History of Cyprus

The name 'Cyprus' of the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sardinia and Sicily comes, arguably, from the word 'copper', of which there was, and possibly still is, an abundance on the island. The island of Cyprus has had a tumultous history, its strategic location on the crossroads of East and West has always caused invasions, conquests, and strife for her inhabitants. Before its annexation to Rome in 58 BC, Phoenicians, Achaeans, Assyrians, Egyptians, and Persians colonized Cyprus. However, the first inhabitants of the island date back much further: they are proved to have settled on the island around 7000 BC. A major part of the population of Cyprus accepted Christianity around 43 AD, and some three hundred years later, Cyprus came under the rule of the Byzantine Empire, following the division of the Roman Empire. The Byzantine rule over Cyprus lasted until 1192, when Richard the Lionheart took possession of the island as a revenge for the misbehaviour by the rulers of Cyprus towards his fleet which was on its way to the Third Crusade. After marrying Berengaria of Navarre in Cyprus, where she was crowned the Queen of England, Richard sold the island to the Knight Templars, who soon after sold it to Guy de Lusignan, the deposed King of Jerusalem. That marked the beginning of the Lusignan (Frankish) Period in Cyprus, during which the island was ruled on the feudal system, and the population was under severe suppression. The Lusignan Era ended when Queen Cornaro ceded Cyprus to Venice, in 1489. Venetians viewed the island as the last bastion against the Ottoman Empire in the Eastern Mediterranean, so they left their mark on Cyprus by destroying many palaces and buildings in order to surround the major cities with fortified walls, which at the time were considered works of art of military architecture. Although the Ottoman army captured almost all of Cyprus in 1570, with the help of these walls, the Venetians managed to hold their posts in Famagusta, where the Ottoman siege of the city lasted for more than a year, until late 1571.The Ottoman Period in Cyprus lasted for more than three hundred years, during which the Ottoman population of Cyprus originally gained its own Cypriot identity, bringing to existence two communities in Cyprus instead of one; Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot.population of Cyprus, in order to reach their goal of 'Enosis'  (union with Greece) formed an underground combat organisation called 'EOKA' to fight the British of the island, ignoring the needs and wants of the Turkish Cypriot population. Soon, the fight by the Greek Cypriots towards the British turned into a more complicated and much more violent civil war between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Even though the independent Republic of Cyprus was established in 1960, when the Greek Cypriot president of Cyprus attempted to make several amendments to the Constitution in 1963, injuring the already limited rights of the Turkish Cypriots, the young republic ceased to function. Turkish Cypriots withdrew from the government, and were also forced to flee many villages, coming to live in guarded enclaves around the island. Sporadic fighting lasted until 1967, yet Turkish Cypriots continued to be confined to a number of enclaves occupying a mere 3% of the island. In 1974, following a Greek coup d’état against the President (Archbishop Makarios) of Cyprus, Turkey intervened militarily in order to restore peace on the island, using its right to guarantee according to the 1960 Cyprus Constitution.Since then, Cyprus has remained divided into two autonomous states. The Turkish Cypriot population, most of whom had been forced to flee between 1963-1974, definitively moved to the North, whereas the Greek Cypriots fled to the South as a result of the Turkish Peace Operation. In 1983, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was established, a democratic and secular republic state based on the principles of social justice and the rule of law. The boundary known as the 'Green Line', which runs through Nicosia, the capital of both the North and the South, still separates the two states and the two communities. Negotiations for a definite resolution are still going on under the supervision of the UN.  

Practical Information

Airlines
There are four airlines which fly to North Cyprus. These airlines provide regular daily flights, via Turkey to Ercan International Airport near Nicosia. For information about timetables, prices, and reservations, please contact the numbers below.
Cyprus Turkish Airlines (KTHY); Tel: 0090 392 228 3901, Turkish Airlines (THY); Tel: 0090 392 227 1061, Atlasjet Internatıonal Airlines: 0090 392  815 62 78, Pegasus Airlines: 0090 392 228 73 11

Airportst
Northern Cyprus has two international airports. The larger of the two is Ercan Airport near Nicosia, the other is Geçitkale Airport near Famagusta.Ercan Airport information office Tel: 0090 392 2314806, Cyprus Turkish Airlines information office Tel: 0090 392 2314142, Atlasjet Ercan office Tel: 0090 392 2314188, Pegasus Airlines Ercan Office, Tel: 0090 392 231 4288    

Bars
A wide range of bars to suit all tastes are all around the island, in all towns and most villages. Almost all serve local beers, raki, brandy, and various types and brands of imported alcohol. A must try is the famous brandy sour, a delicious local cocktail.

