Turkey - Northern Cyprus - Nature Paradise Between Orient And Occident (102/151)

Turkey - Northern Cyprus - Nature Paradise Between Orient And Occident (102/151)

The ruins of sports arenas and baths of the antique Greek and Roman city Salamis are to be found beside early Christian tombs and churches. Only a few kilometres away is the harbour city of Famagusta whose old city centre is surrounded by a completely intact Venetian city wall. Behind this the houses are towered over by the ruins of many churches, built among others by the French aristocratic family of Lusignan. The Ottomans later added a minaret to the splendid Gothic cathedral, and since then it has served as a mosque. For more than 30 years Cyprus has been divided - the "Green Line" also divides the capital city of Lefcosa/Nicosia. After Cyprus was admitted to the EU, the border was opened and Cypriots from north and south are now able to travel to the other part of the island. In fact, however, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus does not belong to the EU, on the contrary an embargo has been imposed on it, and it is only recognised internationally by Turkey. Thus Northern Cyprus is a land whose history has been determined from Antiquity to the present day by the intervention of the great powers. A history that is visible everywhere and influences the everyday life of the people. And also makes Northern Cyprus an insider tip for tourists.