The '''Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus''' (TRNC, Turkish ''Kuzey K?br?s Turk Cumhuriyeti'') [http://northcyprus.cc] is a self-proclaimed republic on the northern and eastern side of the island of Cyprus. Turkey is currently the only state which recognizes the TRNC. Cyprus itself is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey. After Sicily and Sardinia, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
Understand
Cyprus gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1960. Despite a constitution which guaranteed a degree of power-sharing between the Greek Cypriot majority and the Turkish Cypriot minority, the two populations – with backing from the governments of Greece and Turkey, respectively – clashed vehemently in 1974, with the end result being the occupation of the northern and eastern 40% of the island by Turkey. In 1983, the Turkish-held area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus". So far, only Turkey recognizes the TRNC, while all other governments and the United Nations recognize only the government of the Republic of Cyprus over the whole island. The UN operates a peacekeeping force and a narrow buffer zone between the two Cypriot ethnic groups. Fortunately, open hostilities have been absent for some time, as the two sides (now with the growing involvement of the European Union) gradually inch towards a reunification of some sort.
Climate
Temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters.
Terrain
Central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered but significant plains along southern coast.
Regions
Cyprus is divided into 6 administrative regions, each named for its administrative capital. The southern districts of Larnaca, Limassol, and Paphos, the southern portion of Nicosia district, and a small part of Famagusta district are administered by the Republic of Cyprus. Since 1974, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus administers the following districts:
Cities
''Note that Cypriot cities have a variety of historical spellings and writings, all in fairly common use, and which change according to the context, whether it be Greek Cypriot, Turkish or English tourist. The following list emphasizes traditional English spellings, that will most often be encountered by the traveller.''
Nicosia (''Lefko?a'' / ''Lefkosia'') - the divided capital
Famagusta (''Ma?usa'' / ''Ammochostos'')
Kyrenia (''Girne'' / ''Keryneia'')
Morphou (''Guzelyurt'' / ''Omorfo'')
Trikomo (''?skele'' / ''____?________'') _E
Other destinations
Buffavento Castle
Bellapais
St. Hilarion Castle
Get in
As northern Cyprus is not an internationally recognized state, the rules for entry are a little confusing, but '''far more relaxed''' than they were just a few years ago.
All visitors to Northern Cyprus will need to pass through TRNC immigration, which is fairly painless. Citizens of the European Union, the US, Japan and most other industrialized countries get a visitor visa issued free of charge at the border or green line crossing point. Others will need to apply at "representative offices" (the TRNC has no embassies outside Turkey) in '''London''' (29, Bedford Square, London WCIB 3EG, UK. Tel: +44-207-631-1920), '''Washington D.C.''' (1667 K. Street, Suite 690, Washington D.C. 20006, USA. Te3l: +1-202-887 6198), or '''New York''' (TRNC Office of the Representative, 821 United Nations Plaza, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA. Tel: +1-212-687 2350).
When passing a Green Line checkpoint between the Republic and TRNC, TRNC immigration will stamp a piece of paper instead of your passport. When arrving at an air or seaport, immigration official will do so on request, although TRNC stamps are no longer a major problem for later visits to Greece or Cyprus.
By plane
As the state is not recognised by any international organisation, its '''Ercan Airport''' is not recognised by the IATA. This means all flights (including charters) must touch down in Turkey before continuing to Ercan. Scheduled flights on '''Cyprus Turkish Airlines''' [http://www.kthy.net/] connect to various destinations in Turkey, as do those on '''Turkish Airlines''' [http://www.turkishairlines.com/]. Charter flights are also available with the Turkish carriers Onur Air, Fly Air, Atlas Jet and World Focus Airlines.
It is also possible to fly to airports in southern Cyprus (Larnaca is the closest) and take a taxi to the north, crossing the Green Line near Nicosia. It is best to have a travel operator arrange for a taxi from the north to collect you, since Greek Cypriot taxi drivers may not be willing to take tourists to the north. See details on crossing the Green Line below.
By boat
Frequent ferry services operated by '''Fergun Shipping''' [http://www.fergun.net/uk/index.htm] connect Kyrenia to Alanya and Ta?ucu in Turkey. There are occasional ferries to other destinations in Turkey as well.
By car
You can enter TRNC with a rented car from the South at any one of the border crossing points. You will need to purchase insurance for the North at the border, as the companies in the South do not provide coverage in the North. See details on crossing the Green Line below.
On foot
You can cross by foot at Ledra Street in the old town, and at the Ledra Palace crossing point to the west of the old town. Both crossings are for pedestrians only, so if you are travelling by car, you will need to use one of the other crossing points. See below for details on crossing the Green Line.
Going to and from the Republic of Cyprus
After the accession of Cyprus to the European Union, the restrictions on travel to the north from the Republic have been lifted. From the EU's point of view, the entire island is a part of its territory and thus, there can be no restrictions on EU citizens (including Cypriots) traveling across the Green Line.
