Northern Cyprus
From Imakoopedia
| Flag | |
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| Quick Facts | |
| Capital | Nicosia |
| Government | republic |
| Currency | Turkish lira (TRL) |
| Area | total: 3,355 sq km |
| Population | 210,047 (2003 est.) |
| Language | Turkish, English |
| Country Calling Code | +90 392 |
| Internet TLD | .nc.tr |
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC, Turkish Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti) is a self-proclaimed republic on the northern and eastern side of the island of Cyprus. Turkey is the only state which recognizes the TRNC.
| Table of contents |
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 emphasises traditional English spellings, that will most often be encountered by the traveller
Other destinations
Understand
The Republic of Cyprus gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1960. In 1974, a Greek-sponsored attempt to seize the government was met by military intervention from Turkey, which soon controlled almost 40% of the island. In 1983, the Turkish-held area declared itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized solely by Turkey.
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.
Get in
Citizens of the European Union, the US, Japan or most other industrialized countries do not need a visa to enter the TRNC. Others will need to apply at "representative offices" (the TRNC has no embassies outside Turkey) in London or Washington D.C..
As the TRNC continues to be under international embargo, travellers have precisely two options for reaching the would-be republic: transiting via Turkey, or day-tripping from south Nicosia.
By plane
Northern Cyprus's Ercan Airport is not recognized by the IATA, which means that all flights (including charters) must touch down in Turkey before continuing, usually in Istanbul. Scheduled flights on Cyprus Turkish Airlines (http://www.kthy.net/) connect to various destinations in Turkey.
By boat
Frequent ferry services operated by Fergün Shipping (http://www.fergun.net/uk/index.htm) connect Kyrenia to Alanya and Taşucu in Turkey. There are occasional ferries to other destinations in Turkey as well.
By car
You can enter the North with a rented car from the South, though this means that you will need a special insurance, available at the Northern Cypriot checkpoints at the Green Line, valid for 3 days (september 2004). As the Northern part is not internationally recognised however, if something happens to your car, nobody really knows who will pay what and how...
On foot
Travel from the South to the North is permitted at the sole border crossing in Nicosia. Formerly very strict regulations (must return before 5 PM on the same day, no large baggage, no cars, etc) have been relaxed recently, enquire locally for the latest scoop.
Get around
As in the south of the island, it is best to rent a car and drive around.
Talk
The official language of Northern Cyprus is Turkish. Some English is also spoken, although generally not nearly as well as in the South.
Buy
Although Turkish Lira is the official currency in the North, Cypriot Pound and Euro will be widely accepted in the bigger cities, mostly with a fair exchange rate.
Eat
Turkish-Cypriot food bears a distinct resemblance to Turkish cooking.
Drink
Sleep
Learn
Work
Cope
Electricity
Stay safe
Stay healthy
Respect
It is best to avoid discussion of the various merits of the Greek-Turkish divide and events beginning in 1974 in some quarters. Criticism of Turkey's founding father Atatürk is also not just unwelcome, but technically a crime.
Contact
Internet
External links
- Welcome to North Cyprus (http://www.tourism.trnc.net/) - official website, of limited use and often offline
- North Cyprus Home Page (http://www.cypnet.com/.ncyprus/root.html) - unofficial but noncommercial, apolitical and informative home page
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