ABOUT NORTH CYPRUS
|
North Cyprus is steeped in history and has more than its fair share of well preserved, ancient archaeological relics. It also has the only divided capital city left in the world
|
SMALL AND BEAUTIFULLY FORMED
Legend has it that this charming island was given to Cleopatra by Julius Ceaser as a token of his love. Whether true or not, it's easy to see
why the story may have developed. Cyprus is truly a wonderful little island, and the north is the jewel in it's crown. Cyprus has a fascinating
history, a perfect climate and visitors can be assured of the warmest welcome in the mediterrainian. North Cyprus is nicknamed the "Secret Cyprus"
as it is totally unspoilt with almost no commercialism to be seen
For the holiday maker, it offers the perfect blend of water sports and other sporting activities for the energetic
and relaxation and exploration for those more interested in the rustic charm of the place.
It has more than it's share of rich archaeological sites and medieval castles
to explore in addition to miles of untouched, beautiful coastline and country side. If you are not yet won over,
add the enormous hospitality of the people, their wonderfully varied cuisine, and their eagerness to
make your stay one to remember,
and you have the recipe for a perfect get-away in the sun
Along the southern most part of North Cyprus, stretch the awe-inspiring kyrenian mountains. For those who like to wander off the beaten track,
the exploration of this beautiful mountainous region is a great way to experience the breath-taking scenery offered by the island. If you love miles
of endless sandy beaches, Famagusta, the Eastern most region of the North, is the place to head, as it is famed for it's golden, uncrowded beaches and
crystal clear waters
| STONE AGE |
Neolithic I | 7,000-6,000BC |
| Neolithic II | 4,500-3,900BC |
| Chalceolithic | 3,900-2,600BC |
| BRONZE AGE |
Early | 2,300-1,850BC |
| Middle | 1,900-1600BC |
| Late | 1,600-1,050BC |
| IRON AGE |
Geometric | 1,050-750BC |
| Archaic | 750-475BC |
| Classical | 475-325BC |
| Hellenistic | 325-58BC |
| Roman | 58BC-330AD |
| Byzantine | 330-1191 |
| French | 1191-1489 |
| Venetian | 1489-1571 |
| Ottoman | 1571-1878 |
| British | 1878-1960 |
| INDEPENDENT |
Cyprus | 1960-1974 |
| TURKISH FORCES |
intervention | 1974 |
| TRNC |
| 1983 |
A BRIEF HISTORY
It is believed that there were settlements in Cyprus as long ago as 8,500 B.C. Cyprus has had many different names over the years, but the name we
now use is supposed to be linked to either the word copper or the word Kypros (Greek for Henna), substances, both of which have always been
abundant locally. The island has seen many invasions during it's history, not only because of the presence of such precious
commodities, but also because of it's geographical position between the Eastern and the Western continents. So many invasions, in turn, led to
many changes of rulers and inhabitants, adding to the intrigue of the islands fascinating past
The table on the right gives an idea of the various occupations of the island throughout it's history
BEACHES IN NORTH CYPRUS
To find out more about the many beaches in the North click here
NORTH CYPRUS BARS AND RESTAURANTS
For information on bars and restaurants click here
DISTRICTS
North Cyprus is split into 3 districts, Kyrenia (where you will be staying), Nicosia, and Famagusta. The Kyrenia district is centred around
the vibrant and picturesque harbour town of the same name. It is also home of the five finger mountain range and the famous 'Turtle beach'.
The Nicosia district is home to the Northern part of the divided capital city of Cyprus and therefore it is here that you will find the larger
stores and shopping centres. The Famagusta district is largely made up of unspoilt countryside and historic sights, founded ni 300BC in the
old settlement of on the old settlement of Arsinoe
KYRENIA DISTRICT (GIRNE)
Kyrenia District is the smallest of the (old) six districts of Cyprus, and Its main town is also named Kyrenia, which is
situated along the northern coast of Turkish Cyprus. It is a busy little town with a harbour famed for its natural
beauty. Enclosed to the north by the sea and to the south by the greenery of the Besparmak (Five Finger) Mountain
range, it offers the most magnificent scenery on the island. Its charming and tiny harbour, full of yachts and
fishing boats, is framed by the colossal hulk of its Crusader castle. The public beaches are almost empty during
the day and are lit by local people barbequeing in the evening. The Harbour in Kyrenia is a typical old Mediterranean
sea port and is very picturesque. Here one can sit and watch the Kyrenia day or night life go by whilst eating and
drinking in the many bars and restaurants
Kyrenia Town
Kyrenia is a town noted for its historic harbour and castle on the northern coast of Cyprus, in the district occupied and controlled by Turkey.
