History    ( A bit long but detailed )

The TRNC was unilaterally proclaimed in 1983, nine years after the Greek Cypriot coup d'etat that was carried out by supporters of EOKA-B with backing from the Greek military junta of 1967-1974, and the ensuing Turkish invasion of Cyprus, which established the new entity on Cyprus as a dependency of Turkey and whose military maintain a strong presence in the TRNC to this day. Its immediate predecessor from 1975 to 1983 was the Turkish Federative State of North Cyprus; but the lead up to its establishment started in 1963 with the collapse of the Cypriot community into two.

1960 - Establishment of the Republic of Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus was established after the British rejected Greek Cypriots' demands for its unification with Greece; they offered sovereignty instead and the island gained independence from the United Kingdom. Both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities living on the island were called to govern the new republic. However, due to the clauses based in the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus, no Turkish Cypriot could be elected President and no Greek Cypriot could be elected Vice President. Both communities were allocated seats in the governmental chambers and granted positions in the civil service. The Constitution provided that 70% of the members of the House of Representatives would be Greek Cypriots and 30% Turkish Cypriots. For some matters, such as the budget, separate majorities were required. For the army and the civil service, the ratio was set at 60-40 respectively. Greece, Turkey, and the UK became guarantor powers of the Republic under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee.

1963 - Inter-communal fighting and constitutional collapse

In December 1963, the government of Cyprus collapsed after the Turkish Cypriots withdrew their participation. For 3 years its legislative powers were stalling due to the constant inability of the two communities to reach decisions. Tensions increased when Makarios proposed thirteen amendments to the constitution of the Republic of Cyprus.

Turkish Cypriots were opposed to the proposal since it allegedly re-classfied their status as a minority, instead of co-founders of the state; the proposals also removed what they saw as their community’s constitutional safeguards. These amendments were largely seen as a move towards Enosis (union with Greece) by Turkish Cypriots. On 21 December 1963, clashes between Turkish Cypriots and Polycarpos Yorgadjis (the Interior Minister) plainclothes special constables left two Turkish Cypriots and one Greek Cypriot policeman dead. Although the ensuing violence led to attacks launched by both communities, Turkish Cypriots had born the brunt of the offensive, leading to 700 Turkish Cypriot hostages being taken and full scale attacks launched by Nicos Sampson against the Turkish Cypriot population.

The fighting left 191 Turkish and 133 Greek Cypriots dead and 209 Turks and 41 Greeks missing. Widespread looting of Turkish Cypriot villages led to twenty thousand refugees retreating into armed enclaves which remained for 11 years, relying on food and medical supplies from Turkey to survive. Though much of the initial withdrawal was in the wake of violence, it has been alleged that the Turkish Cypriots' own paramilitary group TMT exercised influence in preventing some Turkish Cypriots returning to their villages, thus leading to the segregation of the communities.

Enclaves

According to Brigadier Francis Henn1, former Chief of Staff, UN Force in Cyprus from 1972-1974, the Turkish Cypriots were "besieged" and "56,000 members of the community had been deprived [by the Greek Cypriots authorities] of their normal means of subsistence".

1974 - Greek and Turkish military actions

On 15 July 1974, the Greek military junta of 1967-1974 backed a Greek Cypriot military coup d'état in Cyprus. President Makarios was removed from office and Nikos Sampson, a former EOKA fighter and a member of the Parliament, took over the presidency. Turkey claimed that under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee the coup was sufficient reason for military action and thus Turkey invaded Cyprus on 20 July 1974. Turkey's position was that such intervention was necessary to protect the Turkish Cypriot populace. The coup failed and Makarios returned to Cyprus. Turkish forces proceeded to forcibly take over about 37% of the island, causing a large numbers of Greek Cypriots to abandon their homes. Over 195,000 Greek Cypriots fled to the south of the island, while 50,000 Turkish Cypriots fled north. By the end of the invasion, thousads of Turkish Cypriots from the southern communities were missing, although it is known that small numbers Greek-Cypriots have continued to live with their Turkish neighbours.

1975 - From federation to independence

In 1975, the "Turkish Federated State of North Cyprus" was declared as a first step to international recognition of a Turkish Cypriot separatist state in Cyprus. The move was rejected by the Republic of Cyprus, by the UN, and by the international community. After eight years of failed negotiations with the leadership of the Greek Cypriot Community, the north declared its independence on 15 November 1983 under the name of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The UDI of the TRNC was rejected by the UN and the Republic of Cyprus.

