North Nicosia

In Greek Cyprus, the divide of the island is presented in a weird way, almost denying that there is another country on the island. The border is called “the green line”, the border crossing is a “police checkpoint” and so on. But as a matter of fact, no matter how you view the situation, Northern Cyprus is a different country with a different language, currency, flag etc. Wikipedia says it’s a “de facto state”, recognised only by Turkey.

Northern Cyprus uses the Turkish Lira. Although currency exchanges clearly display exchange rates, you still have to count the money and haggle to get the right rate.

Streets

The Christmas decorations are the same as in the Greek half of Nicosia, but the Greek ones are sleeker.

Christmas decorations

Büyük Han is the largest caravanserai (a new funny word for me) on Cyprus.

Büyük Han

The city centre is small. Overall, the city feels small and semi-abandoned.

City center ends

Cozy house

Girne/Kyrenia

Towns in Northern Cyprus are known by two names: a Turkish (Girne) and a Greek name (Kyrenia). You would guess that only the Turkish name is used in Northern Cyprus, but the bus driver was shouting both versions. The bus stop for Girne is just outside the Venetian walls obviously by the Kyrenia Gate. A ticket costs 100 TL (€2.70).

Bus ride

Ataturk Monument

The Flag of Northern Cyprus looks stylish. I like it.

Flags

Sea front

Kyrenia has a lovely castle built by the Venetians.

Castle

Harbour

A church in the castle

PurpleCoco

Many ancient artifacts are carelessly left lying around.

Artifacts

Apart from the castle, nothing else to see in Girne. Maybe we should’ve gone to Gazimagusa/Famagusta instead.

North Nicosia

Back to Nicosia. By the way, the city is known as Lefkoşa in Northern Cyprus and as Lefkosia in Greek Cyprus. Nicosia is the international name.

Dusk

Büyük Han at night

Souvenir shop

At night most of the streets, even in the city centre, are dark.

Street art

Since Turkey struggles with high inflation, the prices are high in Northern Cyprus too. It is cheaper to eat in Greek Cyprus and the food is better there too. In fact, everything is better in Greek Cyprus. So we went back.