Enkomi Village

🏺 Enkomi in North Cyprus – Discovering the Ancient Bronze Age City of Alasia

Just a few kilometres west of Famagusta, hidden among the quiet Cypriot countryside, lies one of the most significant archaeological sites on the island — Enkomi. Known in ancient texts as Alasia, this Bronze Age settlement was once a thriving trading city that connected Cyprus to the great civilizations of the Mediterranean.

Today, the Enkomi archaeological site offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Cyprus’s Bronze Age heritage, revealing remnants of ancient streets, temples, and homes that date back over 3,500 years.
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🌍 The Ancient City of Alasia

Enkomi was founded around 1600 BC, during the Late Bronze Age, and soon became one of the most prosperous cities on the island. Many historians identify it as Alasia, a city frequently mentioned in Egyptian and Hittite records as a powerful kingdom known for its rich copper exports.

Cyprus, with its abundant copper mines, was a major supplier of this valuable metal, which played a crucial role in trade across the Mediterranean. Enkomi’s strategic coastal position made it the perfect hub for merchants from Egypt, Anatolia, and the Aegean.
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🧱 Archaeological Discoveries

Archaeologists from France and Cyprus began excavations at Enkomi in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, uncovering a treasure trove of artifacts that helped piece together the story of ancient Cyprus.

Among the most remarkable finds are:

• Bronze tools and weapons – showing the city’s metallurgical skill.
• Clay tablets inscribed in Cypro-Minoan script, one of the island’s earliest writing systems.
• The famous “Horned God” statue, a bronze figure wearing a horned helmet, now displayed in the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia.
• Remains of fortification walls, storerooms, and religious sanctuaries.

The city’s grid-like layout suggests a high level of urban planning, while evidence of workshops and trade goods shows that Enkomi was a cosmopolitan centre of commerce.
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⚔️ Destruction and Decline

Around 1200 BC, Enkomi suffered severe destruction, likely due to the widespread turmoil caused by the Sea Peoples — a series of invasions that swept across the Eastern Mediterranean.

The city was briefly rebuilt, but eventually, its population moved closer to the coast, founding a new settlement that would later become Salamis, another great city of ancient Cyprus.

Despite its decline, Enkomi remains one of the most important archaeological sites for understanding the Bronze Age and early Cypriot civilization.
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🏺 Visiting Enkomi Today

Enkomi (or Tuzla in Turkish) is located just outside Famagusta, easily accessible by car and perfect for history lovers exploring the region.

🗺️ Visitor Information:

• Location: Near Tuzla village, west of Famagusta, North Cyprus
• Opening Hours: Usually open daily during daylight hours
• Entry: Often free or a small fee (check locally)
• Facilities: Limited, so bring water and sun protection
• Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours

Visitors can walk among ancient stone walls, city gates, and the remains of houses and temples, gaining a sense of how the city once functioned as a bustling Bronze Age capital.
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📸 Photography Tips

• Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer visitors.
• Capture wide-angle shots to showcase the layout of the ancient streets.
• Focus on details such as wall masonry, door thresholds, and inscriptions.
• Combine photos of the ruins with the surrounding countryside, illustrating how Enkomi connected land and sea.
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🏛️ Nearby Attractions

After exploring Enkomi, visitors can continue their historical journey through Famagusta’s rich cultural landscape:

• 🏰 Othello’s Tower and Citadel – A Venetian fortress steeped in legend.
• ⛪ Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque – Once St Nicholas Cathedral, now one of the most iconic landmarks.
• 🕋 Salamis Ancient City – The successor to Enkomi and one of the island’s greatest archaeological treasures.
• 🌳 Famagusta Archaeological Museum – Houses many of the artifacts discovered at Enkomi.
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🍽️ Where to Eat Nearby

After your visit, head into Famagusta for a meal or drink at one of its local favourites:

• Petek Patisserie – A beloved café offering pastries, Turkish coffee, and local sweets.
• Aspava Restaurant – Known