Business/Shopping Hours
In winter:Shops open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. In the summer:from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Beaches (Public)
Alagadi Halk Plajı         
Esentepe Belediye Plajı 
Tatlısu Belediyesi Halk Plajı       
Karakum Plajı   
Kervansaray Plajı         
Gazimağusa Belediye Plajı        
Akdeniz Halk Plajı         
Glapsides Halk Plajı      
Bediz Halk Plajı
Neşe Plajı       
Yeni Erenköy Belediye Plajı       
Bafra Halk Plajı Bafra
Yedidalga Halk Plajı      

Banking
Commercial banks in Northern Cyprus are of two kinds. There are banks which are branches of large organisations based in Turkey, and there are local banks. Many of these banks have correspondents in other countries. Transactions can be carried out in all leading currencies. The Central Bank of Northern Cyprus is responsible for the monetary, credit and exchange policy, and acts as banker to the government.  Banking hours for the public are from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the summer. Throughout the summer, banks are also open on Mondays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Clubs - Cultural Centres – Associations

Currency/Exchange Rates
The legal tender of Northern Cyprus is the Turkish Lira. The Turkish government, in an attempt to increase the value of the Lira, got rid of six zeroes on the currency.Although not as dramatically as before, exchange rates still change daily, and so it is to the visitors' advantage not to buy large amounts of the currency before embarking on your holiday. Most shops will also be quite happy to accept major foreign currencies.

Credit Cards
You can use your American Express, Master Card, Visa Card, Euro Card, Maestro Card almost anywhere in Northern Cyprus.

Cost of Living
Compared with most Western European countries, the cost of living in Northern Cyprus is very low. Local products or products imported from Turkey are generally cheaper than their European counterparts. However, most goods imported from Europe tend to be higher in price than they are in their country of origin. The rents are increasing in the major cities because each of the biggest four cities have at least one university, and international students are numerous. Property prices have also increased exponentially in the past few years as foreigners are very much attracted to estates in Northern Cyprus.

Conference Facilities
These facilities can be found at all universities, major hotels and at the Atatürk Cultural Centre in Nicosia.

Climate, Temperature (in C°), Weather & Clothing
          Jan.      Feb.      Mar.     Apr.      May      Jun.      Jul.       Aug.     Sept.     Oct.      Nov.    Dec.
Min.      14        14        15        18        21        24        29        29        25        23        18        13
Max.     18        19        21        23        27        30        36        36        32        28        24        17   

Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers from mid-May to mid-October and mild winters from December to February, which are separated by brief autumns and springs. Summer is the season of high temperatures with cloudless skies, but the sea breezes create a pleasant atmosphere in the coastal areas. Winters are mild with some rain, but even in January (usually the coolest month) there are generally six hours of bright sunshine during the day. During the summer months very light clothing is all that you will need. In spring and autumn, daytime temperatures are generally warm enough for light summer clothing, but in the evenings, one might feel the need for a light jacket or pullover. In winter, you should be prepared for all kinds of weather that a European spring may bring. It is advisable to pack a light jacket and pullovers, although you may not need them during the day. 

Camping
There are several official camping sites in the Kyrenia and Famagusta areas which offer services such as washrooms, toilets, restaurants and bars. However the more intrepid visitor may wish 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 illegal.

Cinema
There are several very good cinemas in Nicosia, two in Kyrenia and two in Famagusta. They show recently released films mainly from the West. Films are usually changed every week and are never dubbed, but with Turkish subtitles.

Car Rental
As previously mentioned, this popular service is available in all major towns and some hotels. A valid European or international driver’s license is required. Rental cars have red number plates. Please look at pages  229-230.

Duty-Free Regulations & Customs
Each adult is permitted to bring 400 cigarettes, 500 gr. tobacco or 50 cigars, 1 litre of wine or spirits and up to 100 cl. of perfume. Duty-free shops can be found at Ercan Airport and the ports of Kyrenia and Famagusta. It is illegal to export antiques from North Cyprus.

