Famagusta and getting to know this city in Northern Cyprus

Rate this post

Famagusta and getting to know this city in Northern Cyprus

North Cyprus, a beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea, has always attracted the attention of tourists and investors due to its rich history, unique culture and stunning beaches. This country consists of two parts, north and south, each of which has its own charms. In this article, we are going to introduce one of the most famous cities of Northern Cyprus, Famagusta.

Geographical location of Famagusta

Famagusta is located in the northeast of Northern Cyprus and on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. This city is located in the Karpas region, which is famous for its pristine nature and sandy beaches.

Famagusta is of great importance in terms of its geographical location. In the past, this city was known as one of the most important commercial ports in the Mediterranean, and today it is of great importance in terms of tourism and economy.

The strengths of Famagusta’s geographical location:

Access to the sea: Famagusta is located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, which gives the city access to open waters and the possibility of maritime trade.
Strategic location: Famagusta is located at the junction between Europe, Asia and Africa, which gives this city a high strategic and geopolitical importance.
Natural attractions: Famagusta is located in a green and pleasant climate and has sandy beaches, forests and beautiful mountains.
Historical attractions: Famagusta has a rich history and has many historical and cultural monuments.
History of Northern Cyprus:Famagusta, the shining jewel of eastern North Cyprus, has a long history. A city that has seen many ups and downs over the millennia and bears the traces of powerful empires. To better understand the current mood of Famagusta, we will take a trip deep into the history of this beautiful city.

The strengths of Famagusta’s geographical location:

ancient times:

The beginning of settlement: The story of Famagusta begins around the 30th century BC. During this period, primitive tribes lived in this area.
Phoenicians: Around the 8th century BC, the Phoenicians, who were skilled sailors and traders, established a port in what is now Famagusta. This port was known by the original name of “Ammochostos” which means “cut ash”.
Greek and Roman era:
The Greeks: In the 4th century BC, Alexander the Great conquered Cyprus and Famagusta came under the control of the Greeks. During this period, the city was known as “Arsinoe” and was named in honor of Alexander’s sister or wife.
Romans: In the first century BC, the Romans took control of Cyprus. Famagusta continued to thrive as an important commercial port during this period.

Medieval era:

Byzantine Empire: After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Famagusta became part of the Byzantine Empire. During this period, the city was known as “Famagusta”, which according to some historians, is derived from the Greek word “Ammochosta” meaning “hidden in the sand”.
Arab invasion: In the 7th century AD, the Arabs invaded Cyprus and took control of Famagusta for a while. However, the Byzantines eventually regained control of the island.
The era of the Crusaders and the Venetians:
Crusaders: In the 12th century, during the crusades, Richard the Lionheart, the king of England, captured Cyprus. After that, the island came under the control of the Lusignans, who were from the French dynasty.
Venetians: In the late 14th century, the Republic of Venice bought control of Cyprus from the Lusinans. The period of Venetian rule (from 1373 to 1571 AD) is a turning point in the history of Famagusta. Relying on their engineering skills, the Venetians turned the city into one of the most powerful ports and trade centers in the region. They also built strong walls around the city, parts of which have remained to this day.

Ottoman era:

Conquest of Famagusta: In the middle of the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire invaded Cyprus. After a long and bloody siege, Famagusta fell to the Ottomans in 1571. This event is considered a turning point in the history of Cyprus and the region.
Ottoman rule: During the Ottoman rule (from 1571 to 1914 AD), Famagusta remained an important commercial port and administrative center of the region. However, the importance of this city decreased during the Venetian era.
The era of British colonialism and the independence of Cyprus:
British Colonization: During World War I, Cyprus was removed from Ottoman control and became a British protectorate. During this era, Famagusta’s importance as a trading port declined and other Cypriot cities became more economically developed.

