Northern Cyprus – Everything You Need to Know

Northern Cyprus is officially known as Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is a de facto state that is identified to be part of the Republic of Cyprus. Recently, Turkey is the only country which identifies TRNC. Cyprus is the third largest island after Sicily and Sardinia in Mediterranean Sea where lies at the crossroads of Europe, Western Asia and Africa at the crux of the busy shipping and air routes link the three continents. In this article, you will go through Northern Cyprus in more detail.

1   About Cyprus

In 1960, Cyprus gained its independence from United Kingdom. After that, constitution was made which shared a power between two populations like Greek Cypriot majority as well as Turkish Cypriot minority with backing from the governments of Greece and turkey respectively, clashed vehemently between 1963 and 1974 which leads to the interference of Turkish army into the northern and eastern island through Turkey. However, Turkish held area and declared independent as “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” in 1983. Northern Cyprus is divided into six districts like Gazimaǧusa, Lefkoşa, Guzelyurt, Girne, Lefke and Iskele. Since 1983, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus administers Kyrenia, Famagusta and Nicosia districts.

2   Geography of Northern Cyprus

It covers an area of 3,355 square kilometers. 75 kilometers to the north of Northern Cyprus lay Turkey with Syria lying 97 kilometers to the east. It lies between longitudes 32° and 35° E and latitudes 34° and 36° N. The coastline of Northern Cyprus features two bays like the Famagusta Bay and the Morphou Bay. In addition, four capes are there like Cape Apostolos Andreas, Cape Kormakitis, Cape Zeytin and Cape Kasa.

2.1   Plains

Mesaoria plains are there comprising of small hills, plain fields and is crossed by various seasonal streams. The eastern part of the Mesaoria plains is utilized for cultivation of barley and wheat. Consequently, they are mostly green in winter and spring while it turns to yellow and brown in summer.

2.2   Biodiversity

Northern Cyprus contains a variety of terrestrial habitats. Around 1900 species of flora are there. Out of which 19 species are endemic to Northern Cyprus. For example- Tulipa cypria is a notable species that is endemic to Northern Cyprus whereas wild Cyprus donkeys dwell predominantly in the remote northern region of district Iskele.

2.3   Climate

Subtropical Mediterranean with hot dry summers as well as cool wet winters.

2.4   Terrain

Central plain with mountains to north and south. It is scattered but significant plains along with southern area.

3   Religion of Northern Cyprus

Northern Cyprus is a secular place. 99% of Turkish Cypriots are Sunni Muslims. Alcohol is most often consumed by Turkish Cypriots. However, most of the women’s in Northern Cyprus don’t cover their heads with scarves but they do cover occasionally by public figures as a symbol of Turkish culture.

4   Education System in Northern Cyprus

The system of education in Northern Cyprus comprises of pre-school education, primary education, secondary education and higher education as well. The five years of primary education in Northern Cyprus is mandatory. The eight universities have been approved by the Higher Education Council of Turkey. Girne American University in Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus started a campus in Canterbury, United Kingdom and was accredited by the British Accreditation Council in 2010.

5   Cities or Towns in Northern Cyprus

The largest cities or towns in Northern Cyprus mentioned below in table according to rank along with population size.

6   Tourism

Numerous fascinating sites are there in Northern Cyprus for tourists. Below you will find out some

• Kyrenia Harbor and Castle
• Castles (Kantara Castle, St. Hilarion Castle and Buffavento Castle)
• Walled City of Nicosia
• Salamis ruins near Famagusta
• Walled city of Famagusta
• Bellapais near Kyrenia
• Apostolos Andreas Monastery, Karpaz National Park and Cape Apostolos Andrea

Apart from that, several beaches are there. Beaches are an important feature of Northern Cyprus, found throughout the coastline from the westernmost Yesilirmak to the easternmost Dipkarpaz. Persons who desperately want to go to the beach below you will find out a list of possible locations

Tourists can perform various activities there like Golf, Paragliding, Boat tours, Scuba diving as well as Hiking and Trekking.

To summarize the above work, we can conclude that Northern Campus is officially known as TRNC. Majority of the Sunni Muslims lived there while religious attitudes are predominantly moderate and secular. There are so many tourist places in Northern Cyprus for visitors where you can enjoy much.