and Hellenistic rule up until 395 AD and then subsequent crusaders and conquerors of Byzantine, British (under Richard the Lionheart), Venetian and Frankish extraction all took hold of the island. In 1878, the Ottoman Empire passed the administration of Cyprus over to Britain and it then became a Crown Colony in 1925. Its rich, diverse and multi-cultural past has left many unique and interesting imprints on the island.
Kyrenia is home to the St. Hilarion, Kyrenia and Buffavento castles, all of which are mentioned in the accounts of Richard the Lionheart’s conquest which took place in the 12th Century. Other beautiful landmarks include Bellapais, a 14th Century Luisguinan abbey, which is situated high up in the Five Finger Mountains and can be seen from afar. The Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia, which was formerly known as St. Sophia’s Cathedral, was built in 1209 A.D. Today, the Muslim festivals, or ‘bayram’ days, are conducted there and the impressive architecture attracts visitors from all over the island. In Famagusta, the city of Salamis, which was the capital of Cyprus as long ago as 1100 BC, offers remarkable sights. Many ruins are astonishingly well-preserved and it is still possible to see the coliseum-style seating of the Roman theatre of the time. These are just some of the fascinating monuments that to this day, remain in Northern Cyprus.
The political situation in Cyprus is complex. In 1974, the UN oversaw the division of the island, which separated the warring Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The Turkish Cypriots moved to the North and the Greek Cypriots to the South. The physical barrier, or division, between the two sides became known as The Green Line and splits the country into two halves. The northern side formed their own independent republic, the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus). When the Greeks and the Turks became separated and moved to the South and the North respectively, many people left their land and homes behind, and were compensated with equivalent land in new places.
In 2004, Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General, brought both the Turkish and Greek leaders together, in order to find a way to mend the problems and divisions of Cyprus. These talks led to a referendum on the reunification of the island.
The referendum took place on 24th April 2004. 65% of Turkish Cypriots voted in favour of reunification, but 75% of Greek Cypriots voted against it. The UN and many other countries around the world that had supported reunification, were extremely disappointed with the Greek result, as it was the Greek vote which prevented the reunification of the island. The EU, as a means of rewarding the positive attitude of the Turkish Cypriots, pledged their full support to Northern Cyprus with a view to improving the economy. At present, both the EU and the UN are working together in the hope of renewing reunification talks.
In comparison to the rest of Europe, Cyprus is blessed with a remarkably hot climate. The hottest months are June, July and August. During this time the skies are cloudless, the sun never stops shining and the sea is hot by midday. April, May, September and October are glorious months too. The days are still very warm and there is no need to wear anything more than a T-shirt, but when the evenings set in, the air becomes cooler and wonderfully refreshing. In the depths of winter, which are very short, the months of December and January, can be very cold but by the end of February, the weather is milder, though often wetter too.
The currency of Northern Cyprus is the New Turkish Lira (YTL), but British pounds are accepted in most places. Foreign currencies are also readily changeable at banks and exchange offices, or it is possible to withdraw money from local banks with the use of a credit or debit card. International banks that have outlets in Northern Cyprus include HSBC.
Credit cards are widely used in North Cyprus. However it is recommended that they are not solely relied upon as the only method of payment, as some establishments may not have the facilities to accept them.
Each adult is permitted to bring 400 cigarettes, 500gr tobacco or 50 cigars, 1 litre of wine or spirits and up to 100cl of perfume. Duty-free shops can be found at Ercan Airport and the ports at Kyrenia and Famagusta.
Religion
The majority of the Turkish Cypriots are Muslim and although very few regularly attend mosque services or wear religious attire, they do celebrate religious festivals.
The code for England is 00 44 followed by the local number but omitting the first number (0). From abroad the code is 00 90 392 followed by the local Cypriot number. Public telephone booths are available and telephone cards can be purchased from the Telecommunications Office
1 January - New Year’s Day 23 April - Children’s Day 1 May - Labour Day 19 May - Youth and Sports Day 20 July - Peace and Freedom Day 30 August - Victory Day 29 October - Turkish Republic Day 15 November - Northern Cyprus Republic Day There are also several religious holidays or "Bayrams" which, like the Christian festival of Easter, change every year.
Power is supplied at 240 volts and wall fittings are generally the U.K. three-pin type.