History of Northern Cyprus

Famagusta tourist attractions

Famagusta is full of historical, cultural and natural attractions that attract many tourists every year. Among the most important attractions of this city, the following can be mentioned:

Famagusta city walls: These walls, which were built during the Venetian era, are one of the symbols of Famagusta city.
Kantara Castle: Located on a hill overlooking the city, this castle offers a unique view of Famagusta and the Mediterranean Sea.
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque: This mosque, which was built during the Ottoman era, has a beautiful architecture.
Churches of Famagusta: There are many churches in Famagusta, the most important of which are St. Nicholas Church and St. Barnabas Church.
Famagusta Beaches: Famagusta has beautiful sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
Economy of Famagusta

The economy of Famagusta is based on tourism, agriculture and handicrafts. This city to Due to its geographical location and many tourist attractions, it is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Also, various agricultural products such as citrus, grapes and olives are grown in Famagusta. Famagusta’s handicrafts are also famous and include ceramics, textiles and jewelry.

Investment in Famagusta
Famagusta, a historic port city in the eastern part of Northern Cyprus, has become an ideal destination for investors with unique attractions and great economic potential. With its pristine nature, sandy beaches, rich history, authentic culture, and young and skilled workforce, this city offers investors a variety of opportunities to invest in various fields, including real estate, tourism, agriculture, handicrafts, and business.

Advantages of investing in Famagusta:

Reasonable real estate prices: Real estate prices in Famagusta are significantly lower compared to other European countries. This provides an excellent opportunity for investors to own a property in this beautiful city with a low investment.
Rapid growth of the real estate market: Famagusta’s real estate market is booming and it is predicted that we will see significant growth in real estate prices in the city in the coming years.
Low cost of living: The cost of living in Northern Cyprus is significantly lower compared to other European countries. This makes investing in this city an attractive option for those who are looking for a quality and affordable life.
Tax exemptions: The government of Northern Cyprus offers several tax exemptions for foreign investors. These exemptions include income tax exemption, capital gains tax exemption and inheritance tax exemption.
Possibility of obtaining residency: Foreign investors can obtain Northern Cyprus residency by purchasing a property in Famagusta. This residency allows you to live, work and study freely in Northern Cyprus.
Strategic location: Famagusta is strategically located in the Eastern Mediterranean and acts as a gateway to European, Asian and African markets. This provides numerous business opportunities for investors in this city.
Investment opportunities in Famagusta:
Real Estate: Buying an apartment, villa, land or commercial property in Famagusta can be a profitable investment. Due to the rapid growth of the real estate market in this city, the value of your property will increase over time.
Tourism: The tourism industry in Famagusta is booming and this has created numerous investment opportunities in this sector. You can invest in building hotels, furnished apartments, restaurants, cafes or other tourist facilities.
Agriculture: Famagusta has a favorable climate and fertile soil, which makes it an ideal place for agriculture. You can invest in crops, horticulture or animal husbandry.
Handicrafts: Famagusta’s handicrafts have a high reputation around the world. You can invest in the production and sale of ceramics, textiles, jewelry and other handicrafts.
Trade: Due to its strategic location, Famagusta serves as a trade hub between Northern Cyprus and other countries in the region. You can invest in the field of exporting and importing goods or providing services to merchants active in this area.
Kargar Consulting and Investment Company, with more than 14 years of brilliant experience in the field of investment in North Cyprus, is ready to provide you with expert advice in the field of buying property in North Cyprus, obtaining residence, registering a company and other matters related to investment in this country. Our experienced experts at Kargar Company will introduce you to the best investment options by carefully examining your needs and conditions.

Culture and people of Famagusta

The people of Famagusta are a mix of different cultures and warmly welcome their guests. The official language in Famagusta is Turkish Cypriot, but English is also widely spoken.

Famagusta cuisine

The cuisine of Famagusta has been influenced by various cultures, including Turkish, Greek and Arabic. Among the popular dishes in Famagusta, the following can be mentioned:

Kebab: Kebab is one of the most popular dishes in Northern Cyprus and it is cooked in different ways.
Moussaka: Moussaka is a delicious dish with eggplant, minced meat and béchaise sauce.
Lokomades: Lokomades are fried sweets dipped in honey syrup.
Turkish halvah: Turkish halvah is a delicious dessert based on flour and sugar.