Turkey is currently the only UN Member state that recognizes the TRNC. It can be considered a state but with restricted outlets and international rights outside its borders. It is not recognised as a state by the majority of the international community. The TRNC functions as a self-governing protectorate of Turkey. Although TRNC institutions are not recognized internationally, the President of the TRNC is recognized as the negotiating representative of the Turkish Cypriot community. TRNC has applied to the Commonwealth Games Federation to take part in the Commonwealth Games as a team separate from Cyprus, but so far this proposal has been rejected.

A large share of the people living in Northern Cyprus after the 1963 have emigrated, particularly to United Kingdom but also to Turkey. Many left the island due to the grim economic situation of the TRNC which, because of the prevailing embargo imposed on it by the international community, faces many difficulties in trading with third countries.

International status and foreign relations

Legally, the European Union continues to consider Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as EU territory with a disputed foreign military presence and thus indefinitely exempt from EU legislation until a settlement has been reached. While certain outlying regions of the EU can and do obtain exemptions from EU law, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the only part of the Union where such laws are not enforceable.

Military

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has a 2,000 man Defence Force which is primarily made up of conscripted Turkish Cypriot males between the ages of 18 and 40. This force supplements the 40,000 strong Turkish Army force, which is stationed on the island.

As an area under dispute, the Turkish military presence in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is seen differently by the communities in the region, the Greek population seeing it as an occupational force,while the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus citizens see it as protecting their life.

                                                                     

Geography and Climate                        Top of Page

Cyprus is the most easterly of the Mediterranean islands and the third largest in the area after Sicily and Sardinia in the Mediterranean. At the nearest coastal points it is 40 miles from Turkey, 60 miles from Syria, and 250 miles from Egypt.

The island of is split into six subnational divisions of Cyprus. There are 6 districts which have the same name with their capitals. For instance, there is a Kyrenia District which Kyrenia city is its capital.

Sovereign Base Areas are British Military Base Areas

The location of Cyprus in the makes it a strategic crossroads between three continents and has been used by travellers in their various journeys throughout history.

Traces of ancient peoples are evident: Assyrians, Phoenicians, Macedonians, Hellenists, Persians, Romans and Egyptians among others. These were followed by Byzantines, Crusaders, French Lusignans, Venetians, Ottomans and the British. There was then an unsettled period following independence in 1960, but this was ended with partition in 1974.

With such a background, Cyprus has developed a unique character which is a blend of all that has gone before. Part of its unique character is the natural beauty of the northern part of the island. The coastline offers fine, uncrowded beaches; you can still arrive at a beach and enjoy being the only one there. The mountains provide a lovely backdrop to the beaches but are very well worth visiting themselves; the track systems (many of which can be driven along) offer good walking. In the spring there are many wild flowers including some endemic to Cyprus. What makes Northern Cyprus special apart from its beaches, mountains and natural beauty? Well, to these you add a super climate, and the hospitality of the Turkish Cypriots.

The TRNC has a population of about 265,000 and an area of 3,355 square kilometres (including the tiny enclave of Kokkina (Turkish: Erenköy). The population consists of three main communities: indigenous Turkish Cypriots, intergrated Turkish settlers who can be considered Turkish Cypriots either through marriage or born on the island, and migrant Anatolian Turks; there also some Kurds amonst the settlers. Many of the older Turkish Cypriots speak and understand Greek - some may even be considered native speakers of the Greek Cypriot dialect.

There are also populations of Greek Cypriots and Maronites still living in Dipkarpaz and Koruçam regions. The TRNC includes the northern part of the city of Nicosia (Turkish: Lefkosa, Greek: Lefkosia), which serves as its capital.

North Cyprus is characterized by a unique blend of mountains, plains, and beaches. The Kyrenia (Five Finger) mountain range, with its magnificent jagged limestone peaks, the highest of which is Mount Içova at 3,357 ft. runs along most of the northern coastline form a startling backdrop. To the east of the island the mountain range loses height as it extends along the narrow peninsula known as Karpas, or more affectionately, `The Panhandle'. It is here that the best beaches of Cyprus can be found, long wide empty bays of the purest sand that stretch for miles and are usually free from crowds of people.

