Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus - Greek and Turkish parts. Ayia Napa is a resort town in the eastern part of Cyprus. Church of Chrysoliniotissa in Nicosia

Tourists are very fond of holidays in the Mediterranean. The most popular destination is, of course, Turkish hotels. But next to Turkey there is a small island of Cyprus - a small pearl of the Mediterranean.

Where is Cyprus located? Usually people think that this is part of Greece, and this opinion is absolutely wrong. Cyprus is a small but independent country and has never been part of Greece. Sometimes confusing is that people confuse Cyprus with Greek island Crete.

What is known about Cyprus?

Cyprus is an island in the Mediterranean. It is south of Turkey, north of Israel, west of Syria and Lebanon. After the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. Although it is geographically located in Asia, it is politically a European state.

Where is Cyprus on the world map? In which country? The Republic of Cyprus is an island nation with no land border with no continent. According to official data, the Republic of Cyprus occupies 98% of the island's territory, the remaining two percent are occupied by the British military bases of Akrotiri and Dhekelia.

The nearby islands of Agios, Geronissos, Georgios, Kila, Glukiotissa, Kordylia, Kiedes and Mazaki also belong to the Republic of Cyprus. British base Akrotiri is surrounded by Greek Cyprus, and Dhekelia also borders the UN buffer zone. This small part of the island is under the sovereignty of Great Britain, but is not part of it. Cyprus gained independence in 1960.

Cyprus conflict

Despite the constitution, which guaranteed the right to share power between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriot minority, the two groups clashed. The end result was the Turkish occupation of the northeastern part of Cyprus. In 1983, Turkey announced that the territory would now be known as the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus". A narrow buffer zone between the two Cypriot ethnic groups is run by a UN peacekeeping force.

The authorities of the Republic of Cyprus control 60% of the island's territory (ethnic Greeks live here), 38% of the territory is under the control of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (the population is ethnic Turks). After the division of the island, a large-scale migration took place: Greek Cypriots moved to the south, Turkish Cypriots to the north. Both population groups live only in the city of Pyla, under a UN-appointed administration.

The Turkish invasion in 1974 made the island famous. Where Cyprus is located and in which country is now known all over the world.

Story

Cyprus is at the crossroads of three continents. Cyprus - what kind of country and where is it located? Historically, no matter what country it has been! The island has been influenced by the Romans, Egyptians, Persians, Turks and English. At one time it was part of Byzantium, Venice and the Ottoman Empire, was a colony of Great Britain.

The climate in Cyprus is temperate Mediterranean with hot summers and cool, wet winters.

Capital of Cyprus

The cities of Cyprus are full of many attractions and historical monuments.

Nicosia is the capital of the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Nicosia is famous gothic cathedral Hagia Sophia and many fortifications. All attractions are concentrated in the Old Town. Walking through the narrow streets of the Old Town is a journey in itself, although many of the buildings are abandoned and already starting to fall apart.

Major resorts of the Republic of Cyprus

Where is the island of Cyprus, in which country? We have already mentioned above that it is located in a country called the "Republic of Cyprus", which is an autonomous state. The majority of tourists come to the territory of the island, where the Greek Cypriots live. After all, it is here that the popular resorts with developed infrastructure. The best places to stay in Cyprus are the resorts of Protaras, Ayia Napa, Paphos, Larnaca and Limassol.

Limassol is the second largest city on the southern coast of Cyprus

It's very noisy and fun. resort place filled with hotels, shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Life in Limassol does not stop for a minute and boils all 24 hours a day.

Larnaca - a city of outstanding beauty

This is a resort city with numerous attractions, convenient promenades, picturesque views and excellent beaches. It is located on the southern coast of Cyprus and is the third largest city in the country. international Airport Larnaca is located on the outskirts of the city.

Paphos is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.

The city is divided into two parts: Old and New Paphos. This historic site still retains its old charm and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Stunning beaches, parks, historical museums and vibrant nightlife - all this represents modern Paphos.

Ayia Napa is a resort town in the eastern part of Cyprus

In the very center there is an ancient monastery, which today operates as a museum. Cape Cavo Greco is located 10 minutes drive from the city and is considered one of the most beautiful places in the area. The sandy beach and clear water attract many tourists.

Northern Cyprus

Where is Northern Cyprus located and what territory of the island does it occupy? The border between the two states runs almost in the middle of the island. Ethnic Turks live in the northern part. Tourists are very fond of visiting Northern Cyprus due to the fact that a visa is not required for entry. Only Turkey recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as an independent state. You cannot fly here on a direct flight, only in transit through any Turkish airport.

Famagusta - the population is only about 50 thousand. It used to be a lively seaside town that attracted thousands of tourists. After the landing of Turkish troops, most of the inhabitants of the Greek Cypriots left their homes. The city was looted by marauders. It is now considered a deserted "ghost town" with hundreds of abandoned houses and hotels.

Kyrenia is a city on an island under the de facto control of Northern Cyprus. Kyrenia has many historical castles and bastions. The famous Shipwreck Museum houses the most old ship raised from the seabed. To the east and west of the city are clean sandy beaches. Some of them are modernly equipped, many restaurants and cafes have been built on them, while others have much more modest conditions.

The island where Cyprus is located is a place of legends and fairy tales, the place where Aphrodite appeared from the foam. Cyprus is an island of sun, sea, love and tranquility. All beaches have been awarded blue flags for cleanliness and excellent service.

According to the reviews of tourists and travelers, it can be said that South part the islands are more popular with vacationers. There are more hotels here, which means more choice with the location of residence. The entire coastline is dotted with restaurants, souvenir shops and various entertainment. In the northern part, Kyrenia is the most visited resort. This city attracts with its clean sandy beaches; people come here for a calm and quiet holiday.

Now you know what the island of Cyprus is, where it is located, in which country. Cyprus is a country itself, even though it is divided into parts by warring ethnic groups.

The island of Cyprus includes two states: the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. 2% of the territory is occupied by British military bases, about 4% is a buffer zone where UN troops are located. The same divided into two parts is Nicosia, the capital of the republics, business, political, industrial and cultural center. The border passes through the old city, along one of the old streets.

In Nicosia, all the ministries of the Republic of Cyprus, the parliament, the presidential palace are localized. Many companies of the world have their representations and offices here.

City `s history

The island with a wonderful, fertile climate and fertile valleys was inhabited by inhabitants 8-9 thousand years ago - this is evidenced by the finds of the Neolithic era. On site modern city in those days there was an extensive site of ancient man. Gradually, it turned into a settlement, then into a village, then into a city.

The first data on the presence of the city of Ledra (the first name of Nicosia) date back to around the 11th century BC. It then became Lefkotheon, a Greek city-state. Byzantines, Frankish crusaders, Venetians, Turks - for many centuries of their history, all these conquerors considered Nicosia the capital of Cyprus and gave it the characteristic features inherent in their culture and religion. That's why modern capital The Republic of Cyprus is a combination of antiquity, Christianity, Islam, a fusion of past and present, a city of great prospects and opportunities.

Nicosia received its permanent name in the XII century, since 1960 it has become official capital Republic of Cyprus, but already in 1974, as a result of the Turkish invasion, it was divided into 2 parts. About 300,000 Cypriots live in the largest, southern one, and about 100,000 Turks live in the northern one.

Geography, climate, industry of Nicosia

The city was founded in a very convenient place, in a large fertile valley, on the banks of the Akaki River, between the two main mountain ranges of Cyprus: Troodos and Kyrenia. In summer, there is insufficient rainfall, winters are always warm, and despite the presence of a river, the climate of Nicosia is semi-arid and the driest among all cities in the Mediterranean.

