Holidays in Northern Cyprus can be a tricky subject to discuss. The two main communities inhabiting the island of Cyprus (Turkish and Greek Cypriots) have always got along well on a personal level, but have had constant political problems over the years. To condense many arguments, much history and many years of governmental wrangling into a short summary, there was a conflict in 1974, the end result of which was the island being divided into two parts. The Greek community have since occupied the south of the island (officially The Republic of Cyprus) and the Turkish, the north (known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, or TRNC for short). Though the politics are, as ever, extremely complex, the simple fact is that until recently, the TRNC has been effectively isolated, able to trade only with mainland Turkey.
This has certainly not stopped holidays to north Cyprus becoming ever more popular over the years. Although the numbers of visitors to the north is a mere fraction of those traveling to the south of Cyprus, it is nevertheless significant and comfortably in excess of 100,000 per annum. To the British holidaymaker too, the north has always had much to offer. Most Turkish Cypriots speak good English, Sterling is widely accepted and there is a significant, and long-established, ex-pat community. Most important to the average British visitor, the relative economic isolation of the country means that it has developed at a much slower pace than its neighbour.
Changes, however, are afoot! Since the late 1980's, Cyprus has been lobbying for membership of the EC and it was originally proposed that this would be allowed, conditional on there being a final political settlement of the 'Cyprus Problem', as it has become known. A major effort resulted in the United Nations becoming involved in a potential solution, and a plan was drawn up under the leadership of Kofi Annan. The plan dealt (and deals) with all aspects of the situation between the 'states' and was discussed at length by political leaders of the communities involved, together with various international heads of state. Prior to EC membership being granted, the Annan Plan was put to the populace of both parts of Cyprus in the form of referenda. Whilst the Turkish Cypriots voted in favour, the Greek Cypriot population rejected the plan, however, in April 2003, The Republic of Cyprus was granted full EC membership.
Since then, Cyprus has seen many changes. The border between the two parts of the island had been closed since 1974 and rigorously maintained by UN troops. In the last few years, a number of crossing points have been opened and it is now simple for anyone holding an EC passport to cross between the north and south of Cyprus. Whilst slow at first, it is now a regular sight to see the communities merging at either side of the border and shopping freely. There has also been an increasing political dialogue, though sometimes 'behind the scenes', between the leadership of Northern Cyprus and the outside world.
The changes to holidays in Northern Cyprus have been just as dramatic. In the past, travel to north Cyprus meant a flight with one touchdown in Turkey en-route. Though not a really major inconvenience, the number of carriers operating this route was small and the available departure airports in the UK correspondingly limited. However, countless airlines run flights to the south of Cyprus and Larnaca airport is only a short drive from a straightforward border crossing. This has obviously had a significant impact on tourism. Quite a substantial number of visitors to the south in recent years have enjoyed a day trip to the north so much, that they have subsequently returned there for a complete stay. The situation has also meant significant changes to the economic climate. Property and land prices have always been substantially lower in the north than in the south. Although prices in Northern Cyprus have risen quite notable over the last few years, there is still a significant differential that has resulted in a real upturn in housing development. Buying property in the north seems no more complex (and no more risky) than any other overseas purchase and plenty of British buyers have welcomed the opportunity to have a home in the sun!
So what does the future hold for Cyprus? Well, although there has certainly been an increase in tourism, and in development, much of the region remains unspoiled. The Karpaz Peninsula, to the north east of Cyprus, is a massive expanse of nature, scattered with ancient villages and untouched beaches. Kyrenia harbour is incredibly attractive and the village of Bellapais, with the stunning majesty of Bellapais Abbey, is a favourite spot that seems to have remained unchanged for centuries. Holidays to north Cyprus are undoubtedly changing though, and the best advice is to try and see the island before too much changes!
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