Northern Cyprus

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. The island's surface area is 9,251 km2. The island's closest neighbors are Turkey to the north, Syria to the east, Egypt to the south, Greece to the northwest, and Lebanon and Israel to the southeast. Between 1963 and 1974, the island was divided into two independent states due to the cultural differences between the Turkish and Greek communities. In 1974, with Turkey's military intervention, the island of Cyprus was divided into two separate independent states. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is in the north, and the Republic of Cyprus is in the south. The two states are separated by a border known as the "Green Line", which passes through the middle of the capital Nicosia.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has an area of 3,355 km2, while the Republic of Cyprus has an area of 5,896 km2.

Northern Cyprus is administratively divided into five districts (Nicosia, Famagusta, Kyrenia, Güzelyurt, and İskele). There are six main settlements: Nicosia, Famagusta, Kyrenia, Güzelyurt, Lefke, and İskele. Nicosia is the capital of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The island of Cyprus has a typical Mediterranean climate. Summers last from June to September and are dry and hot, winters last from November to March and are generally rainy and warm. Spring and autumn are warm and pleasant. The annual average temperature is 20°C. The average temperature in summer is over 30°C, and in the coldest months of winter, January and February, it is around 10°C.

The population of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was 286,257 according to the 2011 census. The current population is estimated to be over 382,000. 55 percent of the population lives in cities.

Nature in Cyprus wakes up in November, after the first rains. Everywhere is covered with green vegetation. Red tulips, yellow daisies, cyclamens decorate all the plains. Nature is full of images that really need to be seen. This green image continues until May. Although the vegetation loses its strength due to the increasing heat from June onwards, the maquis vegetation is resistant to the summer heat.

You can come to Northern Cyprus with any passport. A maximum of 3-month visa is given upon entry. You can apply to the TRNC Immigration Office for an extension.

There is no requirement for any vaccination.

There is no customs duty on personal belongings and food items of tourists coming to Northern Cyprus. Tourists can carry tobacco or cigars equivalent to 400 cigarettes, a bottle of alcoholic beverages and perfume. It is forbidden to remove archaeological and historical artifacts found in the TRNC from the TRNC.

The official language in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is Turkish. But English is also widely understood and spoken.

In addition to hotels up to five stars in the TRNC, there are hotels-apartments, holiday villages, camps and guesthouses that meet different tastes and budgets. You have the chance to choose between 5, 4 and 3 star hotels in European standards. There are also guesthouses in various regions. In addition, rental villas can be found in typical Cypriot villages.

Most of the tourist facilities are concentrated in the Kyrenia and Famagusta regions. But it should not be forgotten that the magnificent Karpaz Peninsula will develop a lot in the near future.

The TRNC beaches, where the average sea water temperature is 24°C between May and October and where active sea tourism can be done, have facilities such as restaurants, cafeterias, bars, as well as umbrellas and other facilities to meet your needs. In addition, there are all kinds of activities and animations such as Water Skiing, Banana, Ringo, Jet-Ski, Parachute, Surfing, etc.

In the Northern Cyprus market, you can find European and local goods as well as handicrafts specific to Cyprus for TL. The hospitable and pleasant conversation of the vendors makes shopping very enjoyable. In the souvenir shops, items made of copper, silver and bronze are sold. Turkish dolls, hookahs and backgammon sets can be easily found. Gold jewelry, leather clothes and fabrics are sold at very cheap prices. Prices are usually fixed and there is no bargaining. The vast majority of the shops are open between 8:00 - 13:00 and 15:30 - 20:00. Unlike other Mediterranean countries, handicrafts and crafts other than ceramics are sold in special shops. It is illegal to take historical artifacts out of the country and there are very heavy fines.

Ideal for a quiet and relaxing holiday, Northern Cyprus does not have a very active nightlife, but there are a few discos, bars and nightclubs, usually concentrated in coastal towns, as well as a sufficient number of restaurants, including Indian, Chinese, French and Italian. During the summer season, you can spend pleasant evenings in a romantic atmosphere in the restaurants and bars surrounding the Kyrenia harbour. Many large restaurants organise live music and entertainment nights during the season. In addition, the gambling casinos of large hotels are open until the morning for those interested.

