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Cyprus
Guide
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NORTH CYPRUS TRNC
Type
of Government: Parliamentary Democracy
Established on: 15.11.1983
President of the Republic:
Derviş Eroğlu
Language: Turkish
Population Density: 62
persons/km2
Currency: Turkish Lira
Religion: 99% Moslem, 1% Others
Urbanisation Rate: 51.15%
Life Expectancy: Women:76,
Men:72
Defence Internal Security:
Turkish Cypriot Security Forces: Brigade Force
consisting of some 5000
Colours of the Flag: White and
Red
Capital: Nicosia
Type of Government:
Parliamentary Democracy
Population: 200,587 (1996)
208,886 (2001) (Expected)
Ethnic Composition: 99% Turkish,
1% Others
Area: 3,355 km2
Literacy Rate: 93.5% (1999 �
2000)
Military troops Police Force:
1853
Neighbouring Countries: South
Cyprus, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt
HISTORY
A merchant ship dating from c.300 B.C., raised
from the sea bed of the Mediterranean near
Kyrenia Castle. Recovered by marine
archeologists between 1967-69, the ship is
probably the earliest trading vessel yet
discovered. The museum also contains the
original cargo and equipment from the ancient
ship. The ship is 15m in length and made of
Aleppo pine. The wooden surface of the ship is
coated with a strong lacquer to protect it
against Mediterranean wood-boring maggot. The
number of kitchen utensils, wooden spoons, olive
oil bottles, glasses and saltcellars show that
the ship's crew was only four persons.
The ship exhibited in the castle of Girne was
built in 389 B.C. and was about 80 years old
when it sunk. Four hundred amphoras, 29 basalt
millstones and 9000 almonds were found in the
wreck. About 300 lead weights show that the ship
was also used for fishing. The wreck was found
by a sponge fisherman in 1965 about 1.5 km off
Kyrenia, at depth of 18 m. It was salvaged by
marine archaeologists from Pennsylvania
University.
NATURE
Deep
Blue
Welcome to the fascinating and unique underwater
world of North Cyprus, where you can enjoy one
of the longest diving seasons in the
Mediterranean. You will find crystal-clear,
unpolluted water where the marine life is still
undisturbed. Underwater visibility can be more
than 30 meters. Down in deep and warm blue you
will meet stringrays, amber jacks, scorpions,
bream, grouper, cockoo, wrasse and now and then
a sea turtle. The underwater terrain is
futhermore an ideal place for octopus and moray
eel, colorful sponges, soft corals, as well as
treasures from ancient times.
- The deep blue hides a wide mix of fish, corals,
wrecks and history.
- You can choose from about twenty diving sites
east and west of Kyrenia as well as many other
diving safaris.
- You can experience wreck diving including the
site where in 1960's one of the worlds oldest
shipwrecks found, dating from the time of
Alexander the Great.
- You will be accompanied by prefessionel divers
who will do everything to give you an
unforgettable diving holiday.
" We dive slowly along the reef and what we find
so remarkable compared with diving sites we have
visited in the Med is the marine life. Fish,
coral and marine life... 28 meter below the
surface the light is striking, we can still see
the surface buoy clearly through the simmering
clear water. The sites here are neither ruined
by too many divers nor out fished. The Dive
Centers tell us that they have an agreement with
the fishermen in Kyrenia to live the waters
around the diving sites in peaces. Summing up
our week we are convinced that North Cyprus will
be a new eldorado for experienced divers as well
as beginners, with a diving season from April to
December. Kyrenia town and the island's long
history is another asset making the trip
interesting also for non-diving companions. "
Sea
Turtles
Caretta caretta & Chelonia mydas. For about one
hundred million years, our waters have been
visited by the green (Chelonia mydas) and the
logger-head (Caretta carettas) turtles. The
green turtle only nests in Cyprus and southest
Turkey and sometimes in Israel. These
fascinating creatures comes ashore on the
deserted beaches of North Cyprus between May and
August no nest and Alagadi Beach is classified
as a special protected area. After sunset, when
it is dark, the adult females, sometimes with a
carapace of more than 00 cm long, make their way
up the beach to find a suitable nesting place.
There, they lay between 65 and 10 eggs,
depending on the species. This can be repeated
three to five times for each, 10-15 days apart.
