Maraş/Marash or Varosha, is a well-known area to all who live in Northern and Southern Cyprus, and one which is used often as an example of what still remains a huge bone of contention for the divided island.
Things are looking a little bit more positive with a brighter future perhaps on the horizon after the TRNC government announced a lifting of travel restrictions this week – just as the summer season begins! north cyprus summer 2021
Such a country as North Cyprus, so heavily reliant upon tourism as a huge part of its economy, this can only be seen as a good thing. To miss another season of summer visitors is pretty unthinkable for many people and businesses who rely totally on the summer season to see them through the winter months.
Lefkoşa, Nicosia or Lefkosia …all names for the last remaining divided city in the world, located in the centre of Cyprus. Lefkoşa is a large city with many districts, and we’ll give you a brief introduction to the heart of the city and its history.
The recent history of Cyprus is almost as turbulent as the island’s ancient history, and it has resulted in us living on a divided island to this day. There are many books written about the Cyprus Divide and we can only suggest that knowledge is sought by yourselves in to how this divide came to be. Below we state what is known and agreed upon, but should you be interested to know more and read various individual’s opinions on the complex and highly emotive subject then please visit our books section for some well researched material on the matter. We have gained most of our information from the CIA World Factbook.
Since 2003, the north and south of Cyprus have been accessible to each other via several checkpoints along the Green Line, all of which were opened as part of efforts aimed at reuniting the two Cypriot communities.
Today Europeans and Cypriots are able to use several border crossings in Cyprus, whether it’s to shop, trade or work. Currently there are 9 checkpoints open to pedestrians and/or traffic and below we will detail these for you. It’s worth noting that another checkpoint in Yeşilirmak on the far north-western tip of Cyprus could be set to open shortly and we will keep you up to date on that!
The economy in North Cyprus is severely hampered by its continuing isolation and the embargoes placed upon it. It relies heavily on Turkey for economic and monetary support.
On Sunday the 19th of April 2009, around 160,000 voters went to the polls in North Cyprus to elect their chosen government. After nearly 5 years in power, CTP (Republican Turkish Party) were ousted in favour of UBP (National Unity Party).
The last Census to be held in North Cyprus was in 2011, when everyone residing or holidaying in North Cyprus was required to stay at their place of residence so that the population could be counted.