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Understanding the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

The island of Cyprus is divided into four partitions with most of it being controlled by the Republic of Cyprus and a small percentage split between the British-controlled Sovereign Base areas and the Green Line which is run by the United Nations. The other portion is under the territory of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The name may not be all too familiar but the country has been an independent state for more than two decades now. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus declared its independence from Cyprus in 1983. Curiously, only Turkey recognized the republic and Cyprus still takes it as an illegal occupation force. Even the United Nations consider it as still a part of Cyprus by pressing a ruling that exports should bear the authorization of the official government. All restrictions are currently being relaxed at this point so people from the north have begun to seek for better professional opportunities down south of the island posing a great concern for the TRNC.

But more than the country’s disturbed political background the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is still known to offer some of the most notable attractions in the island. For this reason, it has been receiving its own share of travelers from all over the world.

People and culture

Most of the inhabitants of the TRNC are Greek-speaking Cypriots. This group makes up about eighty-five percent of the state’s total population. Twelve percent are ethnic Turks with the remaining portion composed of various ethnic minorities in the land including Maronites (Christian Arabs) and Armenians. Due to mass migrations and political and social discord, the two major ethnic groups have become geographically separated with the Turks occupying the northern region and the Greeks going south. Both groups have managed to retain their own customs and culture. The state, as a whole, has yet to establish its own distinctive cultural identity as it is still considered divided by many international organizations.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is predominantly a Turkish-speaking state but English is also widely spoken, albeit as a second language. The older population can understand and speak Greek and there is also a small group of its citizens that can speak the native Greek Cypriot dialect.

Tourism

Tourism is one major economic driver in the TRNC. It features a wide range of attractions that cater to every which type of traveler. Culture-based tourism is widely being promoted as the state features various architectural landmarks that manifest its rising culture. One notable tourist spot is the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque located in Famagusta. It was originally called the Saint Nicolas Cathedral before it was converted to a Muslim place of worship in 1571.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is also home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. This is one reason why it still receives a lot of guests to this day. Most of the students here come from different ethnic groups from all over the world.