About North Cyprus
Welcome to Cyprus, island of dream, mysterious legends that year-round is in light of the Mediterranean sun.
A storied past 10,000 years long has seen civilizations come and go and the likes of everyone from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra stake their claim here - but then, people do tend to get possessive when faced with such beauty. Aphrodite made her home on Cyprus and travelers throughout antiquity came here just to pay her tribute.
With its unique historic treasures and natural beauties, Cyprus is the paradise island situated in the east Mediterranean, the third largest Mediterranean island after Sicily and Sardinia.
Situated in the far eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is geographically closer to the Middle East. However politically and culturally it is aligned with Europe. As a matter of fact Cyprus is at the crossroads between three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa.
Cyprus has had many names but most of scientists agree that the present name comes from the word "copper". An alternative theory supposes that 'Cyprus' comes from the Greek work 'kypros' which means "henna". Strategic location of the island between East and West resulted in repeated invasions of foreign nations and civilizations that have brought changes to the life and culture of the island's inhabitants. In Cyprus history the island was colonized by Phoenicians, Achaeans, Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, and Greeks in different periods.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) covers an area of 3,355 square kilometers. The official language of the country is Turkish. English is also widely spoken.
Nicosia Cyprus, known locally as Lefkosa (Turkish), is the capital and the largest city of Northern Cyprus. It is located in the centre of the island. Nicosia Cyprus is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country. It is the seat for the main government offices and headquarters. Nicosia is currently the only divided capital city in the world, with the northern (Turkish) and southern (Greek) parts divided by the "Green Line", a demilitarized zone maintained by the United Nations. The Greek name of Nicosia, "Lefkosia", probably comes from Lefkos, son of Ptolemy I of Egypt, who rebuilt the city in the 3rd century B.C. Another possibility is that the name originated from the white poplar (lefki) which was abundant in the bed of the city's river. The city also bore the name of Lefkothea ("white goddess"). The Turkish Lira (TL) is the currency used in North Cyprus. Foreign currencies and travelers' cheques are accepted in banks and exchange offices. Most credit cards are valid in many places, but bank charges may apply in some places.
North Cyprus lies about 70 miles south of Turkey and enjoys a fantastic eastern Mediterranean climate with long hot summers and short temperate winters, the average sea temperature is above 20C for more well over half the year and North Cyprus benefits from an average of 320 - 340 days sunshine a year making it a year round favorite for tourists.
The coastline of North Cyprus offers some of the finest and safest bathing in the Mediterranean, and the crystal clear Mediterranean Sea brings delights for swimmers, snorkelers, divers, sailors, water-skiers and fishermen alike.
The geography of North Cyprus is characterized by a unique blend of mountains, plains and beaches. North Cyprus is home to some 347 species of small rare birds, and every year 250 different types of birds amounting about 100 million in total migrate from Europe to Egypt passing through North Cyprus. North Cyprus is also becoming home to some 50 different varieties of butterflies. It has got rich underwater plant life, and is home to over 200 different types of fish. 30% of the turtles in the Mediterranean amongst them Carretta Caretta, Chelania Mydas (Green Turtle) and Dermachelys Corniacea, come to the coasts of North Cyprus for breeding. There are 30 different varieties of orchids in the island, 7 of these are unique to North Cyprus.
Northern Cyprus will surprise you not only the natural beauty, but also a variety, an originality of taste of the Cyprian meal. The Turkish Cypriot Cuisine is famous for its kebab dishes and starters called "meze's". Daily fresh meat, fish, vegetables and fruit used in the Turkish Cypriot cuisine make our dishes both tasty and healthy. Local alcoholic drinks include raki, brandy and red and white wine. Baklava and kadayif are deserts favored by most and Turkish Coffee is a must at the end of every dinner.
Those who have visited Northern Cyprus will remember an island do golden beaches, brilliant weather, mountain forests, ancient castles, and sun-bleached villages. But most memorable are the warm, friendly smiles of the Turkish Cypriot people.
The traditions and customs of a culture can best be observed in ceremonies and on special occasions. Between the Turkish Cypriot communities, some of these are wedding ceremonies, feast days (Ramazan), birth, children starting school, etc. Another important characteristic of the Turkish Cypriots is their hospitality. In the past, the importance of the guest was relative to their social status and their age. Serving the guests usually started with coffee or sherbets, especially those of honey, rose and carob. Fruit paste serving was also of importance.
Cypriot culture is also reflected in the rich folk art of the island. Age-old crafts, handed down from one generation to another, are faithfully carried on to this day by skilful hands and nimble fingers, fashioning handicrafts, both decorative and useful, that would grace any home.
Having visited on beaches under magnificent sunbeams, having felt a pleasant sea breeze, having visited many unforgettable historical places, you will understand that Northern Cyprus is a paradise.