Therefore, crop production in the Nicosia region is not developed for natural reasons, but there is cattle breeding and some industries. Textile, pottery, leather factories operate within the city and adjacent areas, the products of which are widely represented in local shopping centers, and are also exported. Mining and food industries are developed. Nicosia, being a small capital of the same medium-sized state, has six universities, among which the largest is the University of Cyprus.

How to get to Nicosia

For numerous tourists visiting Nicosia, all the necessary infrastructure has been created. Retro style hotels modern design, restaurants and taverns, as if they came from past centuries, national cuisine with original dishes and excellent Cypriot wines, ancient narrow streets and buildings - there is something to see, there is where to eat, relax and rejuvenate.

Nicosia Airport has not been operating since the 1970s, but Larnaca Airport is located 40 km away. From there, a shuttle bus runs to Nicosia, only 30 minutes on the way. You can also get from Paphos airport, which is located further, 140 km, or from the port of Nicosia, which accepts ferries from both other Cypriot cities and from mediterranean countries.

Modern Nicosia is a city that stretches for many kilometers, along the streets of which people drive public buses and the tickets are very inexpensive. If you wish, you can take a taxi. The historic center of Nicosia, with its ancient streets and lanes, occupies a much smaller area. Here you can walk between the old buildings on foot, go to a tavern, visit the oriental bazaar, buy souvenirs. All the numerous sights of the unique capital, located mainly in the old city, can be walked around slowly, consistently “passing” from era to era, coming into contact with such different cultures and customs. It is they, the evidence of antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and later centuries, that are the main thing that attracts tourists from all over the world to the many-sided Nicosia. It is they, the sights of the city, that fully deserve a thorough acquaintance with them, because each of them is priceless information that has come down from the past.

Laiki Gethinia

Finding yourself in the old city, it is impossible not to enter the unique quarter, where the old atmosphere has been recreated through the efforts of restorers. Laiki Gethinia is a real street of the last and the century before last, cobbled and very narrow, where you can walk only on foot. All old buildings have been restored and are presented to tourists in their original form. The features of their architecture are very interesting, and each building can be viewed both from the outside and from the inside.

There is no noise, no transport, city fuss, silence and tranquility reign here. You can go to any restaurant or tavern and marvel at their ancient decoration, choose something hearty or refreshing from a huge variety of Cypriot dishes, wines, soft drinks. The abundance of craft shops is also impressive, where you can choose both a souvenir and a thing of practical importance at an affordable price, which will long remind you of this recreated old quarter Nicosia - Laiki Gethinia.

Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

In the same part of Nicosia, where Laiki Gethinia is located, the main Orthodox church of Cyprus, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, is located. Its construction was started on the site of an old Christian monastery in the 17th century, when the Ottomans ruled Cyprus, so it does not look too pompous. On the contrary, the laconic and austere style, characteristic of all large and small Cypriot churches, is expressed here as well. The walls, made of local stone, have never had a face finish and have a recognizable gray-beige color. They are reinforced with massive vertical ledges that support the vault of the temple. Nearby rises a narrow bell tower, built in the same architectural style. The cathedral looks more like a fortress, and has a minimum of entrances and barred windows.

The interior decoration is strikingly different from the external modest appearance of the cathedral. All the paintings made from the 17th to the 18th centuries, icons, church utensils have been preserved almost completely. The inner surface of the walls and vault is entirely painted with scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Attention is drawn to the magnificent iconostasis, located in three tiers along the entire height of the wall. Each icon is surrounded by a luxurious ornament made of gold leaf. Near one of the walls there is a so-called "department", that is, a carved chair, decorated with gold and painting. The Archbishop of the independent Cypriot Orthodox Church sits on it during church services.

The Cathedral of St. John the Theologian is active. It is open for pilgrims and tourists almost daily, from Monday to Saturday, on Sundays - during festive services.

Museums of Ethnography of Cyprus and Byzantine Painting

Next to the cathedral is the Archbishop's Compound and two museums - Ethnographic and Byzantine Painting, which is located in its wing. Ethnographical museum is located 100 meters to the right of the Archbishop's farmstead and occupies former monastic cells, one of which is presented as a room in a village house of a simple Cypriot. There is a hearth, a table for eating, food storage, a simple sleeping place.

The museum was opened in 1948, it began to exhibit items mainly from the 19th and early 20th century. Each exhibit is unique and interesting. Folk everyday and festive clothes, shoes, furniture, utensils, items of various crafts are becoming more valuable every year and attract many tourists.

The Museum of Byzantine Painting was created by the cultural center named after Makarios, Archbishop of Cyprus. More than two hundred ancient icons, church books, vestments and utensils are collected on two floors. The first floor is occupied by icons and unique Litrahom mosaics created in the period from the 8th to the 18th century. The second floor is a collection of later items of European icon painting and painting of the 15th-20th centuries.

Icons and mosaics Byzantine period combine the features of ancient, Roman, Eastern traditions in art, there are also local, Cypriot features. Each icon or mosaic is bright and saturated colors, later ones are distinguished by competent proportions and volume of forms, a smooth transition of color shades. The period of iconoclasm, the rule of the Franks, the occupation of the country Ottoman Empire significantly influenced the safety of many monasteries and temples, their decoration, frescoes and icons. Therefore, what has come down to us in small mountain Orthodox churches or collected in museums, including the Museum of Byzantine Painting, is a wealth of unimaginable value.

Both museums, Ethnographic and Byzantine Paintings, are open to visitors every day except Sunday. Tickets are inexpensive, only 2 euros, children are given discounts. You can get there by municipal bus or taxi.

Walls of the old city

The walls surrounding the ancient center of Nicosia are no less important and interesting sights than museums. Their design, purpose, architecture are interesting. In the middle of the 16th century, when Cyprus was still ruled by Venice, the threat of the capture of the country by the Ottoman Empire began to clearly grow. Therefore, there was an urgent need to strengthen Nicosia, using modern technologies of that time. Existing medieval walls were partially destroyed, the moat surrounding them was littered and could not fulfill its functions.

In the 1560s, fortification engineers arrived from Venice in Nicosia. After studying the area and applying new methods of construction, they worked for several years on the new walls of the city. The course of a nearby river was changed so that its waters could fill the moat and make it difficult to cross. Many residential buildings, palaces, temples were destroyed both inside the fortress wall and outside it, so that they would not interfere with the defense of the city and would not block the view. The resulting building material was used to build new walls.

The walls themselves have a length of 5 km and have 11 bastions located at the same distance from each other. One trick was applied in the construction: the location of the towers next to the gate. This gave a huge advantage to the defenders of the city, as it provided the opportunity for better protection of the gates in the bastion. In addition, the engineers completely abandoned the front wall cladding. The flying cannonballs were supposed to get stuck in the thick masonry, and not split it.

But the Ottomans were ahead of the Venetian builders and attacked Cyprus and Nicosia even before the fortifications were fully ready, in 1570. The walls could not fulfill their purpose and passed into Turkish possession intact. For several centuries they performed a decorative function, gradually collapsing under the influence of precipitation, sun and wind, until their restoration began at the end of the 20th century.

Since 1996, all sections of the walls, with bastions and gates, have been gradually restored to their original form. Along the way, many medieval household items and weapons were found, which were placed in the museum. Now half of the fortifications with five bastions are located on the Greek part of Nicosia, the other half on the Turkish part, one bastion is controlled by the UN.

Today, the fortress walls of Nicosia attract many tourists who want to get acquainted with the fortification art of the 16th century. In addition, many bastions are not empty, they are also open to the public. Some of them have museums, a mosque, a bus stop, parking.