Driving in Northern Cyprus
In Cyprus, traffic flows on the left, so please show care!Driving is the most advisable form of transport in Northern Cyprus as the bus services to many of the more remote areas of the country are very infrequent; and in any case, such services cease to operate after 5:00 p.m. The conditions of roads between major towns and villages are good for the most part, but a few mountain and village roads are still not paved, so care should be taken especially in rainy weather. Visitors wishing to bring their own cars from abroad may do so for a period of up to 3 months provided the vehicle has a valid registration license from its country of origin. Visitors in Cyprus can drive using a valid international driving license or a valid driving license from their country of origin. Visitors bringing their own cars from abroad will need to purchase insurance upon entry to Northern Cyprus. Generally, most tourists choose the option of renting a car in Cyprus, a service that is very reliable and readily available all around the island. Traffic and road signs are international. The speed limit on city/village streets is 45 km/hour, on main roads is 65 km/hour, on intercity highways when outside of villages, is 100 km/hour. Please do pay attention to speed limit signs while drivin. Seat belts must be worn. Drivers are prohibited to drink.

Distance Chart

Electric Current Voltage
Power is supplied at 220 volts and wall fittings are generally the UK three-pin type.

Festival
International Famagusta Festival (June 21 - July 12)
Music, Theater, Ballet, Visual Arts..
E-mail: CLOAKING

North Cyprus International Bellapais Music Festival (May & September)
Organised by North Cyprus Association of Music Friends.
E-mail: CLOAKING

Güzelyurt Orange Festival (Summer)
Folk Music, Car rally, Fashion Show, Concerts, Folk Dances, painting competition, beauty contest and much more.
0090 392 714 20 18

Mehmetcik Grape Festival (1st week of august)
Wine and Various sweets made by grapes served. Contest for grape king and queen.
Volleyball tournament, folk dances, children's beauty Contest.
0090 392 375 50 90

Olive Festival by Kyrenia Municipality (October)
Organized in Zeytinlik (Templos) Village Dating back to Templar Knights.
Exhibitions, contest, folk dances, traditional games, theatre.
0090 392 815 21 18

İskele Festival (End June, July)38th will be realized in 2009.
Six Countries participated this year. Peace convert, mini football tournament, authentic costume competition.
0090 392 371 29 95

Foreign Missions in Northern Cyprus
Australian Representative          French Cultural Association                   
Tel: 0090 392 2277332             Tel: 0090 392 2283328UK
Representative                         German Representative          
Tel: 0090 392 2283861             Tel: 0090 392 2275161
Fax: 0090 392 2287054
Turkish Embassy                       USA Representative
Tel: 0090 392 2272314              Tel: 0090 392 2252440
Fax: 0090 392 2282209              Fax: 0090 392 2252442 

Geography
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and is 65 km from Turkey’s southern coast.International Clubs
Özgürada Lions Club Tel: 0090 392 815 4483
Kyrenia Rotary Club  Tel: 0090 392 228 1756
Girne Skal Club         Tel: 0090 392 228 3134

Marinas & Ports
There are yacht mooring facilities in Kyrenia and Famagusta, which naturally happen to be where the two main industrial ports are in Northern Cyprus.

Measurements
The official conversion to metric measurements took place some years ago. However it is still possible to talk in terms of inches, miles, etc. The traditional Cypriot weight measurement of 'okka' can still be used when buying meat and vegetables. One 'okka' is equal to 1.23 kilograms. 

Mass Media
There is one state-owned broadcasting company, namely BRT. BRT has two channels, BRT 1 and BRT 2, as well as radio channels such as Bayrak Radio and BRT International. Several private TV and radio stations are also available, mainly on the FM band. The major Turkish TV and radio channels are readily accessible, but with the help of a satellite dish, a large number of European and Middle Eastern TV channels are also reachable. There are numerous daily and weekly newspapers and magazines in Northern Cyprus, the most widely read of which is Kibris Gazetesi, which is entirely in Turkish. Publications in the English language are also available in the form of magazines, such as, North Cyprus, Tourism Monthly. The Cyprus Today is the most popular English-language newspaper.

Public Transport
An inexpensive network of buses and mini-buses operates between all the main towns during the day, and in addition there are ‘dolmush’ (shuttles) operating on the same routes. Taxis are widely available and they do carry a meter (fix price).

Passports & Visas
All the foreign country passports are recognized at the entrance ports and airports of TRNC. Citizens of Armenia, Greece and South Cyprus have to obtain visas, but if these people come to TRNC as tourists and if they come as groups they don't need any visas. Visa applications can be made at TRNC foreign representatives for the nations mentioned above.

