News, Updates & Current Affairs

Here’s a summary of what’s been happening in northern Cyprus over the past week — covering key sectors and developments. _____________________________________________________________________ 🏛️Politics Northern Cyprus remains in the spotlight with regards to the governance of the island. Tufan Erhüman, the newly-elected Turkish-Cypriot leader, has emphasised the need to “learn from past failed negotiations” before entering any fresh talks with the Greek-Cypriot side, reinfor

The Story of Panama Home: A Dream 30 Years in the Making The Story of Panama Home: A Dream 30 Years in the Making Every business has a story, but some stories carry a special kind of warmth — the kind that comes from perseverance, passion, and a lifelong dream finally coming true. Panama Home, the newest home textiles and décor store in Esentepe, is one such story. At its heart is a woman named Emne Mutlu , born in 1973, whose life has been shaped by hard work, family values,

Traffic Accidents in North Cyprus: 69 Cases Reported in Just One Week The Northern Cyprus Police have released their latest weekly road safety report , revealing that between October 14 and 20 , a total of 69 traffic accidents  were recorded across the country — resulting in 30 people injured  and an estimated 765,000 Turkish lira  in property damage. 📊 Causes of the Accidents The report breaks down the main causes behind these incidents, painting a clear picture of the ongo

Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye (CBRT)   cuts key one-week repo rate from 40.5% to 39.5% . 🏦  On 23 October 2025 , the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye (CBRT)  announced a 100-basis-point rate cut , bringing its key one-week repo rate down from 40.5% to 39.5% .The move was smaller than previous cuts earlier in the year, reflecting caution amid stubborn inflation and economic headwinds. According to Reuters, the CBRT signalled it was still focused on promoting

Fruit & Vegetables on Sales at a Local Market in North Cyprus Introduction Although the costs of living in Northern Cyprus have traditionally remained moderate compared with many European destinations, recent months show key signs of pressure when it comes to fresh fruit and vegetables. This article focuses exclusively on the local market in Northern Cyprus, drawing on the most recent surveys, news-reports and market observations to portray current pricing, trends, and what t

Tufan Erhürman - New President of North Cyprus Snapshot: Who Won and Why It Matters Tufan Erhürman (Republican Turkish Party, CTP) won the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) presidential election held on 19 October 2025 , defeating incumbent Ersin Tatar . Unofficial and official tallies reported ~62.7% for Erhürman vs ~35.8% for Tatar , with turnout near 64.9% . Multiple outlets frame the result as a pivot back toward federation-based peace talks rather than a two-st

Hunting in North Cyprus: Tradition, Regulations, and What You Need to Know 🏹Hunting in North Cyprus Hunting has long been part of the cultural fabric of North Cyprus. With its rolling hills, pine forests, and Mediterranean scrubland, the island offers an ideal habitat for game species. For many locals, hunting is not only a pastime but also a tradition passed down through generations. However, it is strictly regulated, and visitors should understand the laws and customs befo

Direct UK → Turkey Flight Routes Here’s an overview of direct flights connecting the United Kingdom and Turkey  as of mid‑2025. This list focuses on established non‑stop routes between UK airports and Turkey's major gateways. Istanbul (IST / SAW) London Heathrow (LHR)  → Istanbul Airport (IST) — daily non‑stop service by Turkish Airlines and British Airways  London Gatwick (LGW)  → Istanbul Airport (IST) — served by Turkish Airlines and Wizz Air  London Luton (LTN)  → Istanbu

Discover the Newest Tech Hub Laconic Computer has expanded by opening a new store in the booming Esentepe area. This new location complements their existing stores in Girne and Alsancak. The store is conveniently situated in the commercial units beside the H. Gul market. Now, local residents can easily acquire their tech items without having to travel into Girne or Lefkosa. A Wide Range of Products At the Esentepe store, customers will find a diverse selection of products. Co

Minimum Wage Increased by 17.79% in North Cyprus The Minimum Wage in North Cyprus is set by the Minimum Wage Determination Commission and usually reviews the minimum wage twice a year. At its most recent meeting the minimum wage was increased 17.79%, which is in line with the most recently announced subsistence level. The new minimum wage is now: Monthly 51,202 Weekly 11815.84 Daily 2363.16 Hourly 295.39

