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Driving Related Fines in North Cyprus Frm 1 July 2025 the minimum wage in North Cyprus increased to 1,202 Turkish lira per month (gross) and 44,546 lira (net). Most penalties for traffic violations are calculated as a precentage of the minimum wage so those fines also increased. Driving Related Fines in North Cyprus - The offences and fines are now as follows: Offence Fine Using a vehicle for unauthorized or demo purposes ₺2,610.10 Not carrying driver’s license ₺2,610.10 Spee

Venetian Cyprus – Fortress Island on the Edge of Empire Discover the history of Cyprus Part 7 In 1489, the Republic of Venice assumed control of Cyprus, ending the Lusignan monarchy and ushering in a final era of Western dominance before the Ottoman conquest. The Venetian period was marked by military fortification, economic restructuring, and growing anxiety over the looming threat from the expanding Ottoman Empire. Transition of Power Queen Catherine Cornaro, the last monar

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. Minimum Wage Increases in North Cyprus - The new minimum wage is now: Monthly 51,202 Weekly 11815.84 Daily 2363.16 Hourly 295.39

Lusignan Cyprus – Crusader Kings and Medieval Splendor The Lusignan Kingdom Following its capture by Richard the Lionheart in 1191 during the Third Crusade, Cyprus was sold to the Knights Templar and then transferred to Guy de Lusignan, a French noble and former king of Jerusalem. Thus began the Lusignan Kingdom, a period of feudal rule, Gothic cathedrals, and cross-cultural interaction lasting nearly 300 years. Establishment of the Lusignan Dynasty The Lusignan family establ

Byzantine Cyprus – Faith, Fortresses, and Transformation (330–1191 AD) Byzantine Cyprus With the division of the Roman Empire in 330 AD, Cyprus became part of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. This transition marked a new era defined by Christian dominance, administrative reform, and resilience through invasions and natural disasters. Early Christianisation and Ecclesiastical Autonomy Christianity became the dominant religion in Cyprus by the 4th century. The island was d

Cyprus in the Roman Empire – Legacy of an Ancient Power Cyprus Under Roman Rule After centuries of Hellenistic influence, Cyprus underwent another transformative era when it was annexed by Rome in 30 BC. This period marked over three centuries of peace, prosperity, and infrastructural development under the vast and powerful Roman Empire. Roman Annexation and Governance Cyprus officially became a Roman province after the defeat of Cleopatra and Mark Antony at the Battle of Act

The Classical and Hellenistic Periods (480–30 BC) The Classical and Hellenistic Periods (480–30 BC) Cyprus, positioned at the crossroads of great empires, saw profound transformation during the Classical and Hellenistic periods. These centuries were marked by intense cultural flourishing, philosophical exchanges, and increasing imperial entanglements that set the tone for the island’s integration into the wider Mediterranean world. Greek Influence and City-Kingdoms By the Cla

The Age of Copper and Bronze Cyprus's strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean made it a vital crossroads of ancient civilizations. After its earliest prehistoric period, the island entered a transformative era marked by technological advances, trade, and cultural exchange—ushering in the Chalcolithic (Copper Age) and Bronze Age. The Chalcolithic Period (c. 3900–2500 BCE) The transition from stone to metal began around 3900 BCE, as Cypriots started using copper for too

🏺 Prehistoric Cyprus: The Island’s Earliest Inhabitants Introduction. Long before castles, empires, and religious monuments, Cyprus was already home to humans. The island’s rich and fascinating prehistory stretches back to the 9th millennium BCE , placing it among the earliest inhabited regions in the Eastern Mediterranean. This article explores how the first settlers arrived, how they lived, and what traces of their world still remain. 🌍 The First Settlers: Cyprus in the N

One of the biggest concerns for travelers and expats alike is access to healthcare . If you're wondering whether you’ll find good English-speaking doctors  in Northern Cyprus, the answer is a reassuring yes . 👩‍⚕️ Healthcare in Northern Cyprus: What to Expect Northern Cyprus offers a mix of private and public healthcare services , with private clinics and hospitals often providing faster, more personalized care. Many doctors are trained in Turkey, the UK, or Europe , and a g

