Cyprus Famagusta Regional Guide

Famagusta is a special Cyprus port city with its location, history and nature. It is located in the east of Northern Cyprus. Famagusta is adjacent to the cities of Girne, Nicosia and Iskele on the one hand. Some call it Famagusta, some call it Famagusta. But its official name is Famagusta. Its English equivalent is Famagusta. Tourism, education and the real estate / construction sector, which has been active in recent years, have an important place in the economy of Famagusta. Eastern Mediterranean University, one of the biggest universities of the TRNC, is also located in Famagusta. With the new universities opened after EMU, Famagusta is also known as the student city of the TRNC. When you look at its past, Famagusta is a city that smells of history from every corner. The city is thought to have been founded by the Egyptian Ptolemy King Philadelphus II (285–247 BC). Due to its location, the city became the most strategic commercial center during the Lusignan period in the 13th century on the East-West trade route and has preserved this feature throughout history.

Famagusta is a city that smells of history from the churches of the Knights Templar to the castles surrounding the port, from Ottoman architecture to the British period. This historical city has also hosted the Knights of Malta for years. Therefore, if you go to Famagusta, you should definitely visit the church district and listen to the story of that region from a local guide. Today, it is also known as the City with 365 Churches. And while you're there, we suggest you take a pleasant break at Petek Patisserie.

Famagusta Weather

Actually, there is a Mediterranean climate here too. The summers are hot and dry, and the winters are mild. It doesn't get much rain. However, due to the city's infrastructure problems, occasional heavy rains make Famagusta look like Venice. Therefore, if you are going to plan a holiday, make sure to review the Famagusta weather forecasts beforehand. If it rains, especially if you hear a thunderstorm warning, postpone your plans to another time.

Famagusta Shopping Centers

City Mall AVM, the largest shopping center in Northern Cyprus, is in Famagusta. The business, which is in the center of the city, gathers many famous brands under one roof. Apart from the shopping mall, the culture of street shops is also very common, just like other TRNC cities. You can easily find many brands you are looking for. Like shopping, there are many restaurants and cafes in Famagusta. Due to the high density of students, the number of such places is increasing day by day.

Famagusta Holiday Opportunities

We can say that Famagusta is a city where work, life and vacation intersect. You can easily establish this triple balance by living in Famagusta. There are many options for those who come for the holidays. Whether it's Famagusta hotels, Famagusta boutique hotels, or the region's most popular bungalow-type holiday homes…

The sea of ​​Famagusta is quite calm and clean. Therefore, let us also state that the priority of those who plan a holiday in this city is to swim in the sea.

Varosha 

Varosha is the Greek name for Marash. Marash as the Turkish speaking say,  is the most famous area of ​​the island of Cyprus. It was once frequented by world stars staying at its luxury hotels,  gambling at casinos and relaxing at the  unique beach. It once  hosted world famous stars such as Marliyn Monroe and Sophia Loren.

After  1974 it was declared a military zone controlled by the Turkish military and has been closed to the public.  Since then it is referred to as Closed Varosha. By a  joint decision of TRNC government  and the Republic of Turkey in October 8, 2020, not privately owned public areas have begun to be restored as maybe first steps towards a  reopening of Closed Varosha.

The public part of Varosha is open to controlled visits. The concept of mourning tourism is in the forefront here, getting visitors of thousands reminiscing about the place.

Being in Varosha is like travelling in time back to the beginning of 70’s. Time stood still there. Banks, hotels, houses, apartments froze in time. The only place used is the Military Guest House of the Turkish Army sitting on the beautiful beach all by itself. Other than that there is no settlement to date.

Famagusta Universities:

Universities are the driving force of the population and the economy of the city.

That’s why Famagusta is a true university city in comparison to other TRNC cities.

Anyone who visits Famagusta during the semester holidays will understand the point we’re getting at.

Dormitories, rental homes, cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, even streets are deserted.

The influence of students is great in every part of the city.

The number of students in Famagusta is well over 20 thousand nowadays.

The biggest share of this potential is brought to life by the Eastern Mediterranean University, the first university in the TRNC.

EMU also operates as the only state university of the TRNC.

Founded in 1979, the university has a total of 108 associate and undergraduate programs, 96 master’s and doctoral programs in 12 faculties and 4 colleges.

Eastern Mediterranean University is listed as the best universities in the world by many international independent rating organizations. 17.500 students from 106 countries are attending the Eastern Mediterranean University educated by over 1.100 scholars from 35 countries.

Famagusta Accomodation

The higher the number of students, the higher the demand for dormitories.

Famagusta student dormitories are one of the prime areas  where the private sector has invested.

Many construction companies also operate dormitories.

The Famagusta KYK Dormitory is the most remarkable among dormitories in Famagusta.