Emergencies
First Aid/Ambulance For all districts Tel: 112 Forest Fires For all districts Tel: 177 Police Nicosia Tel: 228 3311 Kyrenia Tel: 815 2014 Famagusta Tel: 366 5310 Guzelyurt Tel: 714 2140 Karpaz Tel: 381 2325
Medical Services and Hospitals
The Central State Hospitals is in Nicosia and there are other smaller hospitals in Kyrenia, Famagusta, Guzelyurt and Lefke. There are also clinics in smaller towns and some villages.
Airport
The main international airport in Northern Cyprus is Ercan, which is a half hour drive away from Famagusta, 40 minutes from Kyrenia and 15 minutes from Nicosia. From England, it is possible to get flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stanstead and Manchester, to Ercan. Flights also operate from Germany. At present, flights to Ercan must first touch down in Turkey (this normally takes no longer than 45 minutes) before landing in Ercan, an hour later. However, it is looking very likely that this will soon change, and direct flights are expected to be commonplace in the near future. Ercan Information desk: 231 4806, Air Traffic Control: 231 4757
Airlines
There are four main airline companies who fly to North Cyprus: TWI flights in association with Atlas Jet, Cyprus Turkish Airlines and Turkish Airlines all of which operate daily flights from the UK via Turkey. Pegasus airlines operate daily flights from Istanbul. For further information, reservations and prices please call the following numbers: TWI flights: +90 (0) 392 220 0121; Cyprus Turkish Airlines: +90 (0) 392 227 3820/1, (Nicosia) +90 (0) 392 815 2513/4 (Kyrenia), +90 (0) 392 366 7799 (Famagusta); Turkish Airlines +90 (0) 392 227 1382; Pegasus Airlines: +90 (0) 392 228 7311
There are regular ferry services from Kyrenia and Famagusta to towns on the Southern coast of Turkey, namely Mersin, Antalya and Tasucu. From Mersin, it is possible to sail to Syria, Lebanon and Israel.
Bus Tours
There are various tour companied operating in Northern Cyprus. Please ask your hotel for further information or contact your nearest Tourist Information Office.
Car Rental
Hiring a car in Northern Cyprus is very reasonable and there are a number of companies offering this service.
This form of travel is popular with the young and is generally not thought to be dangerous in any way.
Ports
The main industrial ports are in Famagusta and Kyrenia.
Public Transport
An inexpensive network of buses and mini-buses operates between all the main towns, in addition there are Dolmush (shared taxis) operating on the same routes. Taxis are widely available and operate on a meter basis.
Traffic Information
Driving is done on the left, as in England, and all major routes are signposted in both Turkish and English. Seat belts must be worn. There are strict drink driving laws in place and the limit is 50mgr.
Due the climate and natural beauty of Cyprus there are many ways to enjoy the great outdoors, practically all year round.
Cyprus is blessed with many wonderful beaches along its Northern coast. In the summer, the beaches that are attached to hotels tend to be the busiest, although they tend to be well-staffed and kept clean. However, seeking out remoter areas is highly recommended. Golden beach in Karpaz is well worth the journey and will truly take your breath away. There are also council-owned public beaches, which are free of charge.
If the idea of lazing on a beach sounds boring to you; why not try your hand at the various water sports on offer. There are several beaches in Kyrenia and Famagusta, which offer a variety of water sports ranging from water skiing, wind-surfing and Jet skiing all at very reasonable rates. There are also PADI scuba diving courses on offer which are run by fully trained professionals.
Boat tours are available throughout the summer and commence from Kyrenia harbour. There are many different tours available so please enquire as to which is most suitable for you. There are also tours which depart from the port in Famagusta and sail along the Karpaz Peninsula.
There are a number of beaches along the northern coast where Loggerhead and Green Turtles lay their eggs in the sand between June and October. If you wish to join a group to watch them, or to actively help out in the task of helping to protect them, please contact the Turtle Protection Society. Tel: +90 (392) 815 2496 / 815 5135
If you are the adventurous type why not give paragliding a try. You will enjoy spectacular views of Northern Cyprus from a viewpoint that most others never dare to try! Contact High Line Paragliding on +90 (542) 855 5672, based in Kyrenia harbour.
