North Cyprus History

25 October, 2009

St. Barnabas – Patron Saint of Cyprus

Standing on a slight rise and overlooking the huge necropolis of Salamis is the twin- domed church dedicated to St. Barnabas, patron saint of Cyprus. This church, now used as an icon museum with the ancillary monks’ cells housing an […]
25 October, 2009

Iskele

Formerly called Trikomo, this village is inhabited by Turkish Cypriots from the Turkish quarter of Larnaca. Iskele means jetty and when the Turkish Cypriots moved north after partition, they brought the name of their district with them. The village is […]
25 October, 2009

Nicosia

Nicosia | North Cyprus The capital city of Cyprus is Nicosia, Lefkosa in Turkish, Lefkosia in Greek. It is the only divided capital city in the world and is the administrative centre for both the recognised Republic of South Cyprus […]
25 October, 2009

The Sea Gate

This was the second of the two main entrances to the city during medieval times, giving access to travellers from the harbour. The sea gate we see today was constructed by the Venetians and was built by Nicolo Prioli in […]
24 November, 2009
evil eye

Legends – The Nazar – Evil Eye

The Nazar, also called the “Evil Eye” Used by many religions and cultures throughout the world, and a potent symbol against evil from pagan times, is the Nazar. It is used in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and has […]
25 October, 2009

The Bedestan

The Bedestan, is to be found immediately adjacent to the Selimiye Mosque and is an amalgamation of two churches. One dedicated to St. Nicholas of the English and the other dedicated to The Virgin Mary. It became the Orthodox Metropolitan […]
25 October, 2009

The Twin Churches of the Templars and Hospitallers

The Twin Churches of the Templars and Hospitallers | Famagusta Close to the main square are the two 14th C churches that have undergone several periods of refurbishment yet for the most part stay resolutely closed. The interiors have little […]
25 October, 2009

Lusignan Round Tower

Lusignan Round Tower | Kyrenia Old Kyrenia was surrounded by walls with fortified towers. The best preserved of these is the only complete tower known as The Round Tower. It is on the right of the high street heading westwards […]
26 October, 2009

Ayios Epiphanios Basilica

Ayios Epiphanios Basilica There is tarmac road leading from the rear of the theatre that forks left and right. Take the left fork and follow the road passing a villa with visible bath and furnace area on the left, until […]
25 October, 2009

Church of SS Peter and Paul

Church of SS Peter and Paul | Famagusta This church, lies to the south of the palace and though closed to the public is in good repair. It was used at one time as a mosque, the remains of the […]