Eastern Mediterranean University has its own dormitories in the compound and private dormitories increasing standards continuously are on the preference list of students.

Students generally prefer to stay in the dormitory during their first year of enrollment.

After they start making friends and get to know their way around the city they tend to rent a flat with their mates.  Famagusta is equipped for that and offers a lot of affordable housing which in return is a lucrative opportunity for investors to buy those kind of flats and rent them out.  These rentals are paid cash in advance in dollars for one year usually.

Famagusta Travel Guide

Othello Castle

The Othello Castle, one of the main entrances of old Famagusta city, was built by the Lusignans in the 14th century to protect the city from attacks. Shakespeare  was inspired by the story to write his famous play named after the castle centuries later probably in 1603.

There are rumors that Leonardo Da Vinci initiated the defense systems of the castle during his stay in Cyprus.

Today, the hall inside the castle is actively used. Many events of Famagusta Culture, Art and Tourism Festival, organized by Famagusta Municipality, are held there.

Salamis Ancient City 

Cyprus Famagusta Salamis Ruins are an absolute must to visit.  Salamis is 6 kilometers north of modern Famagusta.

According to research, its history dates back to the 11th century BC. Cyprus was a significant hub of early trade networks and copper was an essential metal. Cyprus was administrated by City-states later on and the kings of those various cities accumulated wealth and power.

According to one legend, Salamis was founded after Enkomi (Alasia)  was destroyed after the great earthquake and its people settled in this region.

Homeric epics state that Teucer, the son of King Telamon is  the founder of the city, after fleeing the Trojan War and not being able to return. Salamis Ancient City hosted many civilizations during its existence. It is a city that has seen the Assyrian, Egyptian and Persian sovereignty, and survived the ruling periods of Alexander the great and the  Romans.

Salamis City experienced many earthquakes and suffered great damage over centuries which led to the destruction beginning of the 4th century.  It was rebuilt on a smaller scale but the silting of the harbour led to a gradual decline.

Salamis is also believed to have been the first stop on Saint Paul’s first journey after heading out from Antioch of Syria, considered to be one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age.

When Arab raids started in 647 the city was destroyed once again  and the people of Salamis migrated to Famagusta.

The Wall and Harbor, Salamis Gymnasium, Amphitheater, Roman Villa, Byzantine Cistern, St. Epiphanios Basilica, Agora, Roman Baths, Necropolis, Cellarga Mass Tombs and Nikokreon Monument and the Temple of Zeus  are among the structures within the ruins of Salamis Ancient City.

For many years, the city was also treated as a source of building materials, and during the Venetian period, many columns and pieces of sculpture were removed from the site. Shifting sands however encompassed most of the city and protected it from the hands of looters. The first real scaled excavations commenced in the 1950’s. The remains of the structure of the city can be traced back to all civilizations once being there. Although the city predominantly still remains buried under the sands, Salamis Ruins  are very impressive and well worthy of a visit.

Salamis Gymnasium is still used as an amphitheater today. It hosts many summer concerts and Famagusta International Culture and Art Festival.

Salamis Ancient City 

Cyprus Famagusta Salamis Ruins are an absolute must to visit.  Salamis is 6 kilometers north of modern Famagusta.

According to research, its history dates back to the 11th century BC. Cyprus was a significant hub of early trade networks and copper was an essential metal. Cyprus was administrated by City-states later on and the kings of those various cities accumulated wealth and power.

According to one legend, Salamis was founded after Enkomi (Alasia)  was destroyed after the great earthquake and its people settled in this region.

Homeric epics state that Teucer, the son of King Telamon is  the founder of the city, after fleeing the Trojan War and not being able to return. Salamis Ancient City hosted many civilizations during its existence. It is a city that has seen the Assyrian, Egyptian and Persian sovereignty, and survived the ruling periods of Alexander the great and the  Romans.

Salamis City experienced many earthquakes and suffered great damage over centuries which led to the destruction beginning of the 4th century.  It was rebuilt on a smaller scale but the silting of the harbour led to a gradual decline.

Salamis is also believed to have been the first stop on Saint Paul’s first journey after heading out from Antioch of Syria, considered to be one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age.

When Arab raids started in 647 the city was destroyed once again  and the people of Salamis migrated to Famagusta.

The Wall and Harbor, Salamis Gymnasium, Amphitheater, Roman Villa, Byzantine Cistern, St. Epiphanios Basilica, Agora, Roman Baths, Necropolis, Cellarga Mass Tombs and Nikokreon Monument and the Temple of Zeus  are among the structures within the ruins of Salamis Ancient City.

For many years, the city was also treated as a source of building materials, and during the Venetian period, many columns and pieces of sculpture were removed from the site. Shifting sands however encompassed most of the city and protected it from the hands of looters. The first real scaled excavations commenced in the 1950’s. The remains of the structure of the city can be traced back to all civilizations once being there. Although the city predominantly still remains buried under the sands, Salamis Ruins  are very impressive and well worthy of a visit.