The northern coastline, which borders the Girne (Kyrenia) mountain range, is accepted as one of the most beautiful areas in the world in which to live. The natural beauty of the island, the lovely climate, the warmth and generosity of the Turkish Cypriot peoples and the abundant selection of fresh foods make Northern Cyprus an unspoilt and non-commercialised haven. There is virtually no crime to speak of, and this country is reminiscent of UK standards long lost, where hospitality, politeness and the general enjoyment of life are the daily norm.

Northern Cyprus enjoys a typical Eastern Mediterranean climate which makes the island one of the healthiest places in the world in which to live, consisting of a long hot summer and a dry short winter. The country enjoys approximately 330 days of sunshine annually, and the lowest sea temperature is rarely below 60 degrees F.

Economy                                                         Top of  Page

The economy of the TRNC is dominated by the services sector including the public sector, trade, tourism and education, with smaller agriculture and light manufacturing sectors. The economy operates on a free-market basis, although it continues to be handicapped by the political isolation of Turkish Cypriots, the lack of private and governmental investment, high freight costs, and shortages of skilled labour. Despite these constraints, the Turkish Cypriot economy turned in an impressive performance in 2003 and 2004, with growth rates of 9.6% and 11.4%. This growth has been buoyed by the relative stability of the Turkish Lira and by a boom in the education and construction sectors. The Turkish Cypriots are heavily dependent on monetary transfers from the Turkish government. Under the 2003-06 economic protocol, Ankara plans to provide around $550 million to the TRNC. The number of tourists visiting Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus during January-August 2003 was 286,901.

Currency
The Turkish Lira (TL), which has been in circulation since 1974, is the legal tender. The official rates for the TL are adjusted daily according to changes in international monetary markets. Generally speaking, all foreign currencies are acceptable at trading/tourist outlets. In January 2005, the new Turkish Lira or Yeni Turk Lirasi (YTL) was introduced. The 6 zeros were be dropped making 1,000,000 TL - 1 YTL

Language
Turkish is the official. language and English is the second language, and is widely used and understood in official and commercial circles.

Household
Most household items can be bought in North Cyprus at about the same price as Europe. Most international makes and models are available (Whirlpool, Kelvinator, Candy, Philips, Beko, Sony etc) Auctions are also held monthly where a vast array of items can be purchased at reasonable prices.

Running costs
Living costs in the TRNC are much cheaper than the UK and most of Europe. There is no rates system at present. The main costs are electricity (approx. £15 monthly per house for a couple), water (£5 monthly) and an annual council tax is less than £50. Central heating is becoming more popular with new build properties and is usually run on gas or oil. Most cookers are run on calor gas and/or electricity.

Consumer Markets
There is a wide selection of consumer goods of good quality. In addition to locally produced goods almost all foreign brands are available on the market. It can be estimated that the cost of foodstuffs generally is about half of the price in UK, with items such as local brandy, retailing at around £1.20 sterling per bottle.

Popular souvenirs include copper, silver, gold, bronze, onyx objects,backgammon boards and Cypriot handicrafts. Visit The Round Tower just off Kyrenia high street, which is one of the towers of the old walled city and has a large variety of Cypriot gifts, including postcards, prints, bags, lace, olive oil, local artists work, copper, throws, pottery and lots more.

Export of antiquities is illegal.

Shop opening times are generally between 9am and 5-6pm in the winter and 9am and 1 pm and 4pm and 6-7pm in the summer.

Employment
There is no acute unemployment problem in the TRNC, and the number of registered unemployed has declined steadily since 1978. The official working week is 40 hours in the winter and 36 in the summer.

Foreign Exchange
The TRNC follows a flexible exchange policy. Foreign currency accounts can be opened with local banks, and foreign currency can be brought into the country and taken out through the banks without any restriction or control, and the source of such income is not investigated.

Banking System
Usual banking services are provided.  There are branches in many of the important trading centres of the world. Some banks, such as Turk Bankasi have branches in London.  For links to available banks in North Cyprus see the links page

Dining out
Dining out in North Cyprus is not a problem.  There are many many cafes and restaurants serving all types of food - Turkish, Cypriot, English, Italian, Thai, Indian etc.  Usually they are moderately priced as long as you consider where they are - high tourist areas etc.
 