Discover the history of Vounous Cemetery 🗿 Vounous Cemetery - History & Excavations Looting & rescue digs  (1931–32): Local police seized looted Red‑Polished pottery sold in Kyrenia, prompting initial excavations by Porphyrios Dikaios (Cyprus Museum), who unearthed around 48 graves. Further excavations  (1933, 1937–38): Claude Schaeffer of the French National Museum and James R. Stewart (British School at Athens) continued the work, uncovering tombs up to around 164. 🪦 Roma

Agios Sozomenos An abandoned village in North Cyprus - Sozomenos Saint Sozomenos is a little-known yet intriguing figure associated with North Cyprus , particularly in the area near Nicosia  (Lefkoşa). His memory survives primarily through the ruins of the Church of Saint Sozomenos , located near the abandoned village of the same name, Agios Sozomenos (Ayios Sozomenos) , just southeast of the modern village of Potamia . Who Was Saint Sozomenos? Saint Sozomenos is believed to

North Cyprus is home to a vibrant and growing Lions Club community—part of Lions Clubs International but organized as an undistricted  territory (since it isn't part of a standard district). 📌 Lions Club of North Cyprus - The Clubs & Membership There are around 15–18 Lions Clubs  in Northern Cyprus, with over 500 members . Some of the active clubs include: Mağusa Mesarya Mağusa Kale Nicosia New Generation Girne Özgürada Lefkoşa Başkent İskele Sahil , plus several “Mağusa” sp

The Peace and Freedom Museum (Barış ve Özgürlük Müzesi) in Alsancak, Northern Cyprus, is a poignant historical site located exactly where Turkish forces landed during the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation.  The Peace and Freedom Museum of North Cyprus 📍 Peace and Freedom Museum of North Cyprus - Location & Access Situated just east of Yavuz Landing Beach, approximately 15 minutes drive from Girne town centre  Street Address: 86VR+PJ8 Girne 99350; open daily from 08:00–18:00   What

Cyprus, the eastern Mediterranean island, boasts a vibrant blend of cultures, languages, and histories that have influenced its culinary traditions. The island's diverse geography and climate contribute to a wide variety of fresh ingredients. This post takes you on a journey through the rich culinary heritage of Cyprus, shining a spotlight on local ingredients, cooking techniques, and traditional dishes that define the island’s food culture. Culinary Heritage The culinary her

The Cyprus Car Museum The Cyprus Car Museum , located on the Near East University (NEU) campus in North Nicosia, is the only dedicated automobile museum in Northern Cyprus and a compelling stop for car fans and families alike. 🚗 North Cyprus Car Museum - Highlights & Collections Founded in 2007  by NEU’s founder Dr Suat Günsel, the museum hosts between 140–190 historic and sports cars spanning over a century  Championship solar cars : NEU engineering teams built world‑class

📈 April 2025 (Flat‑rate residential tariff) 0–250 kWh: 4.804 TL/kWh  (~€0.109) 251–500 kWh: 9.912 TL  (~€0.225) 501–750 kWh: 10.657 TL  (~€0.242) 751–1000 kWh: 11.552 TL  (~€0.262) Over 1000 kWh: 13.807 TL  (~€0.314) Plus, a fixed monthly service charge of approximately 79 TL  (~€1.80) Comparison with Republic of Cyprus & EU In the Republic of Cyprus, household electricity costs about €0.325/kWh  (as of mid‑2024) Northern Cyprus is generally slightly cheaper , but the gap h

🏥When considering moving to or visiting a new country, healthcare  is often a top concern. The good news is that Northern Cyprus offers a reliable and affordable healthcare system , with both public and private options. 🏛 Public Healthcare Northern Cyprus has a network of state-run hospitals and clinics , primarily located in larger towns such as Nicosia (Lefkoşa), Kyrenia (Girne), and Famagusta (Gazimağusa). ✔️ Pros: Free or low-cost care  for Turkish Cypriots and residen

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% . North Cyprus Consumer Price Index Changes in other cat

Cyprus is one island but politically divided into two distinct parts : Northern Cyprus  and Southern Cyprus .While they share sunshine and beaches, there are important differences to understand, especially for travelers and expats. 🧭 The Basics South Cyprus  = Republic of Cyprus North Cyprus  = Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) The two are divided by the Green Line , monitored by the UN You can cross the border at several checkpoints in Nicosia, Famagusta, and other