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North Cyprus |
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The mediterranean as it used to be. This simple phrase best sums
up the serenity and sheer natural beauty of this most forgotten
backwater of the Mediterranean. Whilst most, if not all, of this
region has succumbed to the demands of mass tourism and over development,
Northern Cyprus stands proud as one of the few remaining holiday
destinations where tourism fits in with the environment, rather
than the other way round.
North Cyprus makes an ideal holiday destination, with activities
to suit everyone young and old, with glorious sandy beaches in
between the blue Mediterranean Sea and the stunning Kyrenia mountains.
There are many ancient historical sites to explore and turtle
watching.
Surprisingly, amongst all this serenity and natural beauty, Northern
Cyprus has another, more lively side. There are over 300 restaurants,
tavernas and bistros on the island. For the more adventurous,
there is surprisingly good choice of activities, attractions and
organized tours. A North Cyprus holiday can be a diverse as you
want it to be.
North Cyprus is a virtually crime free island and is very safe
for all ages, you can still leave your car door open and not have
to worry. The locals in North Cyprus are of a very hospitable
and genuine nature.
Article - Being an Expat
in North Cyprus
The island is famously known as a corner of earth touched by heaven,
an un-spoilt jewel of the mediterranean.
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| Gallery
- Scenes from Northern Cyprus |
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Pure History
For centuries Cyprus has been influenced by the cultures of many
different nations, which has led to an island with a rich and diverse
historical and architectural heritage. From soli and vouni in the
west, Arabahmet Pasha Mosque in Lefkosa to Salamis and the site
of Apostolos Andreas in the east there is much to reflect 9,000
years of civilization.
The island has been occupied by succession of peoples from Europe
and Asia. In the 8th Century BC it was part of the Assyrian empire,
then the Babylonian, Egytian and Persian. In 58BC the island was
seized by the Romans. Richard the lion heart settled on the island
in 1191 during the third crusade and after selling it to the Knights
Templar permitted Guy de Lusignan to buy the island. Cyprus remained
in Lusignan possession until captured by the Venetians in 1489.
From 1571 to 1878 the island was ruled by the Ottomans until they
leased its administration to Britain. Independence was granted in
1960, but after Greek Cypriot and Greek military coup in 1974, Turkey
was forced to intervene to safe guard the interest of the Turkish
Cypriots. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was subsequently
proclaimed in 1983.
Geography
Cyprus is third largest island in the mediterranean after Sicily
and Sardinia. Northern Cyprus covers an area of 3,355sq kilometers.
The neighbours of Northern Cyprus are Turkey to the North, Syria
to the East and Egypt to the South.
Climate
The climate of North Cyprus is long dry summers and short rainy
winters. The average annual temp is 19 degrees (60 farenheight)
The temperature in midsummer can soar over 40 degrees (105 farenheight)
With the warmest sea temperature in the mediterranean, averaging
21 degrees (75) The winter weather is very mild with an average
annual rainfall of 500mm.
Public Holidays
1st January New years day
23rd April National sovereignty and childrens day.
1st May Workers day, spring day.
19th May Youth and sports day.
20th July Peace and Freedom day
1st August Communal resistance day.
30th August Victory day.
29th October Turkish republic day.
15th November TRNC day
Date changes every year
Ramazan Bayram-End of Ramazan - 3 days.
Kurban Bayram-Feast of the sacrifice- 4 days.
Birth of the prophet Mohammed-1 day.
Pure Nature
It is well known fact that North Cyprus is a wonderful place in
every season. Every season is different on our island. You don't
wake up to the day, so much as wake up into a dream world. The
dream world that is made up of the colours of the rainbow.
Despite of its rich and diverse historical and culture heritage
North Cyprus has magnificent natural beauty. The richness of the
flora partly explained by the uniqueness of the mediterranean
climate. About 1900 linds of flowering plants including gramineae
grasses grow wild in North Cyprus. There are 19 different types
of flora which occur here and no where else in the world. Cyprus
has also 8 types of herbal plants.
Orchids
Nature has formed orchid flowers in a way that must either make
us laugh or excite our admiration, wrote a 17th century German
botanist. Out of 20,000 or so orchids known, Cyprus has about
45 kinds and North Cyprus 30 of these.
Presses and preserved specimens, drawing and photographs of all
these species can be seen at any time in North Cyprus herbarium.
There are also arranged walks to see Orchids. Below are some details,
www.walksnorchidsnorthcyprus.com Tel:7213013.
North Cyprus Turtles
Caretta Carettas and Chelonia Mydas.
For about one hundred million years, our waters have been visited
by the green (Chelonia Mydas) and the logger head (Caretta Carettas)
turtles. The green turtle only nests in Cyprus, south east turkey
and sometimes in Israel.
These fascinating creatures come ashore on the deserted beaches
of North Cyprus between May and august to nest and Aligadi beach
is classified as a special protected area. After sunset, when
it is dark, the adult females, sometimes with a carapace of more
than 100cm long, make their way up the beach to find suitable
nesting place. There, they lay between 65 and 110 eggs, depending
on the species. This can be repeated three to five times for each,
10-15 days apart. When the nesting is done, the exhausted returns
to the sea. She will perhaps reappear on the same beach again
a couple of years later. Up to thirty percent of all green turtles
nest on the coast line of North Cyprus. Group of ecologists and
students have been observing and helping to protect these rare
animals from extinction for a number of years.
Visitors are welcome to observe this exciting experience.
Kyrenia
The peace and tranquility of Kyrenia Harbour can be felt even
before it is seen. As you stroll along the sea front towards it,
there is an atmosphere of calm and serenity. Turning into the
harbour itself, your eyes will behold a veritable feast, as tiny
whitewashed buildings and colourful fishing boats nestle protectively
between the massive Byzantine castle at one end and the colonial
customs house at the other. All at once you will understand why
this tiny harbour has been called `one of the most beautiful sights
in the world` mail on Sunday `you` magazine.
