• North Cyprus
  • History
  • Culture
  • Climate
  • Driving
  • Shopping
  • Transportation
  • Health
  • Currency

About TRNC

Cyprus is 9,251 km² and it is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily and Sardinia. It is situated in the North Eastern part of The Mediterranean . The island is 64 kms South to Turkey 96 kms west of Syria, 400 kms to Egypt and 770 kms south east of the Greece. The total lenght of Cyprus’ shores are 780 kms.

TRNC (The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus)
The population of The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is 250.000. The biggest city in Cyprus is Lefkoşa (Nicosia) which is both the capital of The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and The Southern Greek part of the island.

The Geographical Position of Cyprus
Cyprus is situated at north-east of the mediterranean and it parallels with the 32’ 17’’ and 35’ 35’’ eastern meridians. The island come off the south eastern mainland of The Anatolian peninsula. As a result of land implosions during the 2^nd and 3^rd geological times. There is Turkey on the north, Syria, Lebnan, Israel and Egypt the South and Rhodes and Crete on the west.

Because of its geographical position, which is unique in the Mediterranean region , Cyprus has great geostrategic and geopolitical importance. Cyprus can control all the trade routes in Eastern Mediterranean Sea, Anatolian shores and the Middle-East. Consequently, it has always been a focus of interest for hegemony and conquest by many great powers throughout the history.

History of Cyprus
Although relatively a small country , Cyprus has an almost overwhelming cultural heritage. Wherever you travel you will find ancient monuments and sites, mosques, churches and castles bearing silent witness over 9000 years of civilization. Cyprus stands at the crossroads of Africa , Asia and Europe and this exotic mixture is well-reflected to Cypriot cultural history.

History in Cyprus dates back to 7000 B.C., the Neolithic Age ,with settlements along the North and South coasts of the island. After 1400 B.C the first Aegean tribes came to the island, Mycenaean and Anatolian merchants, who started the first complex settlements in the island. From 750 B.C , Cyprus is conquered for several times by Assyria, Egypt and Persia. In 58 B.C Cyprus became a part of the Roman Empire. After the division of the Roman Empire, Cyprus becomes part of Byzantium. In 1191 A.D, Cyprus is defeated by the Crusader Richard the Lionheart,Then the island was sold to the Knights Templar, who in turn re-sell it to Guy de Lusignan - from 1192 to 1489 Cyprus is ruled under a strict feudal system and catholicism became the official religion.

In 1489, The control of the island passed to the Venetians who fortify the island and build walls around the towns of Lefkoşa and Gazimağusa.

In 1571, the Ottoman troops occupied the island and Cyprus became a part of the Ottoman Empire. Islam is introduced to Cyprus, Catholicism is expelled and the Greek Orthodox religion is restored and protected.

In 1878, under the Cyprus convention, the British Empire got the administration of the island, although it was a port of the Ottoman Empire. During 1st world war however, the British Empire annexed the island.

Turkey relinquishes all of her rights to Cyprus and in 1925 Cyprus is declared as a British crown colony.

An armed struggle broke out in 1955 against the Colonial rule, which last until 1960, when the island is granted independence.

After years of hardship and struggle, The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is finally declared in 1983.

Climate, Natural Life and Vegetation
Typical Mediterranean climate reigns over the island. Its summers are mostly hot and dry; its winters are mild and rainy.Yearly average rain fall is 500 mm. Average temperatures are 20^oC-30^oC in summers, 5 - 15^oC in winters. Our country has a unique form of vegetation, with its amazing variety of endemic species, which coat themselves with many shades of colour in every season. Besides its famous fruits such an oranges, bergamot, lemons, tangerines and grapefruits. Different kind of vegetables, watermelons, olives and harup trees are also grown widely. The shores of Cyprus are covered with eucalyptus and acacia trees, whereas its mountains are homes to forests of pine trees. Nature usually awakes around December on the Island and with the arrival of first rains, the barren soil quickly turns green.

Our country hosts flowers like anemone, cyclamen, wild carnations, catnips and iris flowers.

There are also more than thirty kinds of wild orchids, which blossom on the greenery,never seen in this kind of diversity anywhere else in the Mediterranean.

The island is also an important stop immigration routes of many migrating bird species. Migrating birds thrive on the island, laying their eggs and feeding before taking off to distant lands.

The Republic of Northern Cyprus has serene beaches that are now a rare commodity anywhere else in the Mediterranean Sea. There are many different kinds of habitat around our shores which offer ideal opportunities for swimmers, water sports and divers. The Eastern shore-line between Gazimağusa and Boğaz has 24 km long virgin golden beaches. To the North, Girne town to its east and west has many small and large enclaves on the sea shore hospitable to different kinds of water sports and leisure trips by boat. There is also more than 32 km long of shore line,hiding many deserted bays and beaches.

Our national park area, situated in Karpaz region of the island is entirely covered maquis and wild olive trees. This is a place not like any other in the whole island. It has sand dunes of unmatched beauty, which offers many routes for trackers. Also the temperature of the sea is ideal for swimming during eight months of each year.

The two famous sea turtle species: Chelonia mydas and Caretta Caretta are still regularly visiting the shores of North Cyprus without being disturbed, just as they have been doing so for the last one hundred million years.

These magnificent creatures swim to the deserted beaches of North Cyprus in every May and August to lay their eggs.

North Cyprus is also very rich, in terms of natural caves. The Incirli Cave, with its amazing stalactites and stalagmites; The Columned Cave in Inönü are the most beautiful among the 85 or more caves in our country

Telecommunication
Total communication is possible in North Cyprus, via telephone, fax and the internet with everywhere in the world.
GSM Operators:
KKTC TELSIM 0542
KKTC TURKCELL 0533

Electricity
220/240 Volts A/C. 50 Hz

Traffic
The traffic flows through the left hand side in North Cyprus. Traffic signs are at international standards. All the roads are safe in good condition. Vehicles entering the island must possess an insurance valid in North Cyprus. The speed limit throughout the country is 100 kms per hour, unless a sign points otherwise. Front seat passengers in all vehicles must buckle up.

Working hours
Official Working Hours
Summer : June to August
• Monday : 07.30-14.00 / 15.30-18.00
• Tuesday to Friday : 07.30-14.00
Winter : September to May
• Monday to Friday : 08.00-12.30 / 13.30-17.00

<sup>Working hours of private businesses
Summer :
• Monday to Friday : 08.00-13.00 / 16.00-18.30
• Saturday : 08.00-13.00
Winter :
• Monday to Friday : 08.00-13.00 / 14.00-17.00
• Saturdays : 08.00-13.00


Important Phone Numbers</sup>

^{Emergency Telephones}