Salamis Gymnasium is still used as an amphitheater today. It hosts many summer concerts and Famagusta International Culture and Art Festival.

St. Barnabas Monastery & Icon Museum

Just opposite of the huge necropolis of Salamis is the church dedicated to St. Barnabas, patron saint of Cyprus. Encountering various rulers with different religious beliefs, from Muslim to Christian and Pagan. cultures have intermingled and crossed in Cyprus, where churches and mosques sit side by side.

The St. Barnabas churches discovery dates back to 480 AD. The Archbishop convinced the Roman emperor to self-govern the church and achieved a special status. The church as such was replaced in the 18th century by the monastery. Once the centre of the Cyprus Orthodox church, this monastery is still in good condition.

Over the years, the number of resident monks reduced, and by the 1950’s consisted of only three brothers who had dedicated themselves and even built a bell tower in 1958.

It is now used as an icon museum featuring  many artefacts including one of the best collections of Bronze Age and Early Iron Age antiquities in North Cyprus. It still retains an air of sanctity and peace. The archaeological museum holds relics from the nearby antique city of Enkomi, dating back to a time influenced by ancient Egypt.

Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque

The Mosque of Lala Mustafa Pasha  is one of the most visited and photographed places during  Famagusta visits.

The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque was originally built by the Lusignians as the Latin Cathedral of Saint Nicholas and is one of the most impressive Frankish buildings still to survive in the Near East.

August 1571, When Cyprus fell under Ottoman control in August 1571 the cathedral was converted into a mosque and interestingly renamed the St. Sophia Mosque of Famagusta. Some stained glass was replaced by clear glass, and as in all mosques, and the floor of the church was covered by a carpet enabling some tombs to survive to this day. Its use as a mosque spared it from the Baroque additions and 19th-century restorations so that the architecture remained entirely intact. Therefore, the building is still a rare example of pure Gothic architecture.

The name St. Sophia Mosque was continued to be used until 1954, and was renamed then like its sister in Nicosia.  It is today known as the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, after the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire who led its forces against the Venetians in Cyprus in the 1570 Ottoman conquest.

Namık Kemal, einer der führenden Dichter und Schriftsteller der türkischen Literatur, wurde 1840 in Tekirdağ geboren.

Er gehört zu den wichtigsten Dichtern und Intellektuellen der Tanzimat-Zeit. Er ist bekannt als der Dichter, der das Konzept von Patriotismus und Freiheit in die türkische Literatur einfließen ließ. Ein Dichter, der auch Mustafa Kemal Atatürk beeinflusst hat.

Er war der erste Schriftsteller, der in der türkischen Literatur Theaterstücke im modernen europäischen Sinne schrieb.

Kemal, der als Shakespeare der türkischen Literatur bekannt ist, verbrachte zwischen 1873 und 1876 38 Monate seines Lebens im Exil. Obwohl er an Malaria und anderen Krankheiten litt, schrieb er in dieser Zeit des Exils viele Werke.

Er schrieb das berühmte „Vatan Yahut Silistra“ (Vaterland oder Silistria – *eine Stadt in Bulgarien, die sich auf den russisch-osmanischen Krieg bezieht). Namik Kemal wurde am 9 . Das Stück, das direkt nach der Belagerung von Silistria aufgeführt wurde, wurde von der osmanischen Regierung als gefährlich angesehen, da es Nationalismus und Liberalismus förderte.

Als Namik Kemal nach Famagusta kam, wohnte er zunächst im Erdgeschoss. Seine Ausgangszelle beschrieb er als zu dunkel und als ungeeigneten Ort zum Leben. Das Zimmer war tatsächlich knapp über zehn Quadratmeter groß und ohne Möbel. Nach einiger Zeit wurde er mit Erlaubnis des zypriotischen Gouverneurs Veysi Pasha in das darüber liegende Stockwerk versetzt.

Namik Kemal wurde von Murad V. begnadigt und kehrte nach der Entthronung von Abdulaziz nach Istanbul zurück.

Derselbe Dungeon wurde Berichten zufolge auch von den britischen Behörden während des Ersten Weltkriegs genutzt.

Das Verlies, in dem er aufbewahrt wurde, und das an das Verlies angrenzende Gebäude werden heute als Museum genutzt. Diejenigen, die das Museum besuchen, werden viele Dinge finden, die mit dem Leben und Werk von Namik Kemal zu tun haben.

Da der Gründer der Republik Türkei, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, auf Namik Kemals Werke als eine wichtige Inspirationsquelle verweist, genießt er für viele in der Türkei und Nordzypern immer noch den Status eines literarischen Helden.