Living in North Cyprus

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is located in the northern part of the island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean. The island is located 70 km south of Turkey and 100 km west of Syria.

Cyprus, which is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, is surrounded by Egypt in the south, Lebanon and Israel in the southeast. The island of Cyprus is 950 km away from Greece. There are six districts in Northern Cyprus; Famagusta, Kyrenia, Morphou, Trikomo, Lefke and Nicosia. Nicosia is the capital city of TRNC.

The official language used in Northern Cyprus is Turkish. In addition, English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the country. The currency of TRNC is Turkish Lira. However, Sterling is also frequently used in the country.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is under the influence of the Mediterranean climate due to its geographical location. For this reason, Mediterranean type vegetation is seen on the island. Also, trees such as pine, oak, cypress and juniper, olive trees and citrus fruits are also very common in the country.

The Pearl of the Mediterranean Cyprus

Places to Visit in Northern Cyprus

The wide, long and unique beaches of Cyprus with fine sand are the spawning centers of the endangered and protected Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas turtles in the world. The people of Cyprus, who have a very developed sense of environmental protection, Private Turtle Conservation Societies, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, carefully monitor the sea turtles that come to spawn in Golden Sand Beach (Altınkum), Alagadi, Ronnas and other beaches. In addition, the Mediterranean Monk Seal occasionally comes out on the rocks on the coast. Around 250 untamed “Karpaz Donkeys” live freely in the Karpaz National Park.

Arab Ahmet District, Lokmacılar Bazaar, Büyük Han, Surlariçi, Venetian Column, Kyrenia Gate, Selimiye Mosque are among the places to visit in Nicosia.

Othello Castle, Venetian Royal Palace, St. Francis Convent and Church, St. Nicholas Cathedral (Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque), Salamis Ruins are in Famagusta and Famagusta is like an open-air museum.

Kyrenia Marina, Kyrenia Castle, Bellapais Monastery, St. Hillarion Castle and Karmi Village are among other places to visit in Kyrenia.

Morphou (Güzelyurt) with its Soli Ancient City, Vouni Palace and St. Mamas Church are other noteworthy regions on the island.

In addition, Northern Cyprus leaves a place in the memories with its unique beaches. Altinkum Beach in Karpas, Glapsides beach in Famagusta, Bedis Beach, which draws attention with its deep blue sea and yellow sand at the end of Salamis ruins, and Alagadi Beach in Esentepe region, which is one of the spawning grounds of Caretta Carettas, are among the most striking beaches.

Limnidi (Yeşilırmak) is one of the most beautiful regions during strawberry season. At the exit of the village, the organic farm on the top of the hill, where the whole region can be seen, is a place to be hypnotized with its unique view.

Cypriot Cuisine

Turkish Cypriot cuisine has similarities with Turkish cuisine and Mediterranean cuisine. Dishes such as kebab, gleftiko (oven kebab) and pilavuna, molehiya, pirohu, fried halloumi and halloumi made from sheep’s milk, halloumi, and desserts such as macun, gullurikya, şamisi and ekmek kadayifi can be found in Cyprus.