When the nesting is done, the exhausted female
returns to the sea. She will perhaps reappear on
the same beach again a couple of years later.Up
to thirty per cent of all Green Turtles nest on
the coastline of North Cyprus. Group of
Ecologists and students have been abserving and
helping to protect these rare animals from
extinction for a number of years. Visitors are
welcome to observe this exciting experience.
CITIES
Nicosia
The establishment of the Nicosia dates
back around 2200 years and it is the capital of
the Cyprus now with a population of about
112.000 and was developed particularly during
the Lusignan rule. The region is divided into
two sides as Turkish and Greek sectors by a
frontier known as the green line which follows
in east - west direction. The city walls, which
were built by the Venetians in 1570 as a
protection from the Turk attacks, are thick and
high.
They covered the city and are 4.5 km in lenght
with 11 towers. Inside the city walls there are
original examples of Gothic and Ottoman
architectural styles, including the Selimiye
Mosque (St. Sophia Cathedral), Bedesten (covered
bazaar - St. George Cathedral), a Lapidary
Museum set in an old Venetian house and an
obelisk, while belonging to the Ottoman period
are the Arabahmet Mosque, the Buyuk Han (Grand
Inn), the Kumarcilar Han (Gambler's Inn), the
Sultan Mahmut II Library, and countless various
structures. Like the other towns of Cyprus which
remained under Ottoman rule for more than 300
years Lefkosa too is typically Turkish in
character.
Kyrenia
This beautiful city was founded in the
11 Century B.C., by Greece settlers and was for
many years one of the 12 Kingdoms of Island. In
the 8th Century Kyrenia was conquered by
Byzantine who built the original stronghold
before extended first by the Lusignans and then
by the Venetians. Under Ottoman rule the city
had remained a stretegic port. The British built
a quay and a harbour on the shore. Under British
rule, Kyrenia was a resting and maintenance
place for trade and royal ships because of its
fascinating harbour and calm and spacious
atmosphere. Kyrenia still keeps its
attractiveness with many restaurants and bars at
the Harbour and good hotels throughout the city,
along, the coastline. The town now a popular
holiday spot includes many historic places worth
visiting. Also Kyrenia Castle at the Harbour and
the Shipwreck Museum, The St. Hilarion Castle,
The Bellapais Abbey, The Kantara Castle and
Buffavento Castle are the most attractive.
Pure Romance
Vivacious, joyous, energetic and romantic at all
times... Kyrenia is a fascinating Mediterranean
port town. In Latin-origin languages cities are
"female" (she) Like women, some of them attract
you at first sight, while some posses an air of
mystery in addition to their beauty. Some of
them have sensual beauty, while others are cute,
childish or charming... Some of them may not be
so attractive at first sight, but you discover
other virtues deep inside, as you know them
closely. Some are not so beautiful but are
attractive. Some others give away signs that
they were once very beautiful but were exhausted
by the touch of coarse hands. As the writer once
wrote, "Five Fingers Mountains on the one side,
Blue Mediterranean on the other, continue in
their age-old harmony, bestowing upon you the
incomparable beauty, ever your blessing, ever
your curse, little, so little, Kyrenia". Women
with uniqe beauty are worshipped and damned at
the same time. Kyrenia is the little girl of the
Mediterranean, sometimes cute, sometimes
mysterious, but always very beautiful. She is
lucky because she is both at first and last
sight. At the first encounter on the Five-Fingers
Mountains, you take a deep sigh. She burns your
heart, as you get closer. Her love is not one
that glows like a flame and is then extinguished;
her face is one that is never erased from the
memory.
Famagusta
Famagusta was founded by Egyptian
settlers in 3rd Century B.C.. Originally a
fishing and trade village Famagusta was grown by
the influx of refugees first from Salamis in 648
then by the Christian settlers after the
invasion of the Holy Lands (1291 A.D.). It soon
became one of the most important and wealthy
cities in the island. At one time (early 14th
Century) about 350 churches and many trading
posts were built within the area later
strengthen with impressive defensive walls by
the Venetians. In 1372 The Genoese occupied the
island and the City sacking most of its wealth.