Transport and Communications         Top of  Page

The main airports are Geçitkale and Ercan and are only recognized as legal ports of entry by Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Ercan (Lefkosa/Nicosia - Main Airport)
Geçitkale Airport (Gazimagusa/Famagusta)
Ilker Karter Airport (Girne/Kyrenia)
Pinarbasi Airport (Girne/Kyrenia)
Topel Airport (Güzelyurt/Morphou)

The newly refurbished Ercan (pronounced Airjan and nearest to Kyrenia) airport handles the bulk of the tourist traffic, whilst Gecitkale serves as a back-up airport. Daily flights from many mainland Turkish cities, as well as flights from the Europe, supply the majority of the visitors to the island.

Traffic                                                     Top of  Page

Traffic drives on the left as in the UK, all signposts are of the European standard.  Many towns and cities now have speed cameras and there are mobile units in use.

Buying cars in the TRNC is simple and is like most other countries.  The second hand / used car market tends to be more expensive than in the rest of Europe partly due to import charges on new and used cars.  If a car is used in the TRNC but is taken abroad ( even to Turkey then an export licence must be obtained and a possible import charge will be levied on return to North Cyprus.

UK and International driving licences are recognised and are valid for a short time but if a person applies for residency after three months then a TRNC licence will be needed.

Pets

Pets can be brought into the TRNC and will need the usual papers from a vet.  Quarantine is about 4 weeks and the pet must be totally cared for by the owner.  The kennels / cattery do not support the animals.

Mail and Phones

All TRNC exports and imports are via Turkey.

Mail must be addressed via Mersin 10, TURKEY as the Universal Postal Union refuses to recognize the TRNC as a separate entity.  So as an example....

                                 Mr J Smith,   38 Ilker Carter Cad., Girne, Mersin 10, Turkey

Be careful not to send any taxable goods through the post.

International telephone calls are routed via a Turkish dialling system using the code: 0090 392.  392 is the TRNC code and if in the TRNC then just 0392 is used.  Telephone booths are available and phone cards can be purchased from local Telephone Offices.

On the web TRNC is under the Turkish second-level domain .nc.tr and broadband is available but not in all areas.

Services                                                   Top of Page

Emergencies

First Aid / Ambulance

For all districts Tel: 112

Forest Fires

For all districts Tel: 177

Police

Police Nicosia Tel: 228 3311
Police Kyrenia Tel: 815 2014
Police Famagusta Tel: 366 5310
Police Karpaz Tel: 381 2325

Note: If calling from a mobile phone you have to add 0392 to the numbers above.

Northern Cyprus Medical Services and Hospitals Customs and Regulations

The central state run hospital of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is located in Nicosia. There are other smaller hospitals in the other North Cyprus areas of, Kyrenia, Güzelyurt and Lefke. Beyond that there are also some clinics in smaller towns and villages.

North Cyprus Police

Crime in Northern Cyprus is virtually nonexistent and the police are always quick to respond to a crime or incident when and if needed.

Plumbing

Buildings in North Cyprus have a sewage system that is built with narrow pipes that can not cope with toilet paper or other foreign objects being flushed down the toilet. This is often the cause of many a blockage and it is recommended that you dispose of the toilet paper in the bin provided next to the toilet.

Mains power 240/415 volts AC. 50Hz.  Plugs are usually English standard (13A) but an adaptor is useful as many of the electrical goods are sold with the European two pin plug.  There are many power cuts so surge protectors are useful

Water  is by mains supply into water tanks and in some properties (in particular with larger gardens) supplemented by wells.  Mains is supplied at various times during the week and is not always on all the time.


Property                                                       Top of Page

Foreigners are limited to one donum per person - 3 donums = 1 acre.  Husband and wife count as one person unless they / two purchasers have different surnames . 

You do not require a residence permit to purchase property in North Cyprus.

For retired persons, the residents permit is all that is required. Retired persons may bring into the country a full household of furniture. These are virtually tax free - a nominal 2 - 3% tax is levied but from experience this is negotiable actually at the customs yard.

There is no rates system in the TRNC at the present time, only the equivalent to a council tax.   The system there is one where you buy a base package of rubbish collection but you can then pay for extra collections or services.  Note - if you have a lamp post on the path outside you will more than likely pay for it.  Having said this the charge is about £14 - £50 per year.