The most beautiful detail of the ancient city walls are the gates: Famagusta, Kerinia and Paphos, which differ from each other in architecture. The Famagusta Gate is located on the eastern section of the wall and is the largest. They were actively used by the residents and authorities of the city until they began to collapse at the beginning of the 20th century, after which they were closed. In 1980, their restoration began: strengthening the walls, floors and vaults, installing ventilation, conducting electricity. Today, the vast inner space of the Famagusta Gate is divided into 3 halls, which are used for exhibitions or for cultural events.

The Kerinian gates face north and have retained a stone panel on which the year of their construction is stamped: 1562. They were repeatedly rebuilt, partially destroyed by the British in 1931 and gradually ceased to be used at all. The underground tunnel leading from the gate to the center of Nicosia is now unavailable for inspection. It collapsed in 1965 after heavy rains.

Paphos gates are located in the western part of the fortress wall. These are the highest, but at the same time simple in architecture gates: the opening in the wall is blocked by a stone arch. Currently, they are expanded, which makes it possible for motor vehicles to pass through.

Sights of the Turkish part of Nicosia

The most significant landmark of the occupied north of the capital can be called the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Sophia. Built in the 13th century, it served as a place for the coronation of the country's rulers and was a cathedral cathedral. Subsequently, as a result of wars and earthquakes, the temple was damaged, then restored and partially rebuilt by the Venetians.

But it underwent a radical restructuring after the invasion of the Ottoman Turks in 1571. The Christian cathedral was converted into a Muslim mosque and named Selemiye. 2 minarets were attached to it, but Gothic features were preserved in the architecture of the entire building. Inside, all the decoration and unique murals were destroyed, leaving only stained-glass windows, the walls were painted white. Today, the Selemiye Mosque is the main one in the territory of Northern Cyprus, occupied by Turkey.

Gorgeous Nicosia is worth seeing all its streets and sights. In addition to ancient objects, there are many markets and modern shopping centers, clubs and restaurants. Shoppers will not be indifferent to the Ledra pedestrian street, which consists entirely of shops and cozy cafes.

Photo album

A story with a photo about the only divided capital in Europe - the city of Nicosia, the capital of the Greek Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

How to get cheap from Larnaca to Nicosia

By Intercity bus (green bus, all other colors are scheduled city buses and sightseeing buses from tour operators). A ticket for the Larnaca-Nicosia bus costs 4 euros one way, or 7 euros round trip. Buses start running at 6 am with an interval of once an hour. The schedule depends on the season (high / low) and on the day of the week (there are more flights on weekdays than on weekends).

The capital of Cyprus Nicosia is one of the oldest world capitals; it is older than Cairo and Tehran. The first city on the site of the current capital of Cyprus was founded by the Achaeans - then the future Nicosia was called Ledra. Then, on the site of Ledra, destroyed by an earthquake, a new city was built - Lefkon, named after the son of one of the commanders of Alexander the Great, Ptolemy of Egypt. Lefkon then became Lefkosia; when the Arabs defeated Salamis in the 7th century, the capital of Cyprus was moved to Lefkosia. Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, began to be called under the French rulers of the Lusignans, in the 13th century. From the middle of the 15th century, the Venetians took possession of the island - their rule had a very serious impact on the appearance of Cyprus and especially its capital, Nicosia. For example, it was the Venetian Giulio Savorgnano who surrounded the capital with a powerful fortress wall with 11 bastions. But the fortification did not save the city from the Turks led by Lal Mustafa Pasha. The city held back the siege for a month and a half, which pretty much angered the besiegers - when the Turks broke into the city, they killed about 20 thousand of its inhabitants. From that day on, Nicosia became the residence of the Turkish governors of Cyprus and remained so for three hundred years, until the British came to replace the Turks. The British High Commissioner of Cyprus placed his residence where today is the residence of the President of the Republic of Cyprus.

After the independence of Cyprus, Nicosia became the capital of the new republic and remained so until the moment when the right-wingers who came to power in Cyprus began to promote the populist idea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe reunification of Cyprus with Greece - the so-called "enosis". Considering that the Turks at that time made up a quarter of the population of the country, it was not difficult to predict their reaction and the reaction of neighboring Turkey. In 1974, Turkey's patience snapped and its troops invaded Cyprus, in a few days occupying the entire northern part of the island and half of the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, where they were stopped by UN peacekeepers. Since then, Nicosia has been the only divided capital in Europe: it is divided roughly in half between Greeks and Turks. Since 2003, you can easily move between the Greek and Turkish parts of the island through six checkpoints, three of them are located in the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia - one of them is located on the main street of Ledra.

Nicosia, no man's land:

Children play football right under the post of UN peacekeepers:

From the point of view of the Cypriot Greeks and Greek Greeks, the only legal way to get north is from Greek territory. If you arrive there on a regular flight Turkish airline or a charter from Azerbaijan, then in this way you violate their law, and subsequently you may have problems obtaining a Schengen visa. At this point, the situation is absolutely identical to the Georgians with Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the Ukrainians with the Crimea and Azerbaijan with Nagorno-Karabakh.

If you legally arrived in the Republic of Cyprus (Greek), then only a passport is required to enter the Turkish part and back to the Greek one - neither the Turks nor the Greeks put any stamps. But there is one caveat: I flew to Cyprus on a valid Schengen multivisa, and, therefore, was not limited in any way in the number of entries into Greek part islands (there are no problems with the Turks at all - all Turkish regulations apply there, including visa-free regime in RF). However, if you flew to Cyprus on the so-called “Cypriot visa” (like most Russian package travelers), getting back “from Turks to Greeks” may not be so easy, I highly recommend that you clarify in advance the number of entries to Greek Cyprus allowed by your provision. Another nuance is that the checkpoints are only open until 18:00, so if you need to return back on the same day, keep this in mind.

Sights of Nicosia, the capital of Greek Cyprus

Ledra street, the main shopping and restaurant promenade of this part of the city, starts almost next to the Nicosia bus station and goes north, where it ends up at the border checkpoint.

A shop with a funny name for the Russian eye:

A little south of the Greek checkpoint is a church Faneromeni. The name is translated from Greek as "the one that appeared." This name is explained by a legend: once an icon of the Virgin Mary disappeared (or was stolen) from the monastery - all her searches were unsuccessful, until one of the nuns had a vision - she dreamed of a place where to look for the icon. The nun went there and discovered the loss, from which light emanated.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the Faneromeni church became one of the centers of the Greek struggle against Ottoman rule. At that time, the so-called "Community of Friends" arose in Greece - a secret organization of fighters for freedom from Turkish rule. Archbishop of Cyprus Kyprian became one of the members of this organization. The uprising began on March 6, 1821 and was brutally suppressed by the Turkish pasha Kuchuk Mehmet: he hanged Cyprian, three metropolitans and about ten thousand inhabitants of Cyprus. The remains of some of them are buried in a white marble mausoleum on the east side of the church.

Three hundred meters from the Faneromeni Church, on Ledra Street, there is one of three checkpoints through which you can get into the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus:

Nicosia: the capital of Turkish Cyprus

Immediately after the Turkish checkpoint on a cozy square

I found an excellent tobacco shop where I bought a big bag of my favorite cigars - one and a half euros apiece (about 100 rubles in autumn 2015), in Moscow they cost at least 400 rubles. Rejoicing at the local prices, I went to the area Arabahmet, located near the western city wall - I recommend it to everyone, the place is very colorful.

How to get to the Arabahmet area: from the checkpoint we go north to the street Arasta(Arasta sokagi), then turn left and walk past Big baths(Great Baths) home Dervish Pasha behind which is the mosque Arabahmet(Arab Ahmed Mosque).


