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About North Cyprus
Cyprus has hosted many different empires, from Assyrians to Egyptians, from Persians to Romans. And each one has left different traces. After the Roman Empire lost its sovereignty, it remained under the control of the Byzantine Empire for 500 years and passed into the hands of different powers, namely the Lusignans, Venetians and Ottomans. Until the Peace Operation, Turks and Greeks lived together and in 1974 both societies declared their independence.
It is impossible not to admire this island, which has hosted different civilizations!
Geographic Information
Cyprus is among the largest islands of the Mediterranean. It is the third largest island in the ranking after Sicily and Sardinia. The total area of the TRNC is 3242 km². According to the 2011 Population and Housing censuses, the population is 286,257.
Northern Cyprus Cities; Nicosia, Famagusta, Kyrenia, Guzelyurt, Iskele and Lefke. The capital is Nicosia. Nicosia is the last divided capital on Earth.
The climate of Cyprus is typical Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, winters are mild and rainy. With the effect of the Mediterranean climate, Mediterranean flora is seen on the island. The most common tree species are pine, cypress, oak, juniper and later eucalyptus grown in Cyprus. Besides citrus products such as orange, citrus, lemon, tangerine, grapefruit, various fruit-vegetable, olive and carob trees grow. In addition to these, different types of flowers in maquis and steppes form the vegetation of Cyprus.
Small cattle, cattle and poultry farming are carried out in all regions. In Cyprus, it is possible to come across different types of resident or migratory animals. Due to its geographical location, it is the accommodation and spawning place of some bird species. The beaches are home to endangered caretta caretta and green turtles. Around 250 wild "Karpaz Donkeys" live freely in the Karpaz National Park.
Northern Cyprus is located in the Eastern European Time Zone. The standard time is GMT+2.
Electricity
The standard current is 240 volts and 3-prong sockets and inputs are used. In case of need, you can find an English socket from hardware stores or markets to convert a 2-prong socket to 3-prong.
Traffic
Traffic in Cyprus flows on the right. The driver's seat is on the right of the vehicle. Those who drive without a seat belt, intoxicated and looking at their cell phone are subject to heavy fines. Pedestrians and vehicles leaving the secondary road are given way. Respect is essential.
Travel
As an island in the Mediterranean, the main way to reach Northern Cyprus is by air, but coming from Turkey by sea is also among the options.
Cyprus Ercan Airport (ECN) serves 4 million passengers annually. Turkish, British, EU and American passport holders do not need a tourist visa to enter Northern Cyprus and these visitors are allowed to stay up to 90 days under certain conditions.
Languages
The official and common language in Northern Cyprus is Turkish. English is understood and spoken by many Cypriots, and English is also taught in Cypriot schools. Russian, German and Greek are among the common languages spoken on the island.
Languages
The official currency of Northern Cyprus is the Turkish lira, abbreviated as TL and denoted by the symbol ₺. Most businesses accept Pounds, Euros and Dollars, and there are exchange offices throughout the country.
Gastronomy
Cyprus cuisine, which contains flavors that will suit everyone's taste, invites you to a feast with its rich food culture. Cyprus, which has hosted many civilizations, has created its own Mediterranean cuisine under the influence of Venetian, Arab, Italian, Greek and British. Molehiya, pilafuna, halloumi, hummus, samarella, çakıstes, gabbar, oven kebab, seafood, lalangi, kolokas, stuffed flowers, walnut paste, şamişi, meatballs, bishi, juicy pudding, şammali, samsı, golifa, gatmer and many more flavors. You have the opportunity to try it.
Public Holidays
mportant days in the Hijri calendar: Eid al-Fitr
May 1 - Labor Day
20 July - Turkish Peace Operation
August 1 - Anniversary of the Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT)
23 April - National Sovereignty and Children's Day
May 19 - Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day
30 August - Victory Day 29 October - Republic Day
Safety and Health
All visitors can receive emergency medical treatment in public hospitals and all blood banks are screened for HIV. Most of the doctors can speak English. Pharmacies can recommend medicines for common holiday sicknesses, and many medicines, such as antibiotics, can be purchased inexpensively without a prescription.
Northern Cyprus is a safe and friendly island with a very low crime rate.
Emergency Phones
155 Police Help
112 Emergency Health
199 Fire Services
177 Forest Fire
158 Coast Guard
188 Electrical Fault
Museums
During the summer season (May - October), museum opening hours are subject to change. It is recommended that you contact the TRNC Museums and Antiquities Office (0392 227 29 16) for information. The museum opening hours in winter are as follows: 9:00-13:00 and 14:00-16:45. Museums are closed on public holidays.