Photography
With its wealth and variety of landscapes, Northern Cyprus is an ideal place for keen photographers. Care should be taken not to take photographs in the vicinity of military installations as this is strictly forbidden.

Public Holidays
01 January - New Year`s Day
23 April - Children`s Day
01 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” (“Ramadan Bayram” and “Kurban Bayram”). The exact time of which, like the Christian festival of Easter, change every year.

Population
The population of North Cyprus is approximately 220,000, and roughly 60% of the population lives in urban areas. Nicosia is the most densely populated city, Famagusta follows Nicosia. Then come respectively, Kyrenia, Guzelyurt and Iskele. The literacy rate is 99%.

Postal Services
The postal service in Northern Cyprus is reasonably fast and efficient. In North Cyprus you do not find as much post boxes as in other contries, therefore you give them to the post office. Please remember that to receive mail from abroad, or to send mail to Northern Cyprus, the code of "Mersin 10 - Turkey" must be included. Within Cyprus, there are several cargo carriers between the major cities, such as Itimat (Nicosia - Famagusta) or Kombos (Nicosia - Kyrenia).

Religion
The majority of the Turkish Cypriots are Muslim, but Northern Cyprus is a strictly secular state, and at any rate, the grand majority of the population is not practicing. Very few ever attend mosque services or wear religious attire; however they do celebrate religious festivals.

Snakes
In Cyprus you find different types of snakes, especially in the mountain ranges. Hibernating during the winter months, they reappear in spring when the warm weather returns. They may be seen hiding in grassy fields and on walls and rocks. Sound and vibrations usually frighten them and they quickly slide away. Most species of the snakes are harmless, but two, the ‘Blunt-Nosed Viper’ and the ‘Montpelier’, are venomous and require medical attention.

Telephone
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 telephone booths are available and telephone cards can be purchased from the Telecommunications Office. Mobile phones are very widely used by Cypriots, through the two available service providers, namely KKTCELL and KKTelsim, (Vodafone).

Time Differences

Unıversities
CYPRUS INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY              www.ciu.edu.tr 
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN UNIVERSITY           www.dau.edu.tr           
GiRNE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY                          www.gau.edu.tr   
EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY OF LEFKE                     www.eul.edu.tr
NEAR EAST UNIVERSITY                                   www.neu.edu.tr
MIDDLE EAST TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY               www.ncc.metu.edu.tr

Nature, Sports & Special InterestsTandem Paragliding
The beautiful coastal mountain range of Northern Cyprus offers a fantastic opportunity for paragliding. Tandem Paragliding is one of the most prominent service providers in the domain. Take off is at 2500 feet and involves a few steps down a gentle slope. The pilot explains everything to you, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the spectacular views of the unique scenery of Northern Cyprus, including the historical St. Hilarion Castle dating back to the 10th Century. You and your pilot will land gently and safely on the Kyrenia coast. It is possible to fly all year round, weather permitting. 

Bowling
There is one bowling alley in Nicosia (Tel: 0090 392 223 2388) and one in Famagusta

Horse Riding
There are several stables offering riding lessons in the Nicosia, Kyrenia and Famagusta areas. Some stables also allow customers to hire horses to take out.

Shooting
The TRNC Shooting Federation was established in 1974 under the name of Hunting and Shooting Federation. In 1996, Hunting and Shooting were divided into two different federations, Hunting Federation and Shooting Federation. Shooting in TRNC is done with the rules of ISSF and international norms with international, modern and high technology ranges. Gonyeli Shooting Range has a Trap Range, a Trap-Skeet Range, a Compaq Sporting Range, a Skeet Range and Famagusta Shooting Range has a Trap Range and a Skeet Range.

Go-Karting
The few karting circuits have become usual stops for the fans of the sport in recent years. Professionals, as well as beginners, frequent karting circuits in North Cyprus. The sport is rapidly developing in the country, and the number of those interested is rising by day. Z1 Carting Club and Cemsa Karting Club are both located in Nicosia, and one Famagusta Maxpower Go Karting are of international standards.

Trekking/Hiking/Walking
Hiking and trekking tours on the Kyrenia Mountain Range are organized by a number of centers in the Kyrenia area. One particular tour party, organized by "Mountain Climbing Sports Association", meets every Sunday between October and May. The party meets twice a month during the summer from May until September. All walks, as well as being good exercise, endeavour to show walkers interesting natural and historical features. The tours generally start at 7:30 a.m. and end between 10 and 11 a.m. The Association can be reached at 0090 542 851 1800.