Lapta
Situated west of Kyrenia, Lapta reflects its past glory into its
role as one of the jewels in the crown of north Cyprus tourism
industry with its abundance of historical sites, natural beauty,
hotels, restaurants and beautifully restored buildings.
Ozankoy
One of the most beautiful villages in Kyrenia. Its wide residential
area is engulfed by acres of olive, carob and lemons.
Karpaz
Karpaz is just 1hr 30 min drive from Kyrenia and then you are
in the northeastern region of Cyprus known as `The panhandle`
or the Karpaz. A visit to this magical part of the country is
a must.
Historical sights 
Bellapais Here you can sit under Durrell's Tree of Idleness
and watch the world go by.
The abbey was founded by Augustine monks around 1250ad and represents
some of the finest medieval gothic architecture in the eastern
mediterranean. The sleepy village of Bellapais was home to Lawrence
Durrell and has been immortalized in his classic novel `bitter
lemons`.
Located three miles to the east of Kyrenia, built on a rocky outcrop
on the slopes of the five-finger mountain range, Bellapais Abbey
was a great importance to a people for whom peace was elusive.
In North Cyprus, where several monuments to the Gothic period
still remain, Bellapais Abbey stands to the fore.
Kantara Castle
Kantara stands at the gateway of the Karpas peninsula. Although
only 1900ft above sea level in the mountains, it affords marvelous
views of both the northern and southern coastlines.
Mosaic Pilgrim's Sandals
Sipilna Mosaics
If you put your feet on the pilgrim's sandals - you will return
to North Cyprus!
St Hilarion Castle
This spectacular fairytale castle is the best preserved of all
three. A wild and dramatic maze of fortifications, it was built
around 1100AD and conquered by Richard the lion heart in 1191AD.
Besides its enchanting historical background, the wonderful views
from St Hilarion castle are not to be missed.
Buffavento Castle
Buffavento is the highest of the three crusader castles found
in Cyprus. Situated 2500ft above sea level in the mountains, a
system of flares linked the castle by night to St Hilarion and
Kantara.
Roman Ruins at Salamis
Dating back to 1100BC, these ruins are Northern Cyprus most impressive
historical site. The best preserved remains are the gymnasium,
baths and the spectacular amphitheatre, which is one of the largest
in the mediterranean.
Kyrenia Castle
Founded by the Byzantines in the 10th century, this huge castle
with its thick walls and massive bastions, dominates the harbour
of Kyrenia. It also houses a museum with the remains of one of
the world's oldest shipwrecks.
Soli
Dating mainly from Roman times, the main attractions are the 3500
seat amphitheatre and the beautifully preserved mosaics of the
basilica.
Some other places to visit in North Cyprus
Kyrenia
Folk art museum
Kyrenia Archangelos icon museum
Cafer Pasha Mosque
Omer Dervish Lodge
Lambousa Kings Tombs
Peace and Freedom museum
Lefkosa
Dervis pasha museum
Ethnographical museum
Mevlevi Tekke museum
Selimiye Mosque
Bedesten-old market place
Nicosia walls and the gates
Buyuk Khan-the great inn
Kumarcilar-gamblers inn
Sacakli-eaved house
Lusignan mansion
Arabahmet Mosque
Haydarpasha Mosque
Lapidary museum
The Sultan Mahmut II library
The museum of national struggle
Guzelyurt
Guzelyurt archaeology and nature museum
St mamas monastery and icon museum
Palace of Vouni
Toumba tou skourr pre historical settlement
Pigadhes temple
Famagusta
St Barnabas icon and Archaeological museum
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque
Othellos tower
Enkomi ruins
Venitian palace
Famagusta walls and the walled city
Canbulat shrine
Namik Kemals dungeon
The Akkule Mosque
Iskele
Apostolos Andreas monastery
Kanakaria church and monastery
Philon church and monastery
Iskele icon museum
There are also a range of festivals throughout the year
During April and May held at Bellapais Abbey is the international
spring concert.
The Guzelyurt Orange Festival held in May.
International bellapais Music Festival takes place between May
and June.
Famagusta International Festival held between June and July, claims
to be the best festival in the mediterranean.
North Cyprus International Music Festival takes place between
September and October preformed in historical settings all around
North Cyprus.
Golden Beaches
North Cyprus is proud to offer crystal clear beaches that one
can hardly find anywhere else in the mediterranean , it has varied
coastline and amenities for swimmers, luxurious beaches of large
hotels or remote ones lost behind dunes. On the east coast between
famagusta and Bogaz, a golden beach stretches for about 15miles.
By contrast on the north coast on either side of Kyrenia, there
are cozy beaches with bars and sports facilities. Further more
isolated creeks decorate the landscape for nearly 20 miles. It
is possible for water lovers to enjoy swimming for about 8 months
of the year, and also enjoying diving, sailing, snorkeling, windsurfing,
waterskiing.
Beaches to visit
Escape - Alsancak - Mare Monte - Alsancak.
Acapulco - Catalkoy - Deniz Kizi - Alsancak.
Salamis - Magosa - Golden Beach - Karpaz.
Shopping
Most of the shops in Northern Cyprus are open Mondays to Saturdays
from 8am - 1pm and 3.30pm - 6.30pm during the summer months. In
the winter they keep the same hours, but do not close at lunchtime.
For typical souvenirs of North Cyprus, shop for embroidery, lacework,
sheepskin rugs and hand made basketry.
Currency
The currency is Turkish lira but all other major currencies are
accepted.
Language
Turkish is the main language but English is widely spoken everywhere
as most of the schools are English speaking. |
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