The unloved child of Europe

In a meeting with President Dr Dervis Eroglu, of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), he explained that a united Cyprus gained independence from British rule in August 1960.
There is a historical dispute between Greek Cypriot-controlled Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot under the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This was partly ignited in a 1974 coup d’état that ended in Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Even then, TRNC is still accessible through Turkey.

On a chilly morning, we touched down at Ercan Airport, which is a beehive of sorts. Cab drivers, dressed in heavy jackets and hoods, are on the lookout for customers as they puff away. Some of them sit by one of the cafes at the airport, taking coffee or tea to warm their bodies. Travellers are on the move in or out of the airport, and continuing to different destinations.

After a few minutes of waiting, we are able to find our hosts, two ladies, who warmly welcome us. They offer to carry our luggage and off we proceed to the beautiful and inviting Golden Tulip Hotel, located on Dereboyu Street, about 25 kilometres from the airport.
The air in Northern Cyprus is fresh and clean and the people are easy. In the morning, traders sit in their shops and on verandas while a sea of people walk the same streets, a few stopping to buy and bargain over an item or more.

Sights
This part of Cyprus has some places to go. In the city, tourists move in groups. There are a number of historical places to see in cities such as Girne, Lefkosa, Gazimagusa, Atlilar, Murataga and the Sandallar mass graves.
In these places you will find a lot of ancient art inscribed on walls to preserve culture and entertainment.
In Girne you will come face to face with the Kyrenia Castle, situated in the North East and serves as a backdrop of the city’s harbour. The castle, built by the Venetians, lies a 12th century chapel showing reused former Roman capitals, and the Shipwreck Museum.
The Kyrenia Department of Antiquities is now in charge of the historical place that has become a favourite with tourists who enjoy taking tours and photographs especially its beautiful backdrop over the harbour.

There are also a number of natural curve-outs that also offer good backgrounds. As you head up, there are rooms containing the Shipwreck Museum. In it are remains of a Greek merchant ship. It is one of oldest cargo-filled vessels that were recovered.
History has it that it was sailing to Cyprus when it was wrecked by a strong storm at the Kyrenia harbour. Tourism is one of the big foreign income earners because of its rich history, culture and architecture.