The Arabahmet quarter is located south of the mosque and consists of three parallel streets:




Many houses here were built during the Venetians and Lusignans. The main street - Salahi Sevket(Salahi Sevket), officials of the British colonial administration once preferred to settle on it (they called the street "Victory Street"). Merchant with scales of the 50s of the last century:

After the Arabahmet quarter, I again went out into the center of Turkish-Cypriot Nicosia by some nondescript nooks and crannies, exactly Ataturk Square(Sarayoni). In general, there are Turkish cities boring predictability: the most main square necessarily bears the name of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, "the father of the nation." Approximately the same garbage we used to have with countless Lenin squares and Soviet streets. By the way, the Spaniards and Italians did not go far: the former have the main Town Square always Placa Mayor, while the latter always have the central square either Garibaldi, or Vittorio Emmanuele, or XX Settembre. Well, yes, they know better at home, let's return to the square named after the glorious "father of all Turks."


During the British rule, the area was a business and political center cities - all government buildings were located here. In 1901, the British demolished the Venetian palace, and in its place erected a post office and a courthouse.

Opposite the courthouse Venetian column:

As for a good working travel insurance, it was not easy to find it before, but now it has become even more difficult due to the constant fluctuations of the ruble against world currencies. For the past few years, I have been taking out insurance for my travels through an online service - here you can compare the products of different insurers and choose what is best for you:

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Enjoy your walks around the city of Nicosia, the capital of two countries!
Your Roman Mironenko

Population

After the separation, the vast majority of Greek Cypriots live in the south, while Turkish Cypriots live in the north. The total population is about 790 thousand people, of which 160 thousand are Turks. Also in Cyprus live 17 thousand British, at least 40 thousand Russians (according to the ambassador Russian Federation), 4 thousand Armenians. After the 1974 war, about 180,000 Greek Cypriots fled or were forcibly resettled south. About 42,000 Turks moved north. And only in the city of Pyla, Larnaca district, under a UN-appointed administration, both groups of the population live. The number of the population under the control of the Republic of Cyprus, according to the end of 2011, reached 838.897 inhabitants, many of whom (21.4%) are foreign citizens.

Religion

The majority of the population of Cyprus - ethnic Greeks - professes Orthodox Christianity, ethnic Turks - Islam.

Story

The prehistoric period of Cyprus begins with the appearance on the island of the first traces of man, dating, according to the latest data, to the 10th millennium BC, and ends at the turn of the 2nd and 1st millennium BC, with the beginning of socio-political processes that led to the creation of the Cypriot kingdoms in the historical period. The history of Cyprus starts from the Neolithic era, in contrast to Greece, where the remains of a human presence from the Paleolithic period have been found. Cyprus has always been an integral part of Hellenism. Hellenistic culture reached the island immediately after the Trojan War, when the Achaeans landed on the island and assimilated the autochthons, the so-called "eteocypriots". Since then, the island has been inhabited by Greeks.

The favorable strategic position of Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea contributed to the fact that during its history it changed hands more than once, remaining on the periphery of various empires. In 58, the province of Cyprus was formed. Becoming part of Byzantium in 395, the Theme of Cyprus was created in 965, in 1191 it was captured by the crusading troops of Richard the Lionheart during the Third Crusade, becoming the Kingdom of Cyprus. Already in the island was transferred to the French crusader Guy de Lusignan, who founded the Lusignan dynasty in the Cypriot kingdom.

The main attraction in the north of the island is Famagusta with the medieval Tower of Othello, and the "ghost town" (Varosha quarter). Geographical proximity to a number of Mediterranean countries allows tourists to spend sea ​​cruises to Egypt, Israel, the island of Rhodes or Jordan.

Cruise liners depart from the seaports of Larnaca and Limassol, and correspond to 3-5 star hotels. The cruise time is usually about two days. Upon arrival in Israel, citizens of the Russian Federation are subject to a visa-free regime.

When renting cars, Russian citizens accept standard driving licenses, international driving licenses are not required. An age limit may be put forward, depending on the car rental company.

Cars rented to tourists have red numbers that begin with the letter Z. It should be remembered that traffic in Cyprus is on the left. In this case, the “interference on the right” rule applies, as in right-hand traffic. All drivers must give way to pedestrians moving along the pedestrian crossing. In cities such as Nicosia, Larnaca, etc., you can get stuck in traffic jams; there may also be difficulties with free parking.

In addition to left-hand traffic, the power supply standard belongs to the British heritage - three-pin sockets (one of them is grounding, an analogue of the side contact of the euro plug), but not 230 V, as in the UK, but 240 V.

The local population traditionally adheres to Orthodox Christianity. There are a large number of Orthodox churches on the island, and there are many Orthodox icons for sale. Among the attractions of Cyprus are Orthodox shrines, such as the tomb of St. Lazarus in Larnaca.

Many shops and banks on the island are closed on Wednesday and Saturday, and on working days - only 8:00-13:00 and 15:00-17:30 on winter time, 16:00-19:00 in summer.

There is some tension between the two communities. When communicating with Greek Cypriots, it is not recommended to mention the Turkish occupation of the northern part of the island. A particularly painful topic is the "ghost town" of Varosha.

Photographing the border zone between the Greek and Turkish sectors, military personnel and military installations is prohibited.

Among the ethnic Greeks in Cyprus live Pontic Greek repatriates from the former USSR.

Currency

Coins were introduced in ¼, ½ and 1 piastres. A coin of a quarter piastres was called by the Greek Cypriots decara (from deka - “ten”), since it was equal to ten para, ½ piastres - ikosara (“ikosi” - twenty). Coins were also issued in 3, 4½, 9, 18 piastres, 1 and 2 shillings.

Politic system

After gaining independence, Cyprus became a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement, despite the fact that all three guarantor powers (Britain, Greece and Turkey) were members of NATO. In 2004, Cyprus withdrew from the Non-Aligned Movement in order to join the European Union, but retained a special observer status in this organization.

The 1960 constitution introduced a presidential republic with the division of powers into executive, legislative and judicial, and quotas to protect the interests of ethnic Turks. The president and vice president were elected respectively by the Greek and Turkish communities for a five-year term, and had the right to veto certain initiatives of the legislative and executive authorities.

Between the Greek and Turkish sectors lies the UN Buffer Zone, which is also a de facto (but not de jure) exclave.

International Status

Since May 1, 2004 Cyprus has been a member of the European Union. Citizens of the Russian Federation do not need to obtain a single EU visa. As of September 2012, Cyprus is not part of the Schengen area. Citizens of the Russian Federation receive the so-called proviso, you can fill out an application for it on the website of the Embassy, ​​you can receive a proviso by e-mail after a day. A pro-visa gives the right to a single entry into the territory of the Republic of Cyprus. For multiple entries, a national Cypriot visa is required. The procedure is similar to opening a Schengen visa.

The legal way to arrive on the island is through the airports of Paphos or Larnaca, or the seaports of Larnaca or Limassol. Illegal - through Turkey, and the ports of Northern Cyprus, sea or air.

Since January 1, 2008, Cyprus has been a member of the Eurozone, i.e. National currency- Cypriot pound - replaced by the euro.

The Republic of Cyprus adheres to the policy of non-alignment and is not a member of NATO.

The Turkish sector is indicated on the maps as "territory inaccessible due to Turkish occupation", the same on the map of the northern part of the city of Nicosia. The names of the cities of Northern Cyprus are given as of 1974, there are no road signs for these cities.

Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Moscow

Cyprus map

Property located in Northern Cyprus, and owned until 1974 by ethnic Greeks, continues to be considered their property. The purchase of such property may be considered legal in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, but the authorities of the Greek sector may regard such a move as buying stolen goods.

Formally, 98% of the island's territory is under the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus, minus the British military bases. De facto, 38% of the territory is occupied by the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Movement between the two parts of the island is free, with a passport and a legal visa of the Republic of Cyprus. The visa of the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is issued upon entry. Insurance may not cover Turkish territory.