During the summer season (May - October), museum opening hours may vary. For this reason, it is recommended to contact the Department of Museums and Antiquities (0090 392 2272916) for information. In winter, museum opening hours are as follows: 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-16:45. The museums are closed on public holidays.

• Forest Fire 177
• Police 155
• Emergency 112
• Fire 199

Traffic flows on the left in Cyprus, as in England. Traffic signs are international. The roads are safe and in good condition. Vehicles entering the island must have insurance valid in Northern Cyprus. Unless otherwise indicated, saloon vehicles cannot exceed the speed limit of 100 km/h. While driving, in 100ml of blood, public vehicles cannot drive with more than 0 mg of alcohol in their blood, and 50 mg for private vehicles. Wearing a seat belt is mandatory.

Although there is no taximeter, taxi prices are reasonable. Ask for the price before getting in. There are also taxis operating as minibuses. Intercity bus services are frequent during the day, but departure times may change every day. Services are reduced after 17:00 and on weekends. Public transport within the city is irregular.

Red plate rental cars can be obtained from some hotels and rental car companies in city centers. Rental car prices are quite reasonable. An international driving license is sufficient to rent a car, but it would be correct to rent a car considering that traffic flows on the left.

Communication can be provided with any part of the world by phone, fax and internet.

From countries other than Turkey, dial (0090 392) and from Turkey (0 392) and then dial the 7-digit local phone number. From Northern Cyprus, England can be called with 00 44+ (UK number) and Turkey can be called with a normal intercity exit (Example: Ankara; 0 312-xxxxxxx)

The official currency in Northern Cyprus is the Turkish Lira (TL). British Pounds, US Dollars and Euros, as well as traveler's checks, are generally accepted by banks, hotels and exchange offices. Almost all credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops, and it is possible to withdraw money with a credit card. Prices in Northern Cyprus are advantageous compared to tourists from Europe.

Government Offices
Summer (May-October)
Thursday: 07:30-14:00, 15:30-18:00
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 07:30-14:00
Winter (October-May)
Monday-Friday: 08:00-13:00, 14:00-17:00

Banks
Summer: 8:00-12:00
Winter: 8:00-12:00 ve14:00-16:00

220/240Volts A/C is used. Electrical plugs are British standard, triple. Adapters are available to use the double plug in a triple socket.

Airway: There are frequent and regular charter flights from the UK and other European countries to Northern Cyprus. During the summer months, there are more than 60 flights per week to Ercan Airport in Northern Cyprus. There are only direct flights to Northern Cyprus from Turkey. All other flights are provided via Turkey. There are direct flights to Northern Cyprus from Turkey, Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Adana, Dalaman and Antalya. For guests coming from Europe, there are direct flights to the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus. It is then possible to take a taxi to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

By sea: There are ferry services from Mersin (Turkey) to Famagusta three days a week all year round. There are also regular ferry services between Tasucu (Turkey) and Kyrenia all year round. New ferry services are planned from Alanya, Antalya and Anamur (Turkey) to Kyrenia during the peak season. It is recommended that you reserve your seats before travelling.

The environments where traditions, customs and rituals are best reflected and revealed in social life are various ceremonies and celebration days. These include weddings, circumcision ceremonies, holiday ceremonies, birth of a child and children starting school. One of the characteristics of the Turkish Cypriot community is the "Hosting Guest" style. This is a reflection of the traditional Turkish hospitality known all over the world. It is customary to always give priority to the elderly when offering treats. The Cypriot people have always given priority to coffee in offerings, and sherbet and pastes have also been preferred. Honey, rose syrup and carob molasses are the most important among these. The presentation of pastes prepared from various fruits and vegetables is also a separate pleasure.

