Northern Cyprus - Brief History and information
Occupying about 3,570 miles in the Mediterranean, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is rapidly becoming a favorite for many tourists. With golden beaches, olive groves, and crystal blue waters, it is not hard to see why so many would be attracted. Although Turkish is the primary language, English is common as well, perhaps to accommodate for tourists. The citizens are known to be friendly, and to make visitors feel at home. Year-round there are many festivals and activities for all to enjoy.
Giving Northern Cyprus its independence, the Treaty of Zurich was signed in 1960. Along with independence, the treaty offered the island protection to the rights of the Turkish Cypriot population residing there. Listed as guarantors of the treaty were Turkey, Greece, and Britain. However, within a few years as the Turkish and Greek relationship was strained, the treaty began to deteriorate. It wasn't until 1983 that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was deemed to be fully independant of the Republic of Cyprus. To this day the island is divided, which is apparent when driving through checkpoints from Northern and Southern Cyprus.
During the summer months, Northern Cyprus experiences tropic heats, often stopping manual labor. With heat constant most of the year, cooking is usually done outside to prevent over-heated homes. When the sun is down, locals enjoy sitting on the beach, looking out onto the ocean as the boats travel in and out of the harbor. The winter, however, is short, wet, and slightly cool. While it may rain more during the winter, there is enough sunshine to balance the days.
Family is the center of most Cypriots' lives, even while participating in festivals. In fact, many festivals have a family-related focus, such as April 23, which is Children's Day. The ties built within families of Northern Cyprus seem to be the main attitude of the whole island. This attitude has made the island known for its hospitality. With such positive residents, the island seems secure in itself, with most residents not even locking their cars or houses.
If driving in Northern Cyprus, one may notice that, similar to the UK, moving cars stay in the left lanes. Check points in the north and south of the island require passports in order to move on, as well as an inventory of what you have in your load. For instance, an individual may only have 40 cigarettes when entering the south. New cars are few, because while the cost of living is considered very low, import taxes keep new car prices steep.
Northern Cyprus is considered by many a great place to visit, or even to retire. With great government incentives for those retiring on the island, it is a hard option to decline. The friendly, family-like environment that Cypriots are known to create makes resisting bringing your family to visit nearly impossible. The majestic views that the island provides are seemingly heavenly. There is great medical care, wonderful places to shop, and always a festival to attend or a friend to make.
Northern Cyprus is considered by many a great place to visit, or even to retire. With great government incentives for those retiring on the island, it is a hard option to decline. The friendly, family-like environment that Cypriots are known to create makes resisting bringing your family to visit nearly impossible. The majestic views that the island provides are seemingly heavenly. There is great medical care, wonderful places to shop, and always a festival to attend or a friend to make.