When returning from the northern part of the island, a customs inspection may be carried out. Since prices in Turkish territory are significantly lower, the import of goods from it is limited.

The Republic of Cyprus may refuse entry to persons who have a stamp in their passport stating that they have visited the Republic of Macedonia. This fact is connected with the dispute of this state with Greece about its name.

Diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union were established in August 1960. On April 7, 1992, the Republic of Cyprus recognized the Russian Federation as the legal successor of the USSR. The Russian embassy is located in the city of Nicosia, the consulate is in Larnaca. The Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Russia is located in Moscow, the consulate is in St. Petersburg.

Persons with a visitor visa are prohibited from working. A work permit must be obtained prior to arrival in the Republic of Cyprus.

Island unification referendum

Economy

Advantages: tourism provides 20% of GDP. Industry and services for neighboring eastern countries. Member of the EU.

Weak sides: the demand for stricter control and action against capital and tax leakages. limited liberalization. There is no foreign investment in Northern Cyprus.

The economy of Cyprus is strongly influenced by the division of the island into the Greek sector (the Republic of Cyprus) and the Turkish sector (the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus).

The economy of the Greek sector is thriving, but highly dependent on external risks. Growth rates in the 1990s reflect the island's dependence on fluctuations in the number of tourists, and changes in economic conditions in Western Europe. In January 2008 the island entered the Eurozone and its monetary policy will be dictated by the European Central Bank.

The Turkish sector represents one fifth of the population and one seventh of the GNP compared to the Greek part of the island. Due to the fact that it is only recognized by Turkey, Northern Cyprus has difficulty with international funding, and foreign firms usually avoid investing in it. Half of the labor force is employed in agriculture, government and military service. The Turkish lira is in circulation in the northern part of the island. Türkiye also provides direct and indirect assistance to tourism, education, industry, etc.

In both sectors there is a problem of water supply, the construction of desalination stations is planned.

Past and present: The offshore sector and the lowest taxes in the EU

The offshore regime for international business companies (International Business Companies), which was in force since January 1, 1977, ceased from May 1, 2004 (from the moment the Republic of Cyprus joined the EU). The offshore regime of Cyprus assumed the application of a corporate tax rate of 4.25% for companies that did not operate in the territory of the Republic. There are currently no international business companies (they were either liquidated or re-registered during 2004-2005). The Income Tax Act 2002 provides for a general corporate tax rate of 10% for all types of companies (which is the lowest in the European Union). The existence of resident and non-resident companies is provided for.

A Cyprus tax resident is a company whose management is located in Cyprus, as well as the effective management of which takes place in Cyprus (it is enough that a large number of directors, for example 2 out of 3 are tax residents of Cyprus, and preferably citizens, and also that all meetings of the board of directors and making decisions on transactions, etc. were taken in Cyprus). A tax resident - an individual is a person who is in Cyprus for more than 183 days. It is important to note that in 1998 the Russian Federation and the Republic of Cyprus signed an Agreement for the avoidance of double taxation, which was significantly amended by the Protocol of October 7, 2010.

Cyprus is one of the most popular holding and international tax planning jurisdictions. In addition to the lowest corporate tax rate in the EU, income from the sale of securities, interest and dividends received are exempt from tax. There is no withholding tax on interest, dividends and royalties paid abroad. Cyprus has the widest network of double tax treaties, including with Russia and other CIS countries.

The establishment, operation and liquidation of companies is governed by the Companies Law of the Republic of Cyprus (The Companies Law, Cap. 113). The main motive for buying a company registered in the Republic of Cyprus is that, in accordance with paragraph 22 of Art. 8 "Exemptions" of the Law of the Republic of Cyprus dated 15.07.2002 No. 118 (I) / 2002 "On Income Tax" income from the sale of securities is exempt from taxation. Securities in the Republic of Cyprus are understood to mean shares, bonds, government bonds or shares of members of companies or other legal entities, established both in Cyprus and in any other jurisdiction (promissory notes do not apply to them).

In December 2008, the State Revenue Service of the Republic of Cyprus issued an information letter dated 12/17/2008 No. 2008/13, containing an expanded list of "securities" for the purposes of taxation of income of legal entities. This clarification comes into force from the moment of issuing the letter.

In accordance with the above list, the following can be classified as securities:

• ordinary shares, shares of founders and preferred shares;
• bonds, debentures and rights of claim on bonds and debentures;
• options on securities;
• short option positions, futures, forwards and swaps on securities;
• depositary receipts on securities;
• derivative securities linked to various indices;
• REPO agreements on securities;
• shares in the capital of companies that do not have shares (shares in the capital of Russian LLCs);
• shares in open or closed investment funds established, registered and operating in accordance with the provisions of the legislation of the country in which they are created.

In Cyprus, it is possible to create companies of the following types:

• private limited company (may be "exempted")
• public limited company

Most often, Cypriot companies are used as holding companies, financial group companies, investment companies, international trading companies, leasing companies, companies in royalty schemes.

The volume of accumulated investments that came to Russia from Cyprus and even more through Cyprus, by 2008 amounted to more than 40 billion US dollars (out of a total volume of about 200 billion). Cyprus is consistently in the top three in terms of investment in the Russian economy. This is directly related to preferential taxation in Cyprus.

Since 2008, Russia has applied preferential taxation of dividends if their recipients are Russian organizations that have subsidiaries with their strategic participation, located both abroad and in Russia. The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation has approved a list of states in relation to which these norms do not apply. Cyprus was one of those countries. The Cypriot authorities called this list "black" and considered it a serious problem. The Ministry of Finance of Russia and the Ministry of Finance of Cyprus were negotiating to remove Cyprus from the list. Russia linked the solution of this issue with the conclusion of a protocol to the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement dated December 5, 1998 (April 16, 2009 the Protocol was initialed in its final form). Also, Cyprus will have to be more loyal to Russia in terms of providing information.

On October 31, 2012, Rossiyskaya Gazeta (No. 251) dated October 31, 2012 published an order of the Russian Ministry of Finance dated August 21, 2012 No. 115n, registered on October 25, 2012 in the Russian Ministry of Justice, according to which the Republic of Cyprus is excluded from the list of offshore companies from January 1, 2013 , approved by the Order of the Ministry of Finance of Russia dated November 13, 2007 No. 108n. News from the Russian Tax Portal about the exclusion of Cyprus from the Russian list of offshores

In December 2008, the government of Ukraine proposed to the Verkhovna Rada to denounce the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement between the USSR and Cyprus, which is currently in force with respect to Ukraine, but the Verkhovna Rada rejected this proposal. According to the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, in 2007 UAH 4 billion 817 million 530 thousand were transferred from Ukraine to Cyprus in the form of income. At the same time, the losses of the state budget of Ukraine from the application of the provisions of the Soviet-Cypriot agreement on the avoidance of double taxation amounted to 722 million 630 thousand hryvnias.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation of August 21, 2012 N 115n "On Amending the List of States and Territories Providing a Preferential Taxation Treatment and (or) Not Providing for the Disclosure and Provision of Information in Conducting Financial Transactions (Offshore Zones), approved by order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation dated November 13, 2007 N 108n", the country was excluded from the list of official offshore zones for Russian business. Changes to this list were made on October 25, 2012 /. The new rule will take effect on January 1, 2012.

Compliance with OECD requirements for tax transparency and information sharing

In August 2008, Act 72(I) amended the Act (Cap 4 of 1978) "On the Calculation and Collection of Tax", providing for the issuance of tax information in accordance with Art. 26 of the OECD Model Convention on the Avoidance of Double Taxation on Income and Capital.

