Cumbez Tree

🌳 The Cumbez Tree in North Cyprus – A Living Legend of North Cyprus

Hidden in the heart of Famagusta, the Cumbez Tree (also known as the Sycamore Fig Tree) is one of the oldest and most fascinating natural landmarks in North Cyprus. Estimated to be over 700 years old, this majestic tree has witnessed centuries of Cypriot history — from the Lusignan kings to Ottoman rule and modern times.

Standing proudly beside the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque in the old walled city, the Cumbez Tree is not just a beautiful natural feature — it’s a living monument, deeply rooted in the island’s heritage.
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🕰️ A Tree Older Than the City

The Cumbez Tree (also written as Cümbez in Turkish) is believed to have been planted around 1299, making it roughly the same age as the Gothic cathedral beside it — once known as St Nicholas Cathedral, now the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque.

According to local historians, the tree may have been planted by Crusaders or early settlers who brought seeds from the East. Its massive trunk, spreading canopy, and deep roots have allowed it to thrive for centuries — even through sieges, wars, and earthquakes.

Today, the Cumbez Tree is officially recognized as one of the oldest living trees on the island of Cyprus.
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🌳 What Makes the Cumbez Tree Special

The Cumbez Tree is a species of Ficus sycomorus, commonly known as the Sycamore Fig Tree. This variety is native to Africa and the Middle East and was often planted near temples and palaces due to its sacred symbolism — representing fertility, wisdom, and protection.

What makes the Cumbez Tree in Famagusta truly unique is:
• 🌿 Its incredible age – Over 700 years old and still thriving.
• 🌳 Its immense trunk – Measuring several metres in diameter.
• 🌞 Its shade – Providing a natural canopy for locals and visitors to rest beneath.
• 🏰 Its location – Framed by medieval Gothic architecture and centuries-old stone walls.

The tree is not only a natural wonder but also a symbol of endurance — surviving through generations of change while remaining a central meeting point in the old town.
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🕌 A Landmark Beside History

The Cumbez Tree stands directly in front of the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (formerly St Nicholas Cathedral), one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the Eastern Mediterranean.

This creates one of the most photographed scenes in Famagusta — the ancient tree spreading its branches before the magnificent façade of the medieval cathedral-turned-mosque.

It’s said that the tree was already mature when the cathedral was completed, making it a silent witness to centuries of faith, culture, and architectural transformation.
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📍 Visiting the Cumbez Tree in Famagusta

• Location: In front of Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Famagusta Old Town, North Cyprus
• GPS: 35.1257° N, 33.9418° E
• Entry: Free and open to the public year-round
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for shade and soft lighting

Visitors can enjoy sitting under the tree’s shade, sipping a coffee from one of the nearby cafés, or exploring the surrounding historical landmarks in the Walled City of Famagusta.
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☕ Things to Do Nearby

The area around the Cumbez Tree is full of charm and history. Within just a short walk, you can find:

• 🕌 Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque – a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
• 🏰 Othello Castle – A coastal fortress named after Shakespeare’s tragic hero.
• 🧱 The Venetian Walls of Famagusta – Impressive 16th-century fortifications surrounding the old city.
• 🍽️ Local Cafés and Restaurants – Try a Turkish coffee or traditional meze at one of the quaint courtyard cafés under the tree’s shade.
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📸 Photography Tips

The Cumbez Tree is one of the most photographed natural landmarks in Famagusta. Here are some photography suggestions:

• Capture the contrast of the tree’s green canopy against the Gothic stone façade of the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque.
• Visit around sunrise or sunset for warm, golden tones.
• Use the tree as a foreground frame for architectural photos of the mosque.
• Get close to the trunk’s gnarled textures to highlight its ancient age.
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🧭 Why Visit the Cumbez Tree?

Visiting the Cumbez Tree is not just about seeing an old tree — it’s about connecting with the living history of North Cyprus.

Few places in the world allow you to stand under a tree that has survived for seven centuries, surrounded by centuries-old architecture and the gentle hum of life in the old town.

Whether you’re a history lover, photographer, or casual visitor, the Cumbez Tree in Famagusta offers a peaceful and inspiring moment in the heart of the city.
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🌍 Nearby Attractions

• Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque
• Othello Castle
• Salamis Ancient City
• Famagusta City Walls
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🏝️ A Symbol of Time and Resilience

The Cumbez Tree in Famagusta stands as a living symbol of endurance, beauty, and the passage of time. It has seen empires rise and fall, religions transform, and countless generations walk beneath its branches.
Today, it continues to offer shade, serenity, and a powerful reminder that nature and history are deeply intertwined in North Cyprus.