🛬 Can You Fly Directly to Northern Cyprus? Planning a trip to Northern Cyprus? One of the most common questions travelers ask is: "Can I fly directly to Northern Cyprus?"  The answer is a bit nuanced, so let’s break it down clearly. ✈️ Ercan International Airport (ECN) Northern Cyprus is served by Ercan International Airport , located near Nicosia. It’s the main gateway for visitors to the region. 🔔 Important Note : All flights to and from Ercan arrive from Turkey .There ar

North Cyprus Cost of Living The Statistical Institute reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 1.42% in June 2025 compared to the previous month. The six-month increase in the cost of living was 17.79% , and the annual increase of the index was 35.78% compared to June 2024. Trends by main expenditure groups The highest monthly increase was recorded in the category "Restaurants and Hotels" — 8.14% . Changes in other categories: Clothing and Footwear —

🌞 If you're dreaming of sunshine, Northern Cyprus won’t disappoint. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate  — meaning long, hot summers  and mild winters , making it a year-round destination for beach lovers, hikers, and explorers. ☀️ Summer (June – September) Temperature : 30–40°C (86–104°F) Conditions : Hot, dry, and sunny nearly every day Best for : Beach holidays, swimming, barbecues, and boat trips 💡 Tip : Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities f

🧳 What Is the Best Time to Visit Northern Cyprus? Planning a trip to Northern Cyprus? The good news: there’s no bad  time to go. But depending on what you want — beach days, hikes, sightseeing, or festivals — some seasons suit better than others. 🌸 Spring (March to May) Why it’s great: Wildflowers blanket the hills. Temperatures are pleasant (18–25°C). Tourist crowds are low. Best for:  Hiking, sightseeing, photography, and local culture. ☀️ Summer (June to August) Why it’s

🧭 Crossing the Border: Visiting Northern Cyprus from the South Planning to fly into the Republic of Cyprus and cross into the North?  You’re not alone — many travellers land in Larnaca or Paphos and then head north across the border. It’s simple when you know how, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Here’s a complete guide to crossing the border from South to North Cyprus. ✈️ Why Fly Into the South? There are no direct international flights to Northern Cyprus , due t

The Case for 90-Day Visas for Property Owners in North Cyprus Executive Summary This white paper advocates for a change in the visa policy of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to allow foreign property owners to stay for up to 90 days per visit  without complex application processes. As North Cyprus continues to develop its tourism and real estate sectors, aligning visa policies with ownership incentives will support economic growth, strengthen the property marke

Cost of Living Guide for North Cyprus North Cyprus has long been a popular destination for holidaymakers, retirees, and expats thanks to its natural beauty, slower pace of life, and comparatively low cost of living. But what does it really cost to live here in 2025? Whether you're planning a short stay or a permanent move, here’s a practical breakdown of what to expect. 🏠 Housing & Rent Accommodation is one of the biggest factors when calculating monthly expenses. Here's wha

Dima has continued its expansion operations and opened a new store in the Esentepe area. Situated opposite the entrance to Turtle Bay, the store allows local residents to stock up on groceries and many non-food items without having to go into Girne or Lefkosa. Congratulations to Dima on their new store. Dima Esentepe

TRNC rental prices surge Rental prices for apartments in TRNC have increased by an average of 22% over the past year. Rental properties priced in Turkish lira have almost disappeared from the market, and rents in British pounds continue to rise without slowing down. In 2024, despite fluctuations in exchange rates, rental prices have continued to grow. According to industry experts, the average rental price for apartments has reached £6.97 per square meter, which is approximat

Update on TRNC Property Ownership Regulations Turkish Citizens - Can buy up to 6 apartments or 3 villas . Land Registry fees are 6% on the first pruchase, 8% on the second, and 9% on subsequent. Other foreign nationals - Can buy up to 3 apartments or 2 villas . Land Registry fees are 9% . The deadline for notifying the Ministry of properties purchased which exceed the purchaser’s acquisition rights is 15th December 2025 . The deadline for disposing of such properties is