There are several official camping sites operating on the Island. They tend to be more plentiful in the Famagusta region and towards the Karpaz Peninsula. Most camping areas offer services such as washrooms, toilets, restaurants and bars. However, for those who wish to “rough it” it is possible to venture out into the wild, where there are no such facilities. There are no restrictions on such activities except that lighting fires in forest areas is an offence.
There is one National Park in Northern Cyprus which is situated in the Karpaz Peninsula. A large number of birds, wild donkeys, turtles, rare flora and the stunning Golden Beach can found.
North Cyprus provides a wealth of opportunity for those interested in photography. The seasonal changes provide a varied view of the beautiful landscape, which is just waiting to be captured. Please note that there are restrictions on photographing military areas.
There are various hiking tours on offer for people of all ages and physical disposition. They mainly take place in the Kyrenia mountain range and are organised by a number of centres in the Kyrenia area. Walks tend to take place on Sunday and as well as being great exercise they are also informative. During the walks, interesting natural and historical features will be pointed out and explained. Please contact your nearest tourist information office for more details.
Food forms a fundamental part of Cypriot culture. Meal times are a gathering of family and friends, and Cypriots take great pleasure from eating out as well as eating at home. All year round, Sunday afternoons, involve car loads of families “picnicking”. This entails a barbeque of traditional kebabs. Due to the Cypriots love of food, there are an abundance of good restaurants to choose from. A typical Turkish or Turkish Cypriot restaurant meal consists of meze (which is a selection of hot and cold appetizers). This is then followed by kebabs (lamb or chicken) or fish, and finished with fruit and coffee. For a novice the amount of food can be a shock! This type of meal is enjoyed best by taking ones time and savouring each dish. Meat is a real favourite with Cypriots, although most restaurants also cater for vegetarians. Fish is also very popular and fish restaurants have daily fresh fish on offer. As well as Cypriot/Turkish restaurants there are also a good selection of other foods on offer, such as Indian, Chinese and Italian. Cypriot home cooking is very different to the food served in restaurants. Unfortunately only a small number of restaurants in Northern Cyprus serve this type of food. If you do happen to stumble across such a restaurant, it is definitely worthwhile trying one of the seasonal dishes. Probably the most famous of Cypriot culinary specialties is hellim cheese. This full-fat cheese is made from whole goat's milk, salt and in some cases mint is added. It is very versatile and can be enjoyed in the same way as other cheeses as well as tasting delicious fried or grilled. In the summer evenings, many Cypriots eat hellim, bread and melon for their evening meal. Another Cypriot speciality is molehiya, a green leafy vegetable which grows only in Cyprus and on the banks of the Nile. It is usually cooked with chicken or meat and has a unique but delicious taste. Kolokas, is also traditional a Cypriot dish. It is large root vegetable which when cooked (usually with lamb or chicken) has a similar texture to potato. If you have a sweet tooth make sure you indulge in some of the delicious Cypriot sweets on offer. Turkish baklava is a firm favourite. This sweet is made from layers of filo pastry filled with nuts and soaked in syrup. Ekmek Kadayifi which when described may sound unusual, but should not to be missed. Unsalted soft cheese or in some cases cream, is placed between two pieces of bread type sponge and syrup is poured over it. It is often eaten with ice cream. And last but by no means least; don’t forget to try some Turkish Delight. There are a number of various types and flavours to taste, from rose to peppermint and those which contain nuts.
For many, no meal is complete without a delicious drink to accompany it. There is a good selection of Turkish wines to enjoy, which are of a very high quality. Raki is a traditional Turkish drink which tastes of aniseed. Be warned it is very strong! Turkish beers are also a popular choice, the most popular being Efes. For those who prefer something non-alcoholic, home made lemonade (limonata) is a refreshing alternative.
There are several go-karting tracks in North Cyprus, one in Famagusta, one in the Kyrenia area and two in Nicosia.
There are three cinemas in Nicosia, two in Kyrenia, one in Famagusta and one in Guzelyurt. They show recently released International films. Films are usually shown with their original soundtracks and Turkish subtitles
There are a variety of different events held throughout the year in North Cyprus. The music festivals tend to be the most popular. The Bellapais music festival is held every year in May/June and involves internationally acclaimed musicians. Set in the Bellapais Abbey, it is truly magical. Another music festival is held in Famagusta in July. Concerts are usually held under the night sky in the magnificent Salamis Ruins. A variety of artists from around the world attend and the music is truly diverse.
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