Photos from North Cyprus


The history of Northern Cyprus began with the independence of a united Cyprus from British rule in 1960. Over the years, tensions grew between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots. In 1974 the Greek Cypriots wing of the government created a policy aimed at a union with Greece. This triggered protests by Turkish Cypriots. The reprisal from the Greek Cypriot paramilitary, backed by the military junta ruling Greece at the time, was very violent. In response, the Turkish army invaded the north of the island. As a result, Cyprus was partitioned and the north subsequently declared its independence in 1983, although only Turkey has recognised it.

nicosia street

Lefkosa : portrait of Ataturk and flags of Turkey and North-Cyprus

 

lefkosa north cyprus

- This is a street in Lefkosa -

The church beyond this gate lies in the demilitarised zone between the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (or KKTC, only recognised by Turkey) and greek populated Cyprus in the south. The capital of Cyprus is called Nicosia by the greeks in the south part, and Lefkosa by the turks in the north part.
When I was there, it was not possible to travel from the KKTC to the south of the island. This island suffered a war between turks and the greeks, which led to partition, but but the two cypriot governments are now working towards better relations.

 

Lala Mustafa Pasha

Famagusta : Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque
(as you can see, it was formerly a church, then a minaret was added)

 

famagusta

Famagusta / Gazimagusa : an corridor in old ruins, a hole in the roof and some dust
Star Trek "beam me up" technology , medieval version

 


North Cyprus was part of the 2000-2001 trip

read about this part of my trip : § 1  2
banknotes / billets de banque
lire sur cette partie du voyage : § 1  2

 

from and to Turkey

 

 
 

 


 

  Middle East


© Denis LeGourriérec
No material may be used
without my agreement

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