North Cyprus Antiquities

North Cyprus:

 Cyprus is an island located south of Turkey, which is divided into two parts, the northern and southern parts, with both of them having Nicosia as their capital. Nicosia is the only divided capital in the world. Considering the tourist attractions of this beautiful island, we have attempted to introduce to you all the places where you can enjoy and engage in recreational activities there in this article.

North Cyprus is an attractive destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The identity and allure of North Cyprus have drawn visitors from around the world. One of its main attractions is its rich history. In addition to its historical sites, North Cyprus is also famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, with kilometers of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged mountains. Another attraction of North Cyprus is its exceptional cuisine. It combines influences from Turkish, Greek, and Middle Eastern culinary traditions, resulting in unique and delicious dishes. Some of the must-try foods in North Cyprus include meze (an assortment of small dishes), kebabs, stuffed vine leaves, and baklava.

Culture of North Cyprus:

 The Turkish Cypriot culture is a rich and diverse culture with a history of over 9,000 years. It is influenced by Turkey, as well as neighboring Mediterranean countries, and is blended with unique Cypriot perspectives and local traditions. It also incorporates influences from British and contemporary Western cultures. Turkish Cypriots are known for their hospitality, and although their language is Turkish, they have their own Cypriot dialect.

 

 

Major Cities of North Cyprus:

Nicosia: The capital of North Cyprus, Nicosia, combines attractive modern and historical architecture. The city is divided into two parts, with the northern part under the control of the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) and the southern part under the control of the Greek Republic of Cyprus.

Kyrenia: Located on the northern coast of Cyprus, Kyrenia is a charming coastal city with a beautiful old town and a mix of medieval-era castle. The city is also home to a variety of renowned restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Famagusta: Famagusta is home to a collection of historical sites, including the ancient city of Salamis and the walled old town of Famagusta, located on the eastern coast of North Cyprus.

Güzelyurt: Located in the west of Cyprus, Güzelyurt is an attractive city known for its citrus orchards and traditional architecture. The city is also home to the ruins of Soli, an ancient Greek city.

Iskele: One of the largest cities in North Cyprus, Iskele has gained a reputation for its rapid development and growth. The city boasts sandy beaches and clear blue waters.

Ancient Sites in North Cyprus Cities:

 Nicosia:

The Great Inn: This structure is located in the center of the traditional market within the walls of Nicosia. It was built in the past to accommodate travelers from Anatolia and other parts of Cyprus. The mentioned building is square-shaped and has sixty-eight rooms on two floors. The ground-floor rooms were used as stables, warehouses, and shops, while the upper floor served as a residential area. In the center of the courtyard, there is a mihrab (prayer niche) for Muslims, supported by six balanced columns.

Bedesten: One of the most important historical structures in Nicosia is the Bedesten, which reflects a multicultural life within it. This church was initially built in the 7th century AD and underwent development and reconstruction between the 12th and 16th centuries AD. The structure has a cross-shaped layout belonging to the Byzantine style, while also featuring a tall vaulted hall in the Gothic style. The exterior niches of the hall have the most decorations and stone carvings.

Gamblers Inn: This building is known as the "Gamblers' Inn," which was constructed in the 17th century. It is an example of an Ottoman urban caravanserai, and like all caravanserais, its entrance leads to an open courtyard surrounded by a two-story structure, housing a total of 56 rooms. The upper floors were used by travelers, while the lower floors were designated for animals.

Anthropology Museum: This museum is designed to familiarize visitors with the culture and history of Northern Cyprus.

 Buyuk Mosque: Located in the heart of Nicosia, it is considered one of the historical and cultural landmarks of the city.

North Cyprus Folklore Museum: Recognized as one of the top folklore museums in the region, it showcases the historical and cultural heritage of the people of Northern Cyprus.

Aya Sophia Church: Situated in the heart of the city, it is a famous historical landmark built during the Crusader period.

 North Cyprus Maritime Museum: Located in the center of Nicosia, this museum focuses on the history and culture of Northern Cyprus. It displays various artifacts representing the history and culture of the region, including stained glass and tombstones.

Archeology Museum: Housed in a traditional house in the city center, this museum features exhibitions related to the history and culture of the city. It showcases ancient artifacts and local architecture.