Kyrenia at present is populated by Turkish Cypriots and British Expatriates. This is the nearest town to the apartments at about a 30
minute drive. Drive out of the apartments and head towards the main road. Turn left at the junction and follow the road for approx
15 minutes. At the junction turn right following the signpost for Kyrenia. Stay on this road for approx 15 mins, it will take you
right into Kyrenia. If you see a car park on your arrival into Kyrenia (right hand side) we suggest that you park and walk (5 mins)
into the centre, as parking can be limited
NICOSIA DISTRICT (LEFKOSIA)
The Nicosia District's main town is the Cypriot capital, Nicosia. The northern part of the city is capital city of the
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Nicosia Town
Known locally as Lefkosia or Lefkosha, is the last remaining divided city in the world, and is the capital and
the largest city of Cyprus, as it has been since the 10th century. Cultural expansion in the 15th and 16th
century saw the erection of a number of palaces, mansions, chruches and monasteries. The tombs of the Lusignan
Kings are still kept in the former cathedral of Sophia. Part of the city also boasts well preserved, 16th
century, Venetian fortifications. These days Nicosia is the centre of business and shopping in North Cyprus.
There are many shops, two modern shopping centres, many restaurants and various entertainment. The city is a
trade centre and manufactures textiles, leather, pottery, plastic, and other products
FAMAGUSTA DISTRICT (GAZI MAGUSA)
The Farmagusta District's main town is the island's most important port, also named Famagusta. After the influx
of refugees from Salamis in 648 and Christian refugees after the invasion of the holy lands; the city grew to
become one of the most important and prosperous cities in Northern Cyprus. Wealthy merchants who lived in the
busy port in the 15th century, had many churches built in varying styles, as a testament to their riches. It
is no suprise then, that the district came to be known as 'the district of churches', with the count at around
350 during the 14th century BC
Famagusta Town
Famagusta is a city on the east coast of Cyprus and is capital of the Famagusta District. It is
located in a bay between Capes Greco and Eloea, east of Nicosia, and possesses the deepest harbour in the island
CLIMATE
The Island enjoys a mediterranian climate with long dry cloudless summers and very short winters. Any rainfall
normally falls between December and January. The coastal regions are generally warmer and more humid than those
farther inland due to the humidifying effect of the sea. The sea temepratures range from about 16°C in January
to about 28 °C in August
The sun shines for around 11 hours each day during the period from May and September, and temeratures can reach
up to 40°C. Frost and snow are virtually unknown at any time of year, although night-time temperatures can fall
relatively low during the short winter
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
| 01 jan | New Years Day |
| 23 Apr | Children's Day |
| 01 May | Labour Day |
| 19 May | Youth And Sports Day |
| 20 Jul | Peace And Freedom Day |
| 30 Aug | Victory Day |
| 29 Oct | Turkish Republic Day |
| 15 Nov | Northern Cyprus Republic Day |
POPULATION
About 60% of the population live in Urban areas, Nicosia being the most densly populated, then Famagusta, then Kyrenia
TEMPERATURE
| Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| 14 |
14 |
15 |
18 |
21 |
24 |
29 |
29 |
25 |
23 |
18 |
13 |
| 18 |
19 |
21 |
23 |
27 |
30 |
36 |
36 |
32 |
28 |
24 |
17 |
CINEMA
There are several good cinemas in Nicosia, two in Kyrenia and 2 in Famagusta; showing recently released films mainly
from the west. Films are changed each week and are never dubbed, although they may have Turkish sub-titles
FAMOUS EXPORTS
Osman Türkay, a Turkish Cypriot poet of international stature and a nominee for the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1988, was born in Kyrenia.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS IN KYRENIA
| Doctor | 815 2266 |
| Hospital | 815 2014 |
| Police | 815 2125 |
TELEPHONE SERVICES
The code for international calls from Cyprus is 00 followed by the country code (44 for England). From abroad the
code for North Cyprus is 00 90 392 followed by the local Cypriot number with 7 digits. Public telephones are available,
as are phone cards frm the Telecommunications office. Mobile phones are widely used by Cypriots, and the two providers
are KKTCELL and KKTelsim, (Vodafone)
|
|
EXPLORE
|
