Cyprus has always been an important trading post between the empires of Europe, Africa and the Middletarihi03-634x438 East, and throughout history someone has always wanted to take it off someone else. First the Mycenaeans grabbed it, then the Phoenicians, Egyptians, Assyrians and Persians. Alexander the Great took it off them, then Ptolemy snatched it from him. Rome took over in 58 BC and kept the place in relative peace and security until the 7th century, when the Byzantine and Islamic empires started three centuries of bickering over it. In 1191, Richard the Lionheart, on his way to the Crusades, dropped into Cyprus for a spot of conquering, but the Cypriots caused him too much trouble (one of them killed his hawk and he was forced to massacre a few villages in retaliation), so he sold them to the Knights Templar. The Templars sold the island to Guy de Lusignan, whose heirs hung in for three centuries, repressing the culture and orthodox religion but doing wonders for the economy.

Established on 15.11.1983

Capital Nicosia

Area 3.355 km2

Population 264.169

Government

The full name of North Cyprus is, "The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" or "T.R.N.C.".In Turkish Northern Cyprus is known as "K.K.T.C.", "Kuzey Kibris Türk Cumhuriyeti"

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a democratic, secular republic based on the principles of social justice and the rule of law. The Constitution provides for a parliamentar system system with a president as head of state, and a council of ministers composed of a prime minister and 10 ministers. Legislative power is vested in the Legislative Assembly, composed of 50 deputies elected by universal suffrage for a period of five years. Judicial power is exercised through independent courts. North Cyprus Properties

Lefkoşa(Nicosia):

selimiye11) St. Sophia Cathedral (Selimiye Mosque):This is the earliest and perhaps the finest of the Lusignan churches, built by French architects and Queen Alix of Champagne (Hugh I's wife) in the same style as Chartres and Rouen Cathedrals in France. Following the Ottoman conquest in the 16th century, it was transformed into a mosque with the addition of two minarets.

2) Mevlana Tekke: It is immediately inside the Girne Kapisi (Kyrenia Gate). Built in the 18th century as a cloister of Dervish brotherhood, it houses an ethnographical museum.

The surge in visitors to Northern Cyprus has made the booking of rooms an absolute necessity to ensure the accommodation of your choice.

 

With a HIGH season that lasts from March through to November, to encompass the visitors for Spring flowers and the walkers of the Autumn season, new hotels are under construction but bookings are strongly advised.

 

There is a wide range of accommodation available in Northern Cyprus . The construction of new hotels and private rental accommodation now offers 5 star hotels and the ability to rent luxury villas. Levent Homes have links to a number of house rental agencies.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus can be reached by air and by sea. You may choose the most convenient way for you.

Although there are no direct flights to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, travelling to the northern part of the island is no longer a problem. Cyprus Turkish Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Atlas Jet and Pegasus Airlines provide scheduled flights to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus from all international airports worldwide via Turkey. Besides, there are charter flights to Turkish Cyprus.

Northern Cyprus hosts over 1600 plant specia of which 22 are endemic, 350 species of birds, of which 7 are endemic, and 26 different species of reptile and amphibia.

The two main reasons for this amazing diversity are, firstly, that Cyprus was not affected by the last ice-age (which wiped out many species from areas further north), and secondly, that Cyprus forms a resting and nesting station for birds migrating between Africa and Eastern Europe.

Northern Cyprus provides all kinds of entertainment activities for sport keeners and those who prefer tranquil vacation. In case you haven't defined what type you are, look up for some tips which will help to find out what suits you better.

North Cyprus beaches provide great opportunities for all kinds of sea entertainment including swimming, sunbathing, sailing, windsurfing, parascending, water skiing, banana riding, and more. The waters of the Mediterranean near the cost of the northern part of Cyprus are one of the cleanest. Just don't forget a good sun lotion.

Cypriot cuisine has been influenced by different cultures throuhout history. Therefore there isn' t any dish, which we would call ' Cypriot ' only. However with little variations from their originals Cypriots have developed quite tasty dishes. Each dish has a peculiar taste and cooking and presentation reflects the character of the people of Cyprus. ' Molhiya ' Arab in origin, has developed completely, appealing to Cypriot tasta both in preparation, taste and presentation. Some dishes even vary from region to region in name, preparation and taste. North Cyprus is fascinating and appealing to people who eat well and enjoy eating. A great variety of vegetable dishes, grills, pastry, fish, soups, kebabs, lahmacun, pides are to name but a few. A big list of mezes, sweets, cakes, eaten either as starters or as afters can be named. In addition to local cuisine Chinese, Italian, French and Indian foods are well represented in various restaurants.

Cypriot cuisine has been influenced by different cultures throughout history. Each dish has a unique taste and is well presented reflecting the Cypriot character.

Transport

The newly refurbished Ercan Airport, (pronounced airjan), situated approx 25 minutes drive from Kyrenia, handles the bulk of the tourist traffic, whilst Gecitkale serves as a back-up airport. Daily flights from many mainland Turkish cities, as well as flights from Europe, supply the majority of the visitors to the island.

Airlines flying to North Cyprus are Cyprus Turkish Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Onur Air. No visa is required to enter North Cyprus and if you prefer not to have your passport stamped when entering the country, you can have a blank piece of paper stamped.

Various airlines also fly to Larnaca in the South. A taxi fare will cost @ £50 each way to and from Kyrenia.

All types of banking services are on offer in Northern Cyprus . A number of local, Turkish and international banks all provide banking facilities and services in the key towns of Lefkosa , Kyrenia and Famagusta .

Banking hours change between summer and winter however the large number of ATM machines available, ensure that cash withdrawal can be made 24hrs a day.

Northern Cyprus local currency is the Turkish Lira however most supermarkets, restaurants, hotels and petrol stations are willing to exchange foreign currency using exchange rates quoted in the local newspapers. UK sterling, EU euros, Cyprus pounds are all readily accepted.