In 1571 under the long siege by the Turks many
buildings were destroyed by the catapults. The
British used the stones to build the Suez Canal
and the Quays of Port Said. In 1974 the City was
again under siege by Greek Cypriots, with 11.000
Turkish Cypriots defending the City until it was
ended by the arrival of the Turkish Troops. The
important Historical structures worth visiting
are; Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (St. Nicholas
Cathedral), Othello Tower, Remains of Countless
Mediaeval Churches, Salamis, Kings Tombs, St.
Barnabas Monastery, The Ruins of Enkomi.
Güzelyurt
Located in the west of North Cyprus,
this city is one of the fruitful agricultural
areas in the island, famous especially for the
Citrus (Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit) and
strawberries from the area which thrive in its
fertile red soil. Guzelyurt is an ideal resort
for those who want to escape from the noise and
rush of the city life and spend the day in the
peace and calm of nature.
A big amount of citrus fruits are exported, and
the remaining are used to make fruit juice and
canned for local consumption and export.
Monastery of St. Mamas is worthy of visit which
was originally built by Byzantine administration
with Gothic establishments. Some of the
structures date from c. 1500. The Ruins of Soli
(600 B.C.) and the Palace of Vouni, from 5th
century B.C., are a necessary for archaeologists
or those interested in antiquities.
Nature
Nature becomes incredible in October when the
fields adopt a coat of green as the whole of the
island becomes covered with latest growth,
following the advent of the first rains.
Anemones cyclamens, narcissi, hyacinths, irrises,
wild orhicds, wild tulips and almonds all bloom
until the end of March. There is no other
country in the Mediterranean, which can boast
over thirty species of wild orchids. It is a
well-known fact that North Cyprus is a wonderful
place in every season. Every season is different
on our island. You don't wake up to the day, so
much as wake up into a dream world. The dream
world that is made up of the colors of rainbow.
Ýskele
On the road from Karpaz to Famagusta
you see the town Yeni Iskele. The old name of
the town is Trikomo. This town is special with
relocation of Turks from the Turkish district
Iskele in Larnaca on the sout coast of island.
The Turks who lived there before the war in
1974. They moved in 1975 to Trikomo, which was
renamed as Yeni (new) Iskele. At the center of
the town there is the 17th century of St. Jacob
(Avios Iakovos). There is an odd coincidence in
the fact that the town was the birthplace of the
EOKA - colonel George Grivas. He was a leading
spokesman of Cyprus reunion with Greece.
Golden Beaches
North Cyprus is proud to offer crystal clear
beaches that one can hardly find anywhere else
in the Mediterranean; it has a varied coastline
and amenities for swimmers, luxurious beaches of
large hotels or remote ones lost behind wild
dunes. On the east coast between Famagusta and
Bogaz, a golden beach stretches for about 15
miles. By contrast on the north coast on either
side of Kyrenia, there are cosy beaches with
bars and sports facilities. Futhermore, isolated
creeks decorate the landscape for nearly 20
miles. On the two sides of the Karpaz Peninsula,
a large expanse of immaculate dunes bordered
with tamarisk and wild olive groves await the
courageous and well equipped hiker. As there are
no asphalt roads to these dream places, a
reliable, off-road vehicle is essential. At
Güzelyurt Bay to the west, a long sandy beach
stretches out beautifully but is accessible only
for the adventurous. Ideal climatic conditions
make it possible for water lovers to enjoy
swimming for about eight months in a year. In
fact, most European visitors take the advantage
of the wonderful climatic conditions of our
island and not only swimm all year round bot
also enjoy various water sports activities
including sailing, snorkeling, windsurfing,
water skiing etc.
INFORMATION
Tourist
Information Offices In North Cyprus
Nicosia: 0392 228 96 29-31
Kyrenia Gate (Nicosia): 03922272994
Ledra Palace (Nicosia): 0392 228 87
Famagusta: 0392 366 28 64
Kyrenia: 0392 815 21 45
Yeni Erenkoy: 0392 374 49 84
Ercan Airport: 0392 231 40 03
Gecitkale Airport: 0392 393 2O 84
Emergencies
First Aid / Ambulance For all districts Tel: 112
Forest Fires For all districts Tel: 177
Police Nicosia Tel: 228 33 11
Police Kyrenia Tel: 815 2014
Police Famagusta Tel: 366 53 10
Police Guzelyurt Tel: 714 21 40
Police Karpaz Tel: 381 2325
Medical Services
and Hospitals
The Central State Hospitals is in Nicosia and
there are other smaller hospitals in Kyrenia,
Famagusta, Guzelyurt and Lefke. There are also
clinics in smaller towns and some villages.
