by Izzet Inak

Created on: January 20, 2011   Last Updated: January 21, 2011

Cyprus is an island located in Eastern Mediterranean and it has been divided into two parts, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus. The Turkish part is not recognized by most of the countries and is subject to embargoes. Even though it is not shown on the maps; the country is not divided into two. As you travel through Lefkosa (Nicosia), you can see one side of the city is on Turkish land and the other side in on Greek land.

You can travel to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by plane or by ferries departing from Alanya and Mersin ports. There are daily flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Lefkosa Ercan Airport. If you are planning to visit the island by your car, you should know that the people drive on the left side of the road. It is a lot better to hire taxis than to bring your car to the island.

Most of the casinos and clubs on the island are located in Girne (Kyrenia). The small city of Girne has a very beautiful marina too surrounded by bars. Even though the other cities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are pretty much deserted after 22:00; Girne is alive all the time. There are plenty of shops in the city but you should be aware of the counterfeit items that can be sold in some shops.

Lefkosa is like the business center of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and during the day, the city is pretty much active. It is the most crowded city of the Turkish side. When you are in the city, do not forget to visit Buyuk Han, a big caravanserai built during the times of Ottoman Empire. However there are not as many landmarks on the Turkish side as there are on the Greek side.

Gazimagosa (Famagusta) is known as the student city on the island. One of the best known universities of the island, the Eastern Mediterranean University, is located in this city and hosts many students coming from many different countries. Kale Ici (inside the castle walls) is worth seeing and there are many nice restaurants that can be found there. Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque is such a great historical structure can be seen in Kale Ici.

When you are in Gazimagosa, take your time to travel to north, towards the Karpaz Peninsula. On the way, you can visit the Salamis ruins. The view from the Karpaz Cape or better known as Zafer Burnu is amazing. You just feel like building a house there to spend the rest of your life fishing.

It is not very cold during the winters, but you might experience the hottest and most humid summer in TRNC. It hardly rains on this island and the sun is there shining most of the time. There used to be a lot of orange and mandarin trees on the island but because of the water problems, most of the trees have dried. The power is supplied by a gas plant so there can be frequent blackouts in TRNC.

Most of the Turkish Cypriots know English very well and they are very friendly. However they like to take their time to relax so if you are planning to shop during lunch time, you will find most of the shops closed.

The Turkish side of the Cyprus is peaceful and you can have a very nice holiday there. And while you are on the island, do not forget to taste the delicious local food, especially Seftali (peach) kebab. 

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