The amendments circumvent for tax purposes statutory provisions on the prohibition of disclosure of information, including provisions on bank secrecy and obligations on non-disclosure of information obtained in the course of professional activities, which include rules on the obligation to maintain the confidentiality of information received from the client and data protection. At the same time, the right to legal professional privilege (lawyer secrecy) is preserved, and thus any information provided by the client during discussions with his lawyer cannot be disclosed to any third parties.

The key provisions of the changes made are:

• The Cypriot tax authorities may withhold information when there is no mutual reciprocity (statutory provisions to implement the agreement) between Cyprus and the other Contracting State with respect to the information to be exchanged. Thus, the requesting state is required to have similar provisions and/or administrative powers to carry out the exchange of information requested by the Cyprus tax authorities.

• The Cypriot tax authorities may exercise their powers to collect the requested information only after obtaining the written consent of the Attorney General of Cyprus.

• The Cyprus tax authorities may request information in respect of any persons, including companies and partnerships (partnerships), which have been dissolved and struck off the Register (of Companies).

• The Cyprus Tax Authorities may request any books, records or other documents, information or information in the possession, control, possession or competence of any person. The requesting state is required to provide the Cyprus tax authorities with the following information:

Information identifying the person being investigated;

Description of the requested information, as well as the content and manner in which the requesting state wishes to receive information from the tax authorities of Cyprus;

Reasons and grounds for believing that the requested information is held by the Cyprus tax authorities, or may be in the possession or control of a person over whom Cyprus exercises jurisdiction;

The name and address of any person who may have the requested information, to the extent that it may be available;

A statement that the provision of information is subject to the laws and administrative powers of the requesting state, and when the requested information is found and established in the jurisdiction of the requested state, the relevant authorities will be able to obtain the information in accordance with their laws and ordinary administrative powers;

A statement that the requesting State has exhausted all measures available to it in its jurisdiction to obtain the requested information, except for those measures that would impose an undue burden.

Legislation and judicial system

The legal system of Cyprus in its modern form took shape during the period of British colonial rule on the island (1878-1960). English law had a decisive influence on the formation of most branches of law; many legal institutions are no different from English ones. By the time of the British occupation of Cyprus in 1878, Ottoman law was in force on the island, which by this time had been almost completely codified, with most of the codes borrowed from France. The new law, however, had not yet had time to take root by that time.

By the Cyprus Courts of Justice Order of 1882, it was established that in cases where at least one of the defendants was not an Ottoman citizen, English law was applied, and in other cases, Ottoman law.

Ottoman law in Cyprus included 5 codes, gradually replaced by English colonial law. The Ottoman Criminal Code was replaced in 1928 by the Cypriot Criminal Code, introduced by order in the Council; the Ottoman Commercial Code - by the Law on Partnerships of 1928, the Law of Exchange of 1928 and the Bankruptcy Law of 1930. The Ottoman Civil Code (Majalla), which was a codification of Sharia norms, was also gradually abolished and replaced by a number of major acts. In 1930, the Contract Law (Cap. 149) was introduced, which was a very complete codification of English contract law. This act was based on the Indian Contracts Act 1872 and the Zanzibar Contracts Ordinance 1917. The Torts Act 1933 was a codification of English tort law (currently Cyprus is the only country in the British Commonwealth, where tort law is codified). The remaining articles of the Majalla were replaced by other legislation. The Ottoman Land Code was replaced by the Immovable Property (Holding, Registration and Valuation) Law of 1945. Finally, the Maritime Code is still in force to the extent that it does not contradict the Merchant Shipping Act of 1894.

In addition to the above codes, during the period of British domination, some other branches of law (for example, criminal procedure, mining) were codified.

Following the independence of Cyprus, the provisions of the English legal system were enacted by the Courts of Justice Law in 1960. According to the terminology of this Act, the civil and criminal courts are ordered to comply with the provisions of the English common law, “so far as they are not contrary to the laws in force in present, or they have not been amended by the Constitution. In cases where the relationship is not regulated by the laws of Cyprus, the courts of the island must resort to the provisions of common law and the law of equity.

Independent Cyprus develops its own case law.

In family law and some issues of personal status, the dominant role was retained by religious law (respectively, ecclesiastical law in the Greek community and Muslim law in the Turkish community).

Cyprus does not have its own legal higher educational establishments. Greek Cypriots receive their legal education mainly in Greece and the UK.

At the time of the creation of an independent Cypriot state, it was assumed that the judicial system would have to reflect the bicommunal nature of the country. At the head of the highest judicial bodies - the Supreme Constitutional Court and Supreme Court(they were merged in January 1964) - there were to be neutral chairmen who would not belong to any of the national communities, but had the right to vote and had to maintain a balance between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots - members of the above courts .

The 1960 constitution provided that only a Turkish judge would judge Turkish Cypriots, and a Greek judge over Greek Cypriots. In the event that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots participated in the lawsuit, the case was considered by a mixed court. Communal offices of Greek and Turkish lawyers were established, with legislative and administrative powers in relation to disputes over education, religion, culture, sports, cooperatives and credit societies. After intercommunal clashes in 1963 mixed courts ceased to exist. The Supreme Court consists of 13 members appointed by the President of the Republic. It is the highest court of appeal in the country. The Supreme Court appoints the judges of the lower courts and resolves all issues related to their professional promotion, disciplinary liability, dismissal, etc.

Civil cases and minor offenses punishable by up to 3 years in prison or up to £500 fine are heard in the District Courts. The Assize Courts have jurisdiction over more serious cases. The court of appeal against them is the Supreme Court of Cyprus. There are no courts in the Republic of Cyprus dealing with special categories of criminal cases (for example, those involving state security). However, there are special courts for some non-criminal cases: the Labor Court, the Rent Control Court and the Family Court. These courts exercise exclusive jurisdiction in relevant matters, their decisions can only be challenged in terms of law to the Supreme Court. The Attorney General of the Republic of Cyprus (Attorney General) acts as the Chief Legal Adviser to the President of the Republic and the Council of Ministers and is also the Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions.

The composition of the Supreme Court of a separate state - the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus - includes a chairman and 4 judges. It also performs the functions of the constitutional court, the highest administrative court and the court of cassation. Just like in the Republic of Cyprus, district courts with 1 judge hear cases punishable by imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years, assize courts with 3 judges hear more serious cases.

In 1991, the position of Ombudsman (commissioner for human rights) was established in the Republic of Cyprus. The bar is organized in the form of partnerships operating on the basis of the Partnerships Act (repeating the English Act of the same name of 1890). Upon completion of their legal education, barristers must pass the bar exam administered by the Legal Board and complete a one-year internship with a barrister with at least five years of experience. A lawyer with at least 3 years of experience has the right to appear in any court of the country.

Telecommunications

The dominant telecommunications company and Internet service provider is CYTA owned by the state. In connection with liberalization in 2003, several private companies appeared in this sector to create conditions for free competition.

One of the most successful private telecom operators in Cyprus is Primetel, which has built its own and independent fiber network throughout the island over the past 4 years. Also, PrimeTel, together with the world's major operator Reliance Globalcom, will soon launch a new high-speed submarine cable connecting Cyprus with Europe and other countries.

Education and science

In total, there are six universities in Cyprus: 3 public and 3 private. The state ones include the University of Cyprus, the Open University of Cyprus and the Cyprus Technological University. In addition to the three private universities (Cyprus European University, Frederic University of Cyprus and the University of Nicosia), there are several institutions: Cyprus Academy of Public Administration, Graduate School hotel business, Mediterranean Institute of Management and Cyprus International Institute of Management.