Metric Conversion
The 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 measurements of oke can
still be used to buy meat and vegetables. One
oke is equal to 1.23 kg.
Plumbing
Due to a narrow pipe system in Cypriot plumbing,
many sewerage systems cannot cope with toilet
paper being flushed down the toilet, as this may
cause blockages. You will find a bin provided
next to the toilet, provided for the disposal of
toilet paper, which is emptied daily.
Postal Services
The postal service in Northern Cyprus is
reasonably fast and efficient. Please remember
that to receive mail from abroad letters must be
addressed � Mersin 10-Turkey�
Public Holidays
1 January - New Year's Day
23 April - Children's Day
1 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�
which, like the Christian festival of Easter,
change every year.
Telephone
The code for England is 00 44 followed by the
local number but omitting the first number (0).
From abroad the code is 00 90 392 followed by
the local Cypriot number. Public telephone
booths are available and telephone cards can be
purchased from the Telecommunications Office.
Police
Crime levels are relatively low in Northern
Cyprus and police are always willing to assist
if you need them.
Narcotics
It is illegal to import narcotics into Northern
Cyprus.
Passports and Visas
A valid passsport is necessary for entering and
a visa is granted on entrance to Northern Cyprus.
Since 1993 Turkish citizens can visit Northern
Cyprus by identity card.
Foreign Missions in
northern Cyprus
Australian Representative
Tel: 2277332
French Cultural Assosiation
Tel: 2283328
German Representative
Tel: 2275161
Turkish Embassy
Tel: 2272314
Fax: 2282209
UK Representative
Tel: 2283861
Fax 2287054
USA Representative
Tel: 2252440
Fax 2252442
How to go
Airlines
There are three airlines which fly to Northern
Cyprus. These airlines provide regular daily
flights, via Turkey to Ercan. For information
about time tables, prices and reservations,
please contact the numbers below:
CYPRUS TURKISH AIRLINES HEAD OFFICE:
Bedreddin Demirel Cad. Yenisehir Lefkosa/Cyprus
Phone: +90 392 228 3901
Fax: +90 392 227 4304
Boats (Ferries)
There are regular ferry services from Kyrenia
and Famagusta to towns on the Southern coast of
Turkey, namely Mersin, Antalya and Tasucu. From
Mersin, it is possible to sail to Syria, Lebanon
and Israel.
FERGUN SHIPPING CO LTD. HEADOUARTER:
Yeni Liman Yolu GIRNE
Phone: +90 392 815 1770 -815 1870
Fax: +90 392 815 1989
BRANCH:
Mustafa Cagatay Cad. 6/2C GIRNE
Phone: +90 392 81 52344 - 81 53377
Fax: +90 392 815 3866
TASUCU BRANCH:
Ataturk Cad Vakiflar Ishani No. 76
Phone: +90 324 74 12323 - 741 3711
Fax: +90 324 741 2802
Marinas
There are yacht mooring facilities in Kyrenia
and Famagusta. The main industrial port in
Northern Cyprus is in Famagusta and Kyrenia.
Bus Tours
Some hotels organize their own tours of the
island.If your hotel does not do so and you wish
to join a tour you may contact with your hotel
reception who will put you in touch with a tour
company.
Car rental
This service is available in all major towns and
some hotels. A British or international drivers
licence is required. Rental cars have red number
plates.
Public transport
A good inexpensive network of buses and mini-buses
operates between all the main towns, in addition
there are Dolmush (shared taxis) operating on
the same routes. Taxis are widely available but
do not carry a meter. However, there are
standard journey charges.
Traffic information
Please drive on the left. Traffic and road signs
are international. Maximum speed is 100 km/hr.
Vehicles entering Northern Cyprus must be
insured upon arrival. Seat belts must be worn.
Drivers are prohibited to drive under the
influence of alcohol The limit is 50mgr.
Car Driving in
northern Cyprus
Driving in Northern Cyprus is the most advisable
form of transport as there are infrequent bus
services to many of the more remote areas of the
country; and bus services cease to operate after
5:00 p.m. Road surfaces between major towns and
villages are reasonably good, but some mountain
and village roads are still unsurfaced, so care
should be taken especially in wet weather.