Gas is usually Calor type and purchased by the bottle. 

Electricity is about the same cost as in the UK. 

Water.  The majority of properties in the TRNC have a tank storage facility and solar heating.  Mains water, depending on the area, is switched on periodically.  As an example, in one area it is switched on every two days at about 10 am, for about 4 hours.  This fills a 1 tonne (1000 litre) tank which tops up the header tank.  Water in that area is charged at £3 per month standing charge - that gives you 1 tonne of water into the charge.  If you use more than the 1000 litres you pay off the meter.

Pets can be brought into the TRNC from Europe with little hassle. The Ministry of Agriculture require a certificate from a European vet stating that your animal is free of major diseases. Quarantine is approximately 4 weeks at the Lefkosa kennels.

Types of deeds for land and properties:

a) British or other foreign ownership pre 1974.  This needs a document called 'kocan', clearly stating that this is the case but they are Internationally recognised deeds.

b) Turkish Cypriot owned pre 1974.  These deeds are 100% safe, but before the property can be registered in your name, an application must be made to the Council of Ministers for approval. The procedure to obtain approval will take six - twelve months

c) TRNC.  This property or land was in Greek Cypriot ownership pre-1974. When the Turkish Cypriot refugees came to the safety of the north after July 1974, they left all their possessions behind in the south. Accordingly, the Government then assessed on a points basis, the value of the refugee's forsaken assets in the south.
With these points, the Turkish Cypriot refugee could take a relinquished Greek Cypriot house or land in compensation for his lost properties. He would then sign over his properties in the south to the TRNC government, who would then hold them pending a negotiated settlement between the north and south Governments. The refugee would then be issued with a title deed for his newly recompensed property. Until he received this title, he would not be in a position to sell.

TRNC title deed properties are considered safe to purchase.  Whether the country stays divided or is unified the TRNC / Turkish government have stated that these deeds will be honoured.

d) Greek Cypriot pre 1974.  (no title deeds yet available).  Land and properties of this deed type are being offered for sale.  They are normally cheap and no deeds are available for them.  They are sold for what is known as 'air money' or 'goodwill' usually. These are unsafe as more work or purchasing has to be done.

e) Deed pending land or property. pre 1974.  There were over two thousand British in the Girne area, and property was experiencing something of a boom. In the period up to the Peace Operation in July 1974, there were several hundred title deed applications pending and subsequently not processed, owing to the lethargy of the Greek Cypriot administration, and the political instability.

Following the formation of a Turkish Cypriot Government, a statement was issued that all foreign land and property ownership, once registered, would be respected. This has been done and as long as the owner can substantiate his original payment for the property, then deeds are issued. There are some seven or eight hundred cases to be heard so the process will take some time.

f) Government land or property leasing. The TRNC government will take over derelict properties or land and property where there is no proven ownership They will then lease them out for periods up to 49 years to foreigners who renovate the property at their own expense, and who pay a nominal ground rent for the lease period.

There was a period in 2005/6 where the Government were thinking of not allowing foreigners to buy property but allow them to lease only. Happily this was scrapped when, just the news of it, had a disastrous effect on sales and the the building companies.

Initiating a purchase.

1. The validity of the title deed is checked and confirmed by a solicitor.
2. Contracts of sale are drawn up, with the purchaser paying a 10%-30% deposit, and a completion date is set. The purchaser, if foreign,  can return home if they have granted power of attorney to the solicitor so he may carry on with the legal requirements of the purchase.                                       If the property is registered in the name of a local person, then an application must be made to the Council of Ministers by your solicitor.
3. The Land Registry values the property for Stamp Duty purposes.  This can be at completion and can include any price increases on that type of property.
4.  On the day of completion, the monies are paid by the solicitor or agent to the vendor and the Land Registry respectively; the name of the purchaser is entered into the Land Registry's record books, and the new title deed is subsequently issued.  VAT is payable at 5% of the sale price.


When considering house or car insurance, these are usually obtainable locally through insurance agents.  In the countryside or sparsely populated areas then these are normally obtained in a local shop that is authorised.

Indeed we were told of one village hardware shop that sells insurances, arranges driving licences and can carry out marriage ceremonies.

 

Some property information by courtesy of Ian Smith Estate agency in Girne.( Kyrenia )

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