|
•
Geography
Cyprus is the third largest
island in the Mediterranean after Sardinia and Sicily. It lies 70 kms.
from Turkey, 100 kms. from Syria and 320 kms. from Egypt.
•
Climate
Mediterranean climate, with
long dry summers from mid-May to mid-October and with mild winters from
December to February, which are separated by short autumn and spring
seasons.
•
Religion
Muslim %99, Orthodox,
Maronit and Catholic %1
•
Capital City
Lefkoşa (Nicosia) Population
39,176.
•
Other Cities
Gazimağusa (Famagusta)
population 27,637 , Girne (Kyrenia) population 14,205 , Güzelyurt
population 12,865 , Lefke population 6,490 , Yeni İskele population
2,814.
•
Area
3,355 kilometer
square.
•
Population
200,587.
•
Language
Language is Turkish but
English is widely understood.
•
How To Get To North Cyprus
The Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus can be reached by both sea and air.
By
Air; Cyprus Turkish Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Istanbul
Airlines provide an important network from international airports to Ercan
via Turkey. For the timetables, prices and information, inquiries can be
made at the offices of the above mentioned airlines and also from the
travel agents and foreign representatives.
By Sea; There
are scheduled ferry-boat services from Mersin to Gazimağusa (Famagusta)
three times a week. There are daily sea-bus and ferry services from Taşucu
to Girne. Also from Alanya, Antalya and Anamur services are organized
during summer months to Girne.
|
 |
•
Kıbrıs Turkish Airlines
- Lefkoşa: ++90 392 22
73 820
- Istanbul: ++90 212 267 09 73
- Ankara: ++90 312 418
04 25
- London: ++44 207 930 4851
- Heathrow: ++44 207 897
1731
•
Turkish Airlines
- Lefkoşa: ++90 392 22
71 061
- Ankara: ++90 312 419 28 00
- London: ++44 207 499 44
99
|
|
• Duty
Free Allowances
Up to 400 cigarettes per
adult, or 500 gram of tobacco or 50 cigars. 1 liter of spirits or 1 liter
of wine. Up to 100cl. Perfume. NB: It is strictly prohibited to export
antiques or archaeological materials.
•
Passports and Visas
A valid passport is necessary
for entering and a visa is granted on entrance to Northern
Cyprus.
•
Coastline
The beaches of Northern
Cyprus are among the cleanest and safest in the Mediterranean. The average
water temperature is 24C between May and October. The summer season sees
the Hotel Beaches offering an excellent service to its customers in terms
of eating and drinking facilities, not failing to mention the provision of
beach umbrellas and beach loungers. Some of these beaches will also offer
activities such as water skiing, banana rides, jet-ski, wind surfing and
scuba diving.
•
Emergency
Forest Fire 177, Police 155,
First Aid 112.
•
Accommodation
A wide range of accommodation
is offered, ranging from 1,2,3, and 4 star Hotels, Hotel-Bungalows,
Hotel-Apartments to camping and Self Catering Apartments and Villas.
•
Traffic
Please drive on the left.
Traffic and road signs are International. Maximum speed is 100km./hr.
Vehicles entering Northern Cyprus must be insured upon arrival. Seat belts
must be worn.. Drivers are prohibited to drive under the influence of
alcohol. The limit is 50 mgr (As in Europe).
•
Car Rental
This service is available in
all main towns and some hotels. British or International Drivers License
is required. Rental cars have red number plates.
•
Telephone
The code for England is 00 44
followed by the local number but omitting the first number (0). From
England the code is 00 90 392 followed by the local Cypriot number. Public
telephone booths are available and telephone cards can be purchased from
the Telecommunications Office.
•
Post
The outgoing postal system is
reliable. Incoming mail must be suffixed “Mersin-10, Turkey” and not
“Northern Cyprus”. The history of the postal service in Northern Cyprus
will definitely be of interest to all philatelists.
•
Electricity
220/240 Volts A/. A standard
three pin British plug is used.
•
Public Transport
A good, inexpensive network
of buses and mini-buses operates between all the main towns, in addition
there are Dolmuş (shared taxis) operating on the same routes. Taxis are
widely available but do not carry a meter, however, there are standard
journeys.
•
Restaurants
A large selection of
restaurants exist, ranging from the humble Çorbacı (Soup House) where
truly ethnic cuisine is served, to fashionable French, Chinese and Indian
Cuisine Restaurants. Prices vary accordingly. There are also a number of
excellent Cypriot Cuisine Restaurants which offer very good value for
money.
•
Bars
A wide range to suit all
tastes, serving, local beers, rakı and brandy and of course imported
alcohol.
• Tourist
Information
Tourist Information Offices
are available in all major towns. Tour guides, Hotel Receptionists, Taxi
drivers and the locals are also a good source of
information.
•
Opening Hours
Shops are open with some
variations but generally
Summer: 8:00-13:00 and 16:00-19:00
Winter:
9:00-13:00 and 14:00-18:00
Banks
(Mon-Fri)
Summer: 8:00-12:00
Winter:
8:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00
Public
Services
Summer:
Monday, 07:30-14:00
and 15:30-18:00
Tuesday-Friday, 07:30-14:00
Winter
Monday-Friday,
08:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00
•
Currency
The Turkish Lira. Euro
checks, Travelers Checks, Sterling, Dollars and other major currencies may
be used or exchanged in the larger towns. NB. While no restrictions are
placed on imports of foreign exchange, large amounts should be declared to
customs upon entry. Up to $10,000 may be exported.
•
Public Holidays
1 January, New Year’s
Day
23 April, Children’s Day
1 May, Labor Day
19 May, Youth and
Sports Day
20 July, Peace and Freedom Day
30 August, Victory
Day
29 October, Turkish Republic Day
15 November, Northern Cyprus
Republic Day
There are also several Religious
holidays or “Bayrams” which like the Christian festival of Easter, change
every year.
Periods in the
History of Cyprus
|
Neolithic |
7000-3900BC |
|
Chalcolithic |
3900-2600BC |
|
Early Bronze Age |
2300-1850BC
|
|
Middle Bronze Age |
1900-1600BC
|
|
Late Bronze Age |
1650-1050BC
|
|
Geometric Period
|
1050-750BC
|
|
Archaic Period |
750-475BC
|
|
Classical Period |
475-325BC
|
|
Hellenistic Period |
325-58BC
|
|
Roman Period |
58-330AD
|
|
Byzantine Period |
330-1191AD
|
|
The Luciana Dynasty |
1192-1489AD
|
|
Venetian Period |
1489-1571AD
|
|
Ottoman Empire Rule
|
1571-1878AD
|
|
British Rule |
1878-1960 |
|
BI-Communal Society
(Republic
of Cyprus)
|
1960
|
|
Turkish Intervention
|
1974
|
|
Independent N.
Cyprus
(Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus)
|
1983-
|
| 