National holidays

• New Year - January 1
• Epiphany - January 6
• Green Monday (beginning of Lent, 50 days before Orthodox Easter)
• Greek National Day - March 25
• Cyprus National Day - April 1
• Good Friday - variable date
• Bright Monday (Monday after Easter)
• International Labor Day - May 1
• Kataklysmos (festival in honor of the Great Flood), Monday after Trinity
• Dormition - August 15
• Cyprus Independence Day - October 1
• Greek national holiday (OHI Day) - October 28
• Christmas Eve - December 24
• Christmas - December 25
• Christmas time - December 26

Cypriot cuisine

The cuisine of Cyprus is based on Mediterranean dishes, primarily Greek and Turkish. These include meze (a set of numerous snacks and dishes united by one theme - meat or fish), common both in Greece and Turkey, and kleftiko - baked goat or lamb meat. But traditional is still the use of goat meat.

Kleftiko is translated as “stolen meat”, as shepherds used to hide stolen meat in the ground and cook it by making a fire from above. Today, this dish is cooked in a tightly sealed oven. Thanks to the cooking method, the meat is tender and easily moves away from the bones.

Also traditional are dishes on the grill - souvla and souvlaki. Deep-fried cutlets keftedes and sheftalia (minced meat with herbs and breadcrumbs).

Local seafood specialties include squid and octopus in red wine. From sweets, jam from local fruits, vegetables and nuts is common - from walnuts in soft shells, eggplants, figs, etc.

Cypriots also consider churchkhela (in Greek “shushuko”) to be their dish - nuts strung on ropes and covered with a frozen syrup of grape juice, flour and rose water. Rose water is actively used in cooking.

Cypriot coffee is similar to Turkish coffee - served with thick and a glass of ice water.

Cinnamon is of great importance in Cypriot cuisine - it is added to almost all dishes: sweets, meat, cutlets, vegetable stews.

Commandaria wine is famous, the production of which began during the time of the Crusaders. Local beers KEO and Leon are popular.

British heritage in the field of cooking is expressed in the traditional "English breakfast" of scrambled eggs with bacon and beans. In a number of bars, beer is served in English pints.

Great damage is done to populations of small migratory birds (up to 2 million individuals per year in the early 2010s), which are eaten, considered a delicacy ( see main article).

Armed forces

The basis of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Cyprus is the National Guard (Greek Εθνική Φρουρά), founded in 1964, and including land (SV), sea (Navy) and air (Air Force) components. The total number of the National Guard is about 14 thousand people.

The Ground Forces of the National Guard of the Republic of Cyprus include the 1st and 2nd Infantry Divisions, the 3rd and 4th Separate Infantry Brigades, the 20th Separate Armored Brigade, the Separate Commando Brigade, the Field Artillery Command, units and subunits of central command.

In addition, on the basis of the “Treaty on Security Guarantees of the Republic of Cyprus” of 1960, Greece maintains its troops on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus (ELDIK - Greek.

The main suppliers of weapons and military equipment- Greece, Russia and France. The United States and Great Britain imposed an embargo on the supply of weapons due to the unresolved Cyprus problem.

The personnel are recruited by conscription from among men aged 16 years and older, the duration of military service is 24 months (from 01/01/2009 - the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers was adopted in mid-December 2008, before that, the conscription service period was 25 months), and is obligatory for persons whose father is a Greek Cypriot. For religious minorities (Armenians, Catholics, Christians - Maronites) the conscription is not obligatory. Turks are not subject to conscription.

Guests of the island - men over 16 years old - with a Cypriot father must obtain an exit visa from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Cyprus.

Attractions

• The main attractions of the country: the tomb of Lazarus, the tomb of Hala Sultan, the Archaeological Museum of Antiquities.
• In the old part of Famagusta there is a fortress of the XIV-XV centuries, in the tower of which lived the prototype of Shakespeare's Othello, the Venetian commander Christopher Moreau.
• Ruins of the ancient city of Salamis.
• Near Kyrenia - the ruins of the Gothic Bellapais abbey, the Shipwreck Museum.
• Stavrovouni Monastery, founded, according to legend, in 327 by Saint Helena.
• Church of Agios Andronikos.
• The ancient city of Kourion, near Limassol

see also

Notes

Links

Literature

• Edward Savulak. Cyprus: 170 answers about taxes. - M., 2011. - 125 p.
• Cypriot Rhapsody. Poems of poets of Cyprus. Translation from Modern Greek. Ed. Ya. Smelyakova. - M., 1961. - 106 p.

Asian countries

Nicosia is not just a beautiful city. It is also the capital of two states: the Republic of Cyprus and the partially recognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The city is located in the central part of the country, so there are few tourists here, but Nicosia is only 30 minutes from the resort area Larnaca. The infrastructure here is very developed, and it is very convenient to get from Nicosia to anywhere in Cyprus in order to visit everywhere and enjoy the history and culture of the island.

About a third of all inhabitants of the island live in Nicosia. This place perfectly combines several cultures (Greek, Turkish and others), as well as the past with the present - they honor their history and culture here.

Nicosia has experienced many events. It has been conquered by enemies more than once. The city got its name in 1192, when the English king Richard I the Lionheart gave it to Guy de Lusignan and made it the capital of the Cypriot kingdom. Then the city passed into the power of either the Venetians or the British, and after Turkish troops invaded the country in 1974, the city remained divided into two parts - Turkish (northern) and Greek (southern). Northern part Nicosia is the capital of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and is called Lefkosha. The wall of separation (" green line”) began to be dismantled only in 2008.

Climate and weather

The climate in Nicosia is subtropical semi-desert. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are warm and mild. Humidity levels are very low, so rainfall is negligible. Most of them fall between December and February. The annual rainfall is approximately 310 mm.

The air temperature in July reaches +37…+39 ºС, and in January - about +15 ºС. The minimum mark of the thermometer in winter was fixed at +5.2 ºС.

Nature

The capital of the island is located in geographic center. It is located on a large plain Mesaoria, which separates mountain ranges Kyrenia And Troodos. The height of the city center is 149 meters above sea level. Not far from Nicosia, the Akaki River flows.

Thanks to good weather conditions throughout the year and hot climates vegetable world striking in its diversity. Here you can find various types of rare and exotic plants, flowers, trees. The city is immersed in greenery, thanks to which the air here is always clean, even though it is a large industrial center.

Attractions

Nicosia is not resort area, but it is here that large quantity sights and interesting places that you should definitely visit when you are on the island.

Deserves special attention Old city located in the central part of the capital. Recently, almost all old buildings have been reconstructed here, and today the city is happy to welcome tourists from all over the world. Once the Venetians erected huge walls here, which today are the cultural value of the city. Quarter Laiki Gethinia is able to take the guests of the city to a unique era of antiquity and make it clear how important the city was then and remains so to this day. The most important cultural monuments here are the cathedral St. John, Chrysaliniotissa Church, Faneromeni Church where the oldest frescoes and icons have been preserved. Also worth seeing is the great Salimiye Mosque.

Once upon a time, an eastern palace was also built here, which played an important role in the history of the city. Today, excursions are conducted here, having visited which, you can find out about who lived here and what they did. The palace has recently been restored.

Numerous bastions were used to protect the city from enemy attacks. In total, 11 out of 12 of them have survived to this day, and they were called in honor of the Italian aristocratic families who donated funds for the construction. For example, Kyrenia Gate(Porta del Proveditore), Bastion Caraffa, Musalla, Sibeli, D'Avila(here is the city hall). The Palace of the President of Northern Cyprus is located in the bastion Cephare, A Roccas Bastion today it is a park.

In the city, west of the city wall, is the Central Prison of Nicosia, which was built back in 1894 by the British. In 1974, the prison building served as a defensive fortress against the invasion of the Turks into the city.

Nutrition

In Nicosia, as a place of mixing of many cultures, you can find restaurants of almost all cuisines of the world.

National Cypriot cuisine can be enjoyed at the restaurant Estiades whose motto is: "Eat as much as you like!". This reflects the hospitality and generosity of the Cypriots. Available here in the evenings Buffet» for all visitors of the restaurant. In addition, the restaurant serves international cuisine. And the Cypriot culinary delights will delight all guests of Estiades.