Wildlife
With an average of only 51 people per square kilometer, Northern Cyprus holds the enviable reputation of being free of pollution, industry or high concentrations of population.With the 387 km of coastline and pine, cypress and maquis bush covered hillsides; Northern Cyprus is a wildlife haven. Northern Cyprus is host to over 1600 plant species of which 22 are endemic. North Cyprus offers nice collector items like dried roots, minerals, fossils, etc.

National Parks
Northern Cyprus has one National Park in the Karpas Peninsula. A large number of birds, wild donkeys, turtles, rare flora and amazingly beautiful beaches can be found.

Turtles
Since 1992, Marine Turtle Research Group, in conjunction with the Society for the Protection of Turtles in Northern Cyprus and the Department for Environmental Protection, has been undertaking an annual survey, recording the turtles' activity during the summer months. In the company of the team at Alagadi Beach (a 25-minute-drive from Kyrenia) you can share this unique event. Just before sunset, join the students at their base, "The Goat Shed" at Alagadi. The best times to observe the nesting is at the end of June and beginning of July. To observe the hatching it is best to go between end of August and beginning of September. North Cyprus is internationally renowned for its logger-head (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtles.

Bird Watching
It is possible to watch up to 347 different species of birds in Cyprus. However, only 46 of these are native of Cyprus, and 7 of these are the endemic sub-species. 119 out of the 347 birds that can be observed on the island are of winter-migrant breeder type, and 90 of these migrate to Cyprus regularly every winter. 27 of them migrate to Cyprus only for breeding purposes. Apart from these, there are 220 other species of birds that use Cyprus as transit while migrating to other lands. Cyprus is on a North-South migration route. March to May is the period of northward migration and August to October is of the southward.

Hunting
Hunting is the greatest passion of many Turkish Cypriot men. The season runs from October to February and is limited to Sundays only. Hunting areas are strictly controlled by the government and hunters must be licensed. The most popular preys for hunters are partridges, wood pigeons and hares.

North Cyprus Orchids
Because of their rarity and beauty, orchids hold a special fascination for all naturalists. In North Cyprus, the wild orchid flora consists of 32 confirmed species, subspecies and varieties. Some species will be familiar to botanists from north-western Europe, such as pyramidal orchid and autumn lady's tresses, but there are also more exotic species including violet limodore, tongue-flowered serapias, naked man orchid.

Herbarium
North Cyprus has more to offer than just sandy beaches and warming sunshine; its natural beauties are also worth experiencing. The North Cyprus herbarium charms lovers with wild flowers as well as its research center for botanists. The herbarium displays the 17 endemics of North Cyprus, found nowhere else in the world. The herbarium was opened in 1989. Since then it has expanded to include examples of nearly all the 1250 native plants species. The herbarium is located in the Alevkaya Forest Station on the Kyrenia mountain ridge.

Cultural Life/Events/Festivals/Concerts
For Turkish Cypriots, family life is of ultimate importance and therefore a great amount of their free time is spent at family gatherings, barbeques and weddings. Turkish Cypriots are highly sociable and they like to go out, to see people and to be seen. All towns and even some villages hold festivals usually in the early summer. For information about these festivals and other events please contact the Ministry of Tourism.
International Festivals of North Cyprus:
Famagusta International Spring Concert
Güzelyurt Orange FestivalI
International Bellapais Music Festival
Famagusta International Festival
North Cyprus International Music Festival
Olive Festival in Girne

Sightseeing Tours
Tourism and travel agencies organise their own bus tours of the island.

Folk Dancing
Since 1974 folk dancing has been promoted by the state, municipalities, schools as well as local groups as an important symbol of our national identity, culture and history. Many active associations work to promote and teach folk dancing.

Handicrafts
Lefkara embroidery and lace is an old Cypriot tradition going back countless generations. Young and old women still produce the beautiful and intricate bed covers, tablecloths, doilies and headscarves. Rug weaving is another age-old Cypriot tradition and is mostly found in the Famagusta region. Kilims (small floor rugs) generally with colorful striped designs and patterns make ideal souvenirs and/or gifts. Wicker basket weaving is another Cypriot art form that is popular with tourists who tend to buy the colorful flat baskets (“sele” or “sesta” in Turkish) to use as wall decoration. 

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