Visitors wishing to bring their own car 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. Most
petrol stations are open from 7:00 a.m. and
close around 8:00 a.m. Some however, stay open
later and there is an increasing number of
stations which operate 24 hours a day. Free
municipal parking is available in all major
towns.
Climate,
Temperature, Wheater & Clothing
Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate,
with long dry summers from mid-May to
mid-October and with mild winters from December
to February, which are separated by short autumn
and spring seasons. 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 lightjacket 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 lightjacket and pullovers, although you
may not need them during the day.
Duty-free
Regulations
Each adult is permitted to bring 400 cigarettes,
500gr tobacco or 50 cigars, 1 litre of wine or
spirits and up to 100cI of perfume.Duty-free
shops can be found at Ercan Airport and the
ports at Kyrenia and Famagusta.
Electric Current Voltage
Power is supplied at 240 volts and wall fittings
are generally the U.K. three-pin type.
Walking - Hiking -
Trekking
Hiking tours for people from all ages and
physical disposition are organised by a number
of centres in the Girne area and are generally
conducted in the Girne mountain range. One
particular tour party, organised by Mountain
Climbing Sport Association , meets every Sunday
between October and the end of April, and twice
a month (again on Sundays) between the summer
months from May to the end of September. During
the winter the tour programme is published at
the beginning of every month, explaining the
route and where to meet etc. 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 finish between 10:00 and 1 1:00 a.m. It is
essential that you wear proper grooved walking
shoes. You must also take your own water, and a
hiking stick is advisable.
Tel: (+90 542) 851 18 00
(Mustafa Cemal-Chief of the association)
Watersports
There are several beaches in Girne and Gazi
Magusa, which offer a variety of water sports
ranging from water skiing, parascending,
wind-surfing and Jet skiing. And for diving;
Tel: (+90 392) 822 3430
Yachting/Boat Tours
Yacht and boat tours are available throughout
the summer from Girne Harbour. There are many
vendors, so take time to find a suitable service
There are also tours which depart from the port
in Gazi Magusa and sail along the Karpaz
Peninsula.
Bird Watching
There are several areas where bird watching is
particularly good. There is a Society for the
Protection of Birds in Northern Cyprus called
KUSKOR and they will advise you of where and
when to go.
Tel: +90 392 815 7337
Camping
There are several offical camping sites in the
Girne and Gazi Magusa 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 an offence.
Caving
There are several caves in Northern Cyprus that
you are free to explore. One, known as the Hot
Cave, north of Agirdag village on the southern
slopes of the Five Finger mountains, is a
partially collapsed natural formation. Warm air
emanates from the cave, hence the name. Do not
attempt to enter the cave. Another natural cave
in Girne area is the Güvercinlik Cave near
Alevkayasi. Access to the cave involves some
fairly difficult climbing. Proceed with caution.
There are three more caves in the Gazi Magusa
area. Probably the most beautiful cave is
Incirli Cave, a hundred mete long passage which
contains an amaizing collection of stalatites
and stalagmites. The cave is opened on Sundays
(or by special arrangement with the village
muhtar). There is a small entrance fee. Gastro
Cave between Kuruova and Kaleburnu villages is a
man made cave containing three rooms. Finally
the omniously named Execution Cave, near
Kaleburnu. There is set to be a golden
earthenware jar hidden somewhere in the cave.
Go-karting
There is at present two go-karting tracks, one
in the Girne area;
Tel: (+90 542) 851 0439
and another near Lefkosa;
Tel: (+90 533) 866 6173
Horse riding
There are several stables offering riding
lessons in the Girne and Gazi Magusa areas. Some
stables also allow customers to hire horses to
take out.
Hunting
Hunting is the greatest passion of many a
Turkish Cypriot man. 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 prey for hunters are partridge,
wood pigeon and hare.
GIRNE GUN CLUB SUNSHINE SPORTING CLAYS
www.huglusportique.com
Sightseeing tours
Some tour companies and hotels organise their
own bus tours of the island. If your company
does not do so and you wish to join a tour,
contact the Tourist Information Office.
Hospitality
The traditionstill continues.