Cities and Must Sees
Nicosia
Nicosia with its streets smelling of history; One of the most well-known values of the city is the Venetian Wall. This wall was built in the 16th century to surround the city. It has 11 bastions and 3 city gates. The Great Inn was built by the Ottomans in 1572 and today it is a historical place with shops and cafes for craftsmen and artists. Selimiye Mosque, historically known as Hagia Sophia Mosque or Hagia Sophia Cathedral, is a former Catholic cathedral. The only operating Turkish bath, the Great Bath, was built by the Ottomans between 1571 and 1590 and is still in service in the İplik Pazarı Neighborhood of Nicosia.
Bedesten, Venetian Column, Barbarism Museum, Derviş Pasha Mansion, Bandabulya Bazaar, Lokmacı Gate and Yiğitler Bastion Park are among the historical places you can visit in Nicosia.
Kyrenia
Kyrenia has attracted many civilizations throughout history. The city, with its cobblestones, harbor and extraordinary timber; It bears the traces of the architecture and traditions of Greek, French, Ottoman and English settlers. The extraordinary Kyrenia Castle is located opposite the harbor wall. This castle, which protects the pier wall, is one of the most frequented spots in Kyrenia. Its majesty can be seen from the cafes on the quay. Hisar is home to many works of art.
Bellapais Monastery and St. Hilarion Castle offers a day intertwined with history, both to take a deep breath on weekends and to have a pleasant time.
Buffavento Castle, located on the Çatalköy ridge to the east of Kyrenia, was named "Bufavento", which means "not afraid of the wind" because it was built on a very windy hill.
Must-sees in Kyrenia: Baldöken Ottoman Cemetery, St. Andrew's Church, Harup Museum and Cyprus House, Old Customs Building, Roman Column, Icon Museum, Rock Tombs, Bandabulya, Chrysopolitissa Church, Ağa Cafer Pasha Mosque, Manifold Mansion, Miracle Turkish Tank, Blue Mansion, Yavuz Landing Beach and Monument, Bosphorus Martyrdom and Karaoğlanoğlu Martyrdom.
Famagusta
Famagusta, which has taken its place in history as the "zone of churches", is equipped with churches that are said to be built by men or women who want to buy a place in heaven and that hit every day of the year. Today, this region, where the most magnificent ruins of the Middle Ages are found, also contains Gothic influences, such as Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (St. Nicholas Cathedral).
You can see the magnificence of the city with a walk on the Venetian Walls that surround the entire three-kilometer long city. Salamis, the city of kings, is home to very well preserved Roman ruins. You can see statues, historical columns, theater and bath ruins.
Othello Castle inspired Shakespeare's Othello and the defense model of the castle was drawn by Michalangelo. Venetian palaces, treasures and tombs that have not yet been found in the region will take you on a journey through time with its rich history.
in Famagusta; Namık Kemal Dungeon, Cambolat Bey Museum and Tomb, Sinan Pasha Mosque (St. Peter and Paul Church-Twin Churches) and St. Barnabas Monastery can be seen.
İskele
Goddess Aphrodite brought the first fruit to Cyprus in Iskele, formerly known as Trikomo. Iskele is the center of attention of tourists with its touristic facilities, fish restaurants and the "Haravdi" beach. The Iskele region, where villages such as Bafra, Mehmetçik, Dipkarpaz and Yenierenköy are located, is also the place where the wild Karpaz Donkeys, the symbol of Cyprus, are found. Iskele, where untouched beaches such as Bafra and Altın Beach are located, is also one of the most interesting places in Northern Cyprus with its natural vegetation and historical artifacts.
Agios Philon Church, Kantara Castle, King Tombs, Apostolos Andreas Monastery, Ayia Trias Basilica, Kanakaria Church and Philon Church can be visited in Iskele.
Guzelyurt
The gardens on the west of the island fascinate with the expression “Beautiful Place” in its literal English translation. Although Güzelyurt is not as rich as other settlements in Cyprus in terms of culture and architecture, a short-time exploration tour reveals hidden beauties with its deep historical roots. Archeology and Nature Museum, Tumba Tu Skouru and St. Mamas Church are definitely worth seeing.
Guzelyurt's windy shores are home to thousands of surfers throughout the year. The Orange Festival is held at the beginning of June.
Lefke
In addition to the lemon orchards in Lefke, which is known for its spring waters, fertile soil and mild climate, on the slopes of the Troodos Mountains, many fruits, vegetables and nuts are grown. Walnut Festival is held at the end of May and beginning of June.
It is home to the Vouni Palace and Soli Ancient City, with historical artifacts such as the Piri Osman Pasha Mosque and the tomb of Vizier Osman Pasha.
Soli Ancient City, Roman ruins, mosaic floor Basilica and amphitheater have been restored. Today, it hosts theaters and concerts. Vouni Palace reminds its visitors of ancient times with a unique sea view at the cliff point.