 Kyrenia:

Kyrenia Castle & Museum Shipwreck: This castle was initially built by the Byzantines, possibly on the remains of a Roman fort, in the 7th century. Kyrenia Castle was constructed with thick walls to withstand artillery attacks and resist any kind of siege. It is located at the entrance of the famous harbor in the city. This structure is a large rectangular complex that includes a cistern, a dungeon, a small church, and two small museums.

The Shipwreck Museum House, located next to Kyrenia Castle, is one of the best museums for preserving marine artifacts in the world. This museum houses the remains of a shipwreck discovered in Cyprus.

The historical area of Saint Hilarion ( Saint Hilarion ) :

It is one of the important tourist attractions located in the north of the city, nestled along an old road and mountain valleys. This castle was built in the 12th century and later underwent repairs and reconstructions by the Lusignan dynasty. Due to its location on a mountain peak and its significant height, the castle offers a splendid view of the surrounding areas, including the Mediterranean Sea, to its visitors. With its strategic position commanding the passageway to Kyrenia, Hilarion Castle is the best-preserved ruin among the three castles of Kantara and Buffavento in the Kyrenia Mountain Range.

 

Bellapais : Bellapais is one of the villages in Northern Cyprus. This village is known for its beautiful church called "Abbey of Bellapais," which was built in the 13th century by Cypriot Knights. With its rich historical and cultural heritage, Bellapais is an important attraction for tourists. The Abbey of Bellapais, also known as the "Zone of the Dead," is one of the significant sights in Bellapais. This church, with its beautiful and ancient interior and exterior design, attracts archaeologists and art enthusiasts.

Harbour : Kyrenia city is believed to have been founded in the 1st millennium BC and was one of the early urban settlements. Its central location on the northern coastline made it an excellent hub for trade with Eastern countries and present-day Turkey. The restaurants and bars around the old horseshoe-shaped harbor of Kyrenia offer a unique atmosphere and hospitality to the guests.

Ayia Sophia Church: This church is located in the center of Girne (Kyrenia) city and is considered one of the notable attractions due to its unique and beautiful architecture.

Motorcycle Museum: This museum is situated in Girne city and showcases a collection of vintage and classic motorcycles ranging from the 1920s to 1970s.

Famagusta:

The ancient city Salamis : The ancient city of Salamis is located in the northeastern part of Cyprus and is one of the most important ancient cities in the country. It is situated in the Famagusta region, along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Salamis was founded during the Hellenistic period in the 2nd century BCE and grew in significance over the centuries, becoming a major cultural, commercial, and political center of Cyprus. During the Roman period, the city thrived and had numerous structures, including a theater, amphitheaters, and beautiful gardens. Today, the ancient city of Salamis is recognized as one of the most significant tourist attractions in Cyprus. Visitors can explore ancient ruins such as the grand theater of Salamis, the governor's palace, and other historical sites, while also enjoying the beautiful beaches of the city.

 

Othello Castle : The structure is known as the Othello Tower. It was initially built as a moat castle to protect the Famagusta harbor and serves as the main entrance to the city.

 

Lefke:

Pahace Vouni: This site is situated on a conical hill. It comprises a complex with three terraces, with the highest one containing the remains of the Athena shrine and the middle terrace housing the palace, which had 137 rooms and was surrounded by smaller religious structures. The lower terrace facing the sea consists of houses with stone foundations and upper floors made of clay bricks, primarily forming the temple structures, accommodating the residents. In the past, both the palace and the surrounding smaller buildings were mostly enclosed by a wall.

Petra Tou Limnidi: A small rock on the other side of the water is the first place of settlement in Cyprus. It is one of the oldest places suitable for habitation in Northern Cyprus. In the eastern part of the island, the remains of two huts from the Neolithic period have been found. Archaeologists believe that Petra tou Limnidi was once an island, although it is now located at a much lower sea level. Today, this location is a significant site for flamingo nesting.

 

İskele:

 Apostolos Andreas Monastery : The easternmost monastery on the island of Cyprus, which has been an important place of worship for followers of Orthodox Christianity in the land of Cyprus. The oldest remaining part of it is a small church from the 15th century, which was built near the coast.