EU citizens may thus now cross the Green Line regardless of point of entry into Cyprus (that is, from both south to north and north to south). Other nationalities — especially Turks — may sometimes still be turned back by Greek-Cypriot authorities if they entered the island via the north.
The main crossings between the south and north are:
Astromerits/Zodhia (by car only) - the westernmost crossing near the town of Morphou/Guzelyurt
Agios Dometios/Kermia/Metehan - major road and pedestrian crossing near Nicosia
Ledra Palace (pedestrians only) - the oldest crossing, just outside the walls of old Nicosia to the west of the city
Ledra Street (pedestrians only) - newest crossing opened on 3 April 2008 along Nicosia's old shopping street, making it the most central of all crossings.
Pergamos/Beyarmudu
Strovilia near Agios Nikolaos - located at the eastern part of the island near Famagusta
Get around
The most efficient way of travel throughout Northern Cyprus are taxis. For budget travelers who are not willing to pay for taxis everywhere, "dolmus" or "kombos" are excellent options. These are shared taxis that stop for people who wave them down. The price of travelling between major cities and towns via dolmus are much lower than taxis, however, there are no schedules. A taxi from Nicosia (''Lefkosa'') to Kyrenia (''Girne'') may cost 70-90 Turkish Lira, but a dolmus costs only 3-4 TL. Dolmus run often, and backpackers should be able to locate them in a few minutes. In city centers, there are usually plenty of dolmus options going to many cities. You can also hire a car at a reasonable cost and hiring a car will enable you to visit most of North Cyprus in one day.
Talk
The official language of Northern Cyprus is '''Turkish'''. English is also widely used, especially in the resort town of Kyrenia. However, the entire island is somewhat of a political and cultural melting pot and in villages off the beaten track, some locals still use Greek as their first language, even though they are 'Turkish' Cypriots.
See
Visit:
Bellapais Village in Kyrenia
St. Hilarion Castle in Fivefinger Mountains
Kyrenia Harbour and Castle
Salamis Ruins in Famagusta
Greek Inn in Nicosia
Do
Scuba diving.
Buy
Although New Turkish Lira is the official currency in the North, Euros and UK pounds are widely accepted in the bigger cities. Credit cards are also accepted in larger shops and supermarkets.
North Cyprus property is low cost in comparison to property in the south of Cyprus. However, potential buyers should be wary of title disputes, as title insurance is not generally available. Accordingly, it is very important to understand the various types of title deeds available in North Cyprus. See North Cyprus Title Deeds [http://www.wellestates.com/north_cyprus_title_deeds.htm].
Eat
Turkish-Cypriot cuisine is a fine blend of Turkish, Greek, Southern European, British and Middle Eastern cuisines featuring mouth watering seafood to kebabs, numerous mezes to delicious home made fruit preserves called macun (pronounced ma-joon).
Some of the key foods featured in the Turkish-Cypriot cuisine include Molehiya, Enginar Dolmasi, Kolokas, Bullez, Da??ac?k Kebabi, Cicek Dolmasi, Magarina-Bulli, Pilavuna, Bulgur Koftesi, Mucendra, Hummus Corbasi, Hellimli and Pirohu, etc..
Drink
Locally produced Raki (Ouzo), and all internationally imported varieties.
Sleep
Accommodation in Northern Cyprus is plentiful. Rooms are typically of lower standard than in Cyprus proper, and are correspondingly lower priced. The '''Northern Cyprus Hoteliers Association''' [http://northcyprus.net/] maintains a list of virtually all accommodation. Whether visiting Northern Cyprus or Cyprus proper, it is customary (and recommended) to thoroughly inspect the room you are considering prior to renting it.
Learn
There are a number of Universities in the North. See: [http://www.cypnet.com/.ncyprus/people/n-education.htm] for full details about the education system.
Work
Cope
Electricity
The electricity is 240v and the UK style 3 rectangular pinned plugs and sockets are used.
Stay healthy
There are many Gymnasiums situated in in the main cities such as Nicosia, Famagusta and Kyrenia
Stay safe
Northern Cyprus is a relatively safe place, as tourists do not have to worry much about crime. In Kyrenia, British retirees often speak of how safe they feel there, and that they can walk down dark streets at any time of night and feel safe.
Respect
Openly denigrating or insulting symbols of the state, especially the flag or Kemal Ataturk are liable to cause deep offence and possibly result in charges. One should also show respect in approaching people of the opposite sex or be mindful of any gestures which can be taken as insult, such as staring. Homosexuality is illegal in North Cyprus.
Contact
Telephone code
International calls are routed to Northern Cyprus via the Turkish area code 392. So when dialing from Turkey, the usual domestic format of ''0 + 392 + 7-digit local number'' is used, when calling from the other countries '' '''+90 + 392''' + 7-digit local number'' is used. On the other hand, calls from (southern Greek part of) Cyprus can be made by dialing ''0 + 139 + 7-digit local number'' format which charges at local rates as well as the international ''00 + 90 + 392 + 7-digit local number'' format which charges at international rates.