Cyprus Island that is fought for many times throughout history is located in Southwest Asia and is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. Cyprus welcomes you with its virgin nature... A popular destination nowadays, Cyprus’ history is for 9 thousand years. A mandate of British from World War I until 1960, Cyprus was under Ottoman reign for around three centuries. Cyprus Republic was formed in 1960 and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983. Island’s population is 70 percent Greek and 30 percent Turkish. Located in the heart of Mediterranean, it is not wrong to say that the island experiences never ending summers. As a perfect example of Mediterranean climate, summers are hot and dry and winters are warm and rainy. As for plant diversity, Cyprus features 1900 flowery plants in around 150 different strains. The island is renowned for over 30 different types of orchid. Cyprus is a very convenient egg laying place for endangered caretta-caretta turtles and features also a wide range of animals. “KYPRUS” AS CYPRIOTS SAY Cyprus has a rich cultural, artistic and social life and inhabits several universities. Cypriots have characteristics of solidarity and are known for their hospitality. Ice cold tangerine and orange sherbets are among the most favorite offerings during hot summer days. First theater in was established in 1963 and was named “State Theatre” in 1966. Cyprus Turkish State Theater staged many plays in and out of country. The Theater Festival welcomes many international companies staging entertaining plays that are watched with high interest. Cypriots are fond of artistic activities thanks to the social occasions organized by multinational university students. Dance is a very important aspect of Cypriot life. Folk dances are performed in weddings and many other local events. Dancing costumes with local patterns and handmade elements are often visual feasts in attractive colors. TRNC Folk Dances Teams were awarded many times in international competitions. EXPLORE CYPRUS Located in the middle, the capital Nicosia is the most populous and energetic city of the island. The city that is considered as the heart of the island made history by being the only capital in the world that is split in half as west and east. The line that splits the city is called “Green Line”. There many places to visit in Nicosia, namely Selimiye Mosque, Walls of Nicosia, Great Inn, Kyrenia Gate and The Venetian Column. Located in the south, Kyrenia is the most popular holiday destination in the island. Also Kyrenia Castle is one of the most interesting historical places to visit. Built for city’s protection against Arabian raids in 7th century, a reflection of Greek architecture, the castle’s renovation process halted due to to Genoese Siege in 1373 but continued in time. Another place not to miss is Blue House. With its intense blue color as its name, the building attracts interest with its astonishing architecture and curious history. The house cannot be seen from anywhere including the summits of nearby mountains. House’s owner kills the architect, his close friend after he built the place in order to hide it from everyone. The house’s view include the bosphorus and mountains. Great Inn also has an interesting history. The largest inn in Cyprus has 68 similar rectangle rooms and a small mosque in the middle. Under United Kingdom reign, the inn was firstly used as a prison then a shelter for poor. Nowadays it is an art center that includes many stores and galleries. One can watch Selimiye Mosque’s architecture closely from the inn’s top floor. The mosque was built and used as Sophia cathedral from 1209 to 1326 until it was transformed to a mosque under Ottoman reign. You should not come back without entering its dusty doors and feel the ambiance.