The visitors to the Island are most impressed by
the hospitality of the Turkish Cypriot people as
they are not only warmhearted and welcoming but
also very generous. This tradition of
hospitality was noted by Charles C. Flankland in
827 as he recounts ... We were regaled with
pipes and coffee, after which we were each
presented with conserves ~Macun)... then
followed by excellent sherebet... next we were
sprinkled with rose-water and perfumed with
incense in filagree silver censers."
Please be our guest! Coffee houses are amongst
the places where the visitors may experience
traditional hospitality. It's not surprising
that one of the most well known expressions is
"A single cup of coffee is remembered with
respect for forty years".
In fact, the relationship between the coffee and
the hospitality is rather an old one; the heart
desires neither coffee nor coffee house, what
the heart desires is friendship".
An island for all seasons
North Cyprus enjoys the benefits from the
Mediterranean climate with long hot summers,
short winters and little rain. The temperature
in summer reaches 30/35 degrees centigrade,
while winter is mild with an average rainfall of
500 mm. Fascinating multi-colored vegetation a
very dominates autumn, winter and spring. Olive
and carob trees thrive in the countryside,
together with citrus fruits such as oranges,
lemons and grapefruit plus melons and
vegetables. Mountains are covered sweet-smelling
pines. While the costlines offer bushes of
acacia and eucalyptus. The landscape is ideal
for goats and sheep and tourists are often
delighted to see flocks being shepherded along
peaceful by-ways.
Mean monthly Temperature
Jan: 10.9 / Feb: 11.0 / Mar: 12.9 / Apr: 16.5 /
May: 20.8 / Wun: 25.1 / July: 27.8 / Aug: 25.0 /
Oct: 21.2 / Nov: 16.2 / Dec: 12.3
The Land of Festivals
International Spring Concerts
The International Spring Concerts, organized by
The Friends of Music Association of North Cyprus
is very popular amongst the classical music
lovers. These concerts take place during April
and May every year. Held at the historical
settings of Bellapais Abbey, it is an occasion
not to be missed.
Guzelyurt Orange Festival
Guzelyurt Orange Festival, organized by the
Guzelyurt Municipality, is held since 1977. It
takes place in May. As its name suggest, this
festival provides the best opportunity to taste
the world famous North Cyprus oranges During the
festival week various concerts, competitions and
art events are performed.
International Bellapais
Music Festival
North Cyprus is home for very important
festivals. One of these festivals is the North
Cyprus International Bellapais Music Festival.
This festival brings together world famous
musicians and performers every year The North
Cyprus International Bellapais Music Festival
takes place between May and June.
Famagusta International
Festival
Famagusta International Festival that in the
past hosted groups like Aswad, Los Paraguayos
and the Berlin Art Ensemble deservedly claims to
be the best festival in the Mediterranean. The
festival is held between June and July.
North Cyprus International
Music Festival
North Cyprus International Music Festival takes
place between September and October. During the
festival the chamber music, symphonic rock,
choir, flamenl<o, tango and recitals are
performed in historical settings such as the
Bellapais Monastery, Salamis Amphitheatre and
the Kyrenia Castle.
Cuisine of North Cyprus
In most of the hotels in North Cyprus
international cuisine is offered to guest.
However smaller restaurants throughout the North
Cyprus serve delicious local dishes. Although
influenced by Mediterranean and oriental
cuisine, North Cyprus fare is not heavy but
extremely tasty. The traditional "Meze", which
consists of a variety of cold and hot
appetizers, salads, meats, vegetables, and fish
dishes, is a very special attraction, while
typical local dishes include "shish kebap",
doner kebap", "sheftali kebap , "molehiya",
"yalanci dolma", kolakas" and "bumbar". The
famous cheese "hellim" is another delicacy not
to be missed. Many local fruits including verigo
grapes, oranges, tangerines and grapefruits can
end a tasty meal before supping a beautiful
Turkish coffee".
Shopping in North Cyprus
All tourists love to shop and in North Cyprus
this is particularly pleasant. The friendly
traders offering a buyer almost everything could
want. There is a variety of copper, silver,
bronze, oniyx and gold, together with
traditional dolls, boards and embroidery. Most
of the shops are open between 8 am to pm, and
from 3.30 pm to 6.00 pm. |