The Turkish Cypriot people perform folk dances at various events (such as weddings, henna nights, harvesting of crops). These dances are usually performed in the order of Greetings, Handkerchief Dances, Zeybeks, Women's Dances, Dramatized Dances and Butcher's Dances. Greetings are grouped as "Women's and Men's Greetings". The tempo of the women's dance is usually slower. Greetings consist of four parts and have four different rhythms. Handkerchief dances or sirtos; include medium-speed, cheerful and masculine figures. The main sirtos are; Aziye sirto, İskele sirto, Karagözlü sirto, Kına sirto.

Yemenis: In the past, the use of yemenis was quite common and with their various decorations, they revealed the richness of the women's world. Yemenis used in Cyprus are generally square; at first, motifs were only embroidered on the edges, leaving the inside plain. Later, branch and flower motifs began to be printed on yemenis. Today, yemenis are carried on in the villages with the scarf tradition in the modern sense.

Lefkara Work: Lefkara work is one of the most important local handicrafts made in Cyprus. It got its name because it first originated in the village of Lefkara. Lefkara work is divided into two groups; "Lefkara work on linen" and "Needlework Lefkara". A pillow is used during the embroidery of both. Lefkara work was made for the people's own use in the past, but later it is made for commercial purposes and especially within the scope of touristic handicrafts today.

Hesap Work: This work is a type of handicraft that is mostly made in the Lapta and Kazafana regions.

Silk Work: These are products processed from silkworm cocoons. These products are usually used to decorate objects such as wall ornaments or trays.

Plant Knitting: It is the work of using the stems, leaves, and thin branches of some naturally grown or cultivated plants in various ways, either as they are or by cutting them into thin strips. The most common places in Cyprus for knitting are the Mesarya and Karpaz regions.

Reflecting the common characteristics of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine, Cypriot cuisine also has its own traditional dishes and appetizers. Throughout history, Cypriots have managed to create delicious dishes. Each dish has its own unique flavor, and the way it is cooked and presented reflects the character of the Cypriot people. Although 'Molohiya' is a dish of Arab origin, it appeals to the taste of Cyprus with its preparation, flavor and presentation. The name, preparation and flavor of some dishes vary from region to region. Northern Cyprus is a place frequented by those with a taste. Various vegetable dishes, grills, pastries, fish, soups, kebabs, lahmacun and pide are just a part of the Cypriot cuisine. Many types of appetizers, desserts, cakes can be eaten as an aperitif or after main meals. In addition to local cuisine, you can taste Chinese, Italian, French and Indian dishes in many restaurants.

Soups Lentil soup, tarhana soup, rice soup, noodle soup, vegetable soup, hummus soup, trotter soup, chicken soup, lentil soup with noodles

Appetizers Hummus, tzatziki, tahini, pickles, potato salad, samarella, cabbage and yogurt salad, broad bean salad, fried halloumi, chakistez, octopus, calamari, gabbar, tongue, brain, pastrami

Pilafs Rice pilaf, bulgur pilaf, mücendra pilaf, herse

Kebabs Peach kebab, oven kebab, shish kebab, meatballs

Main Dishes Musakka, molehiya, okra, false dolma, meat dolma, bumbar, leek, black-eyed peas, green beans, kolokas, cauliflower, spinach, bullez potato

Pastries Tatar borek, pirohu, nor borek, minced meat pastry, spinach pastry, zucchini pastry, mushroom pastry, olive pastry, halloumi pastry, bidda, bun, tahini, pilavuna

Desserts Oven katmer, samsi, tel kadayıfı, ekmek kadayıfı, şamişi, lokma, şammali, bişi, sucuk, köfter, paluze, golifa, simit halva, rice pudding with noodles

Jams, Pastes, Molasses and Compotes Walnut paste, orange paste, bergamot paste, quince paste, date paste, fig paste, watermelon paste, pumpkin paste, hawthorn jam, strawberry jam, orange jam, plum jam, grape jam, peach compote, apple compote, pear compote, carob molasses

Drinks Rose water, summada (made from almonds), lemonade, ayran, zivaniya (Cyprus liquor made from grapes), wine, raki, Cyprus cognac, beer