Natural Life
Northern Cyprus hosts over 1600 plant specia of which 22 are endemic, 350 species of birds, of which 7 are endemic, and 26 different species of reptile and amphibia.
The two main reasons for this amazing diversity are, firstly, that Cyprus was not affected by the last ice-age (which wiped out many species from areas further north), and secondly, that Cyprus forms a resting and nesting station for birds migrating between Africa and Eastern Europe.
Areas of Northern Cyprus
Lefkoşa/Nicosia
Lefkoşa is the capital city of North Cyprus and also the centre of the administrative district. In the old city, beautiful examples of Gothic and Ottoman architecture abound – Selimiye Mosque, The Dervish Pasha Mansion and the Museum of Whirling Dervishes to name but a few.
North Cyprus
Revered as the unspoiled jewel of the Mediterranean, Northern Cyprus has always exuded a lazy charm that draws the visitor to its shores without even trying. With its miles of golden sands on the endless beaches of Karpaz, the generosity of the Turkish Cypriot people and the abundant selection of fresh foods, this part of the island is a haven for those who want to enjoy a serene yet better, quality of life.
A typical Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and relatively cool, short winters, the island can boast over 300 days of sunshine a year. The sea temperature is rarely below 16oC and rises to 28- 30oC during the summer months.
History of Northern Cyprus
It is not possible to say when first inhabitants of Cyprus lived, but it is believed possible that as long ago as 8.500 B.C. there were settlements on Cyprus.
Cyprus has had many names, but the name we use now is believed to have come from the word copper of which there was, and possibly still is, an abundance of on the island. An alternative theory is that its name comes from the word Kypros (the Greek for henna) of which there was also abundance. No one knows for sure.