Famagusta festivals and events

Various festivals and events are held in Famagusta throughout the year. Among the most important of these festivals, we can mention Famagusta International Film Festival, Famagusta Music Festival and Famagusta Flower Festival.

Transportation in Famagusta

In Famagusta, you can easily travel around the city using public transportation such as buses, taxis, and minibuses. You can also use a bicycle or motorcycle to explore the city.

Stay in Famagusta

There are many hotels, apartments and villas to stay in Famagusta. You can choose the right accommodation according to your budget and taste.

Famagusta tourist attractions

As mentioned in the previous sections of this article, Famagusta is full of historical, cultural and natural attractions that attract many tourists every year. In the following, we will introduce some of the most important tourist attractions of this city in detail.

Famagusta

1- Walls of the city of Famagusta

Every Famagusta is one of the most famous attractions of this city. These walls, which were built during the Venetian era, are about 5.5 kilometers long and 12 meters high. Currently, parts of these walls have been destroyed, but they still retain their past grandeur.

Visitors can walk along these walls and enjoy the view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Also, along this route, there are numerous towers and gates, each of which has its own history and story.

Kantara Castle is located on a hill overlooking the city of Famagusta. This castle was built by the Venetians in the 14th century and has been used for various purposes throughout history, including a military fortress, a prison, and a warehouse.

Today, Kantara Fort is used as a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can visit the inside of the castle and enjoy the unique view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. There is also a museum in this castle that displays the history of the castle and the region.

2- Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Famagusta. This mosque was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and named after one of the Ottoman ministers named Lala Mustafa Pasha.

Famagusta

Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque has a beautiful architecture and consists of several domes, minarets and cells. Inside the mosque, delicate tiling and beautiful wall paintings can be seen.

3- Churches of Famagusta
There are many churches in Famagusta, the most important of which are St. Nicholas Church and St. Barnabas Church.

St. Nicholas Church was built by the Venetians in the 13th century and is known as one of the largest churches in Northern Cyprus. This church has a beautiful Gothic architecture and is currently used as a museum.

Saint Barnabas Church was also built by the Greeks in the 18th century and named after Barnabas, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. This church has a beautiful Byzantine architecture and is currently used as a religious place.

4- Beaches of Famagusta
Famagusta has beautiful sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. Among the most popular beaches in Famagusta are Long Beach, Golden Beach and Karpas Beach. Long Beach is the longest beach in Famagusta and is an ideal place for swimming and sunbathing. Golden Beach is another popular beach in Famagusta, which is famous for its golden sand and clear waters. Karpas Beach is located in the northernmost point of Famagusta and is a quiet and secluded place to enjoy nature.

Famagusta City North Cyprus

Important tips for traveling to Famagusta:

You need a visa to travel to Northern Cyprus. You can get your visa online or through the North Cyprus Embassy in your home country.
The currency of Northern Cyprus is the Turkish lira. You can convert your money to Turkish lira at exchange offices or banks.
The official language in Famagusta is Turkish Cypriot, but English is also widely spoken.
In Famagusta, you can choose from a variety of Turkish, Greek and Arabic dishes.
Various festivals and events are held in Famagusta throughout the year.
In Famagusta, you can easily move around the city using public transport.
There are many hotels, apartments and villas to stay in Famagusta.
last word:
Famagusta, a historic port city in the east of North Cyprus, is an ideal destination for tourists and investors, with unique attractions and great economic potential. This city, which has witnessed many ups and downs over the millennia, has inherited a rich heritage from powerful empires such as Greece, Rome, Venice and Ottoman.

The tumultuous history of Famagusta tells stories of conquests, battles, glory and greatness. From ancient times to the present day, this city has witnessed the passage of time and numerous developments.

Today, Famagusta is known as an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world with its sandy beaches, pristine nature, historical and cultural monuments, and warm-hearted people.

In addition to tourist attractions, Famagusta also offers various investment opportunities to investors. Reasonable real estate prices, tax exemptions, the possibility of obtaining residence, strategic location, etc. are among the benefits of investing in this beautiful city.

Investing in Famagusta can be a gateway to a bright and prosperous future.