ABOUT NORTHERN CYPRUS
The first inhabitants of Cyprus thought to have migrated to the island from Anatolia, Syria or Palestine between the years 7000-6500BC. The mountains of the countries of these people that were claimed to come to the island with rafts when they were escaping from natural hazard and enemy attacks are seen from the island in open weathers. The name of Cyprus came from the rich copper mines that were started to process from the Bronze Age which is the most important island in the Eastern Mediterranean. Its location and its natural resources such as olives, cereals and grape made Cyprus a very important trade center. With these properties, many old civilizations tried to capture it and those which managed, each left behind important cultural heritage and made the island center of attraction. Egyptians, Assyrian, Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Lousianans, Venetians and Ottomans were the most important civilizations which ruled Cyprus. Cyprus, with its natural beauties and historical richness is also the center of attraction of todays.
TRNC
Established on: 15 November 1983
Capital of North Cyprus(TRNC): Lefkosa / Nicosia
Area: 3,355 km2
Population: 208,886
Other Major Towns: Girne ( Kyrenia ), Gazi Magusa ( Famagusta ), Guzelyurt ( Morphou ), Iskele
Language: Although, Turkish is the official language, English is also widely used and understood. Many hotels employ German speaking personnel. Some of the hotels have Arabic or French speaking personnel too.
Climate: In Cyprus, where the typical Mediterranean climate is dominant, summers are hot and dry and winters are generally rainy and warm. In summer the average temperature is over 30C ( 90F ) and in the coldest months, it is around 10C ( 50F ).
Time: Local time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time ( GMT ), however, from April to September, the local time is three hours ahead of GMT. For the rest of the year the time difference is two hours.
Passport and Visa: One can be admitted to Cyprus with any passport. In admission, mostly three months visa is given. In order to extent the period admission is done at the Immigrant Office. Children younger than 16 years can be admitted with their parent's passport.
Custom: There is no custom for the private belongings and food brought by the tourists coming to the island. It is forbidden to take historical work of arts found in Cyprus outside the island.
Traffic: In the TRNC traffic flows from the left. International road and traffic signs are used. Maximum traveling speed is 100 km/h. Seat belts are obligatory.
Telephone: In order to call TRNC from abroad, after dialing 0090 392, local numbers should be dialed. You can obtain telephone cards for the public telephones present in entire TRNC, from the post offices.
Banks and Currency: In TRNC, numerous Turkish and Turkish Cypriot Banks operate and they are open from Monday to Friday ( except public holidays ) between 08:00-12:00 / 14:00-16:00 hours. Turkish Lira is used as the local currency. Exchanging all the currencies in banks, exchange offices and in hotels is possible. Visa card, credit card, master and euro cards, checks etc... can be used in place of cash.
Opening Hours:
Shops are open with some variations but generally:
Summer: 08:00-13:00 / 16:00-19:00
Winter: 09:00-13:00 / 14:00-18:00
Public Services:
Summer:
Monday: 07:30-14:00 / 15:30-18:00
Tuesday to Friday : 07:30-14:00
Winter:
Monday to Friday: 08:00-13:00 / 14:00-17:00
Museums: During the summer season visiting hours of the museums can change. For information, you can apply to Office of Museums and Old Work of Arts ( 0090 392 227 2916 ).