The division of Cyprus between Greek and Turkish residents represents a festering sore for the European Union and for the wider international community. Resolutions have been painfully pursued since 1974, when the island was divided, but none has yet satisfied both sides. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus continues to face embargoes from the EU and most large states.
The time has come for a further push, this time by Gordon Brown, the UK prime minister, and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s prime minister, to bring northern Cyprus back into the fold. The two men recently proposed an initiative at the United Nations, where there is a will to continue the process, initiated by Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary-general, which culminated in a referendum in 2004. Both sides were asked to vote on unification around a carefully balanced series of compromises. Two-thirds of Turkish Cypriots voted in favour, but two-thirds of Greeks voted against and the issue was shelved. The result has left the Turkish Cypriot community feeling bruised.
Simple, property prices are significantly cheaper in Northern Cyprus compared to anywhere else around the Mediterranean. Where a detached 3-bedroom villa overlooking the Mediterranean on the Spanish coast might set you back 180,000 euros or more, a similar villa in Northern Cyprus is available for under 100,000 euros. Even prices in Southern Cyprus are 50%+ higher than in Northern Cyprus!
Not only is property in Northern Cyprus good value for money, it is also a sound investment.The area is currently experiencing a property boom, with growth potential over the next decade set to offer fantastic ROI. There are no restrictions on renting out property in North Cyprus either, and with the TRNC Government backing the development of tourism in North Cyprus, letting out your property to increasing numbers of sun seekers should be a breeze.
In the centre of Dipkarpaz, if you leave the road that takes you to along the southern coast of the Karpaz to Apostolos Andreas Monastery, and take the northern coast road instead, you will end up at Ayios Philon.
The church here, was built in the 10th Century, on top of a much earlier, possibly 5th Century, basilica, and is virtually all that remains of the ancient Phoenician port of Karpasia. Founded by King Pygmalion of Cyprus, it was a flourishing trading port, half way between Salamis and Anatolia. It was, however, abandoned in 802, after Arab raiders burnt and sacked it and its inhabitants moved inland, founding Dipkarpaz. (This is a fate seen time and time again when we look at the coastal villages of the time.)
The 5th century basilica at Ayios Philon
The 5th Century Basilica
Traces of the old harbour wall can still be seen off shore, but the majority of the village is now under sand dunes to the west of the church.
The church is named after St Philo, who converted the people of the area to Christianity, and had been ordained by St Epiphanios in the 4th Century. (St Epiphanios' Basilica is to be seen at Salamis) It is a typically domed Byzantine church, with a three-part apse and a courtyard surrounded by columns. There is a cistern and baptising room, as well as numerous mosaics all around from the earlier structure.
Ayios Philon is a pleasant place to pause your exploration of the Karpaz. From here you can continue to the Aphendrika, or turn back to Dipkarpaz to continue to Apostolos Andreas Monastery. Or have a snack overlooking the old harbour while you think about it.
The Monastery of St. Barnabas is at the opposite side of the Salamis-Famagusta road, by the Royal Tombs. You can easily tell it by its two fairly large domes. It was built to commemorate the foremost saint of Cyprus, whose life was so intertwined with the spread of the Christian message in the years immediately following the death of Christ.
The cloister of the monastery has recently been restored and at present serves as the archaeological museum. This section houses an exquisite collection of ancient pottery displayed chronologically, representing the changes in morphology and decoration of pottery in Cyprus from the Neolithic to the Roman times. The rest of the collection covers bronze and marble art objects.
Barnabas was born in Salamis, and joined the apostle Paul to spread the Gospel through Cyprus and Asia Minor. However, the two men split up over the objection to Barnabas's cousin Mark coming along too. In AD 75, the Jewish community in Salamis objected to his missionary work, and had Barnabas stoned to death. Mark rescued his cousin's body and buried it at a secret location.
In the fifth century, the Church of Antioch tried to rule it over the church already established on Cyprus. The Cyprus church defended itself by claiming that since it was founded by a saint, it was equal in rank to the Church of Antioch, founded by Saint Paul. Problem was, there was no proof of this, until St Barnabas appeared in a vision to the Archbishop in AD477 and directed him to Barnabas' tomb.
The Archbishop found the tomb exactly where the vision had indicated, complete with a skeleton clutching a copy of the Gospel of St Matthew, and so the Cyprus church was awarded special privileges. The monastery was established on the site of the saints’ tomb in the fifth century, with funds provided by the Byzantine emperor. However, the church was destroyed by Arab raiders in the seventh century, but it was rebuilt. The present church and cloisters at the monastery of St Barnabas, North Cyprus date from 1756, and parts of the building reuse columns from the ancient site at Salamis.
The tomb of St Barnabas discovered by the Archbishop is still on site, a catacomb cut down into the rock consisting of two chambers. Walk into the modern mausoleum built over the top, and down the steps into the two small chambers, originally designed to hold six dead bodies apiece.
Besides its beautiful traditional architecture, the St Barnabas Icon and Archeological Museum houses a rich collection of painted and gilt icons mostly dating from the 18th century and archaeological antiques from the Neolithic to the Roman times, that were excavated from Salamis, Engomi and other ancient settlements. And if you are interested, it would be worthwhile to visit.
If you're a nature lover, Cyprus will inspire you. From rugged coasts to mountain peaks, sunny vineyards to cool pine forests, flat expanses of wheat fields to lush citrus orchards, the changing landscape within short distances offers endless opportunities for the artist or photographer in you.
Sunshine is practically guaranteed and not just in the summer. As a year round destination, each season has its special allure. Spring, like an impressionist painting, will delight you with its profusion of color. Autumn is pleasant with its lack of crowds, while the mild winter, when everything turns green, is ideal for hiking and cycling, for taking in the culture, or for long-stay visitors.
The island is a must-visit for birdwatchers as there are several endemic bird species and hundreds of migrating birds passing through. Rare plants, such as the Cyprus tulip and cyclamen, will fascinate botanists, while geologists can marvel at majestic rock formations derived from millions of year’s old oceanic crust. Cyprus is one of the few places in the Mediterranean where sea turtles come ashore to breed on the island's sandy beaches and are strictly protected, as is the elusive mouflon, a rare wild mountain sheep roaming the Troodos mountain sides.
Sink your toes into warm sand, feel the sun on your skin and look out on the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea. Nothing beats North Cyprus for a beach holiday. With a wealth of beaches to choose from, you are bound to find one that suits your taste. There are fine white sandy beaches with shallow turquoise waters, or deep water bays with rocky outcrops perfect for snorkelling or diving.
Long stretches of coastline lend themselves to jogging, while secluded coves beckon when you want to be alone. From the quiet backwaters of the Karpaz peninsula, to the lively resorts, the island has something for everyone.
Whether you want a five star luxury beachside hotel with every amenity, a hotel apartment or villa with pool for flexibility, or a quiet hideaway in a simple family run establishment, the island can accommodate you.
Savour fresh Mediterranean flavours at numerous restaurants featuring both local and international cuisine and live the night away to the latest sounds. Alternatively, just lie back and enjoy North Cyprus’ magical evenings gazing at the stars through clear skies and lulled by the gentle sounds of the night crickets. In North Cyprus the living is laidback; you set your own pace.
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