Wonderful chefs of the restaurant will help you plunge into the atmosphere of oriental cuisine Abu Faysal where they serve the best dishes cuisines of Lebanon and the Middle East. In addition to a chic selection of dishes, visitors are offered a wonderful list of drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for every taste.

Meat lovers simply must visit the establishment, which serves perhaps the best steaks and other meat delights in all of Nicosia. At the restaurant Zebras Steakhouse more than thirty dishes are presented using the best types of meat. In addition, vegetarians and seafood lovers can also enjoy culinary delights here.

Of course, Nicosia was not without Chinese cuisine. Restaurant Chinese Spice is very popular among both locals and visitors to the city. This place is considered one of the best on the whole island. The chefs present traditional Chinese dishes to their visitors, as well as embody their innovative ideas, which, of course, is very popular with the guests of the restaurant.

All establishments of this kind in the city are quite expensive, but it's worth it. After all, the dishes here are incredibly tasty and very satisfying. And the service and hospitality of the Cypriots deserve due attention.

Accommodation

Basically, in Nicosia there are three-, four- and five-star hotels of well-known chains. They are equipped with everything necessary and meet any requirements of tourists and international standards.

One of the most popular hotels is the three-star Classic Hotel. It is represented by the Small Luxury Hotels chain and is designed for 60 rooms, including family suits and suites. The hotel is located in close proximity to the business district of Nicosia, as well as the main entertainment and commercial buildings. On site you can use the gym, massage parlor, bar, conference room, as well as visit the restaurant "59 knives". Depending on the room, the cost per day can be 100-150 €.

The 4-star Cleopatra Hotel is located in the heart of the city. Inside the hotel - 89 rooms, which have absolutely everything for comfortable rest visitors. On site you can use the services of a doctor, a hairdresser, go to a cafe and restaurant, visit a beauty center. For an additional fee will excursion programs, organize business meetings and various celebrations, and you can also visit the sauna, jacuzzi, SPA-salon and much more. If visitors come with children, then nannies are at their service, and you can also use furniture for children and playrooms, where children are looked after by specialists.

The only five-star hotel in Nicosia is the Hilton Cyprus Hotel. It is designed for 298 rooms. The name of this hotel is synonymous with luxury. Often world-class stars stop here. All rooms have private balconies, as well as everything that even the most demanding guest may need. All major credit cards are accepted here. There are several chic restaurants and bars, a laundry, a business center, a spa, swimming pools and much more. A separate menu has been created for children, as well as babysitting services and special playgrounds.

Entertainment and recreation

In addition to many attractions, Nicosia is also known for its vibrant nightlife. There are many nightclubs here for every taste. For example, the City Royal club. Every night, visitors are presented with an interesting program, the best incendiary music sounds here, and sometimes fashion shows are held.

The place where the "golden youth" comes to rest is the Zoo Club. Before you get here, you have to go through a strict face control. It is on this dance floor that all the most beautiful and stylish people of Nicosia gather. The best music sounds here, and there is also a luxurious restaurant where you can have a good time.

Nicosia is also a city of museums. They are definitely worth a visit, being in the capital of Cyprus. The main museums are Municipal, Artistic, Architectural, and Museum of Jewelery. It is here that unique things are stored that were created before our era and are of great interest to visitors today. You can learn more about the history of Cyprus in M Museum of Arts and Crafts and Folk Crafts. Here, professional guides will tell visitors about the history and life of the ancient Cypriots, about which little is known today.

Purchases

Shopping in Nicosia can bring great pleasure to lovers of spending money. The most "shopping" street is considered Stasicratus, where there are about 60 boutiques of branded brands - Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Oriental Bazaar Phenicia and many others. This street is crossed by no less important, where there are about 30 more boutiques - street Mnasiadu. Among its establishments you can see Max Mara, Wolford, Equinox and others.

It should be remembered that the opening hours of shops are unusual for Europeans. In the period from April 1 to October 31, on weekdays, shops are open until 20:00 (on Wednesday until 15:00), Saturday - until 19:30, and on Sunday they are completely closed. The exception is shops located in the Old Town.

Transport

The best way to get around Nicosia is on foot. But if you need to go to far distance, then you can use the services of public transport - the municipal bus. The fare is low, but these buses are usually inconvenient. The fact is that sometimes routes can simply be canceled, and a bus breakdown right on the road is by no means uncommon. Therefore, you can take a taxi, which is more expensive, but is much more comfortable. And finding a taxi on the street will not be easy at first, because there are no traditional “checkers” on cars. Instead, a small plate with the letter "T" is attached to them. When getting into a taxi, make sure that the meter is turned on when boarding.

Connection

Nicosia's main ISP today is CYTA. Quite successful private companies Reliance Globalcom and Primetel work alongside it. The Internet is now available to almost all residents of the capital of Cyprus, and it must be said that this industry has quite broad development prospects. For example, it is planned to equip buses with a Wi-Fi system, which, according to experts, will be absolutely free.

Safety

In terms of tourist safety, Nicosia is considered one of the best places to stay. The city has a large number of police officers, who can always be contacted in case of danger.

Pickpocketing is quite rare here, but you should still keep a close eye on your belongings. It is also better not to take documents and large sums of money with you, but to leave everything in the hotel safes.

If necessary, emergency services can be called by calling 112 and 199. There are also separate phone numbers in Nicosia: ambulance - 22-452760, police - 22-495888.

Business climate

Nicosia is the business and cultural center of Cyprus. Here are the most important business centers and buildings of the island, such as the City Hall, the Palace of the President of Northern Cyprus and many other important objects.

Nicosia is a favorable place for development own business. The main conditions for this are the presence detailed business plan, as well as an alternative plan for developing your own business in case of unforeseen circumstances. The advantage of doing business here is a low income tax, as well as a small start-up capital. In order, for example, to open your own cafe or a small restaurant, you will need about three thousand €, which is several times lower than in other European countries.

Real estate

There are no problems with the acquisition of real estate in Cyprus. This type of service is very well developed today. Real estate companies can make real estate purchase and sale transactions even via the Internet (online), if one of the parties cannot visit it in person. The cost of real estate from year to year only increases, and not by 1-2%, but up to 16%.

As for the cost of housing, in Nicosia it is quite high. This situation has developed due to the fact that a large number of elite housing and luxury apartments are represented in the capital. So, a villa for 190 thousand € will be considered relatively inexpensive compared to apartments and apartments, the cost of which ranges from 300 to 800 thousand €.

It should be remembered that in Cyprus there is left-hand traffic, that is, the steering wheel in cars is located on the right side. In this case, the “interference on the right” rule applies, and on a circular turn, the movement is made clockwise.

Problems with parking spaces are not uncommon here, so you should be especially careful.

If you have rented a car, then you are not allowed to cross the border between Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, even if you have visas for both parts of the island.

When driving a car, the alcohol content in the blood is allowed, not exceeding 900 mg / l.

In Nicosia, it is customary to leave a tip of up to 10% of the bill, but usually it is already included in it. When checking out from the hotel, it is better to give money “for tea” to the attendants directly into the hands, because if you leave it, for example, on the bed, no one will take the banknotes.

When visiting temples and churches, you should take care of your appearance. In women, the head should be covered with a scarf, and clothes should cover the knees. Men are not allowed to enter the temple in shorts.

Nicosia has hot summers and a dry climate, which makes almost everyone feel thirsty. Therefore, the city authorities made sure that tap water could be used without fear for health.

When communicating with the people of Nicosia, you will see that they are very friendly people. Do not be surprised if a complete stranger begins to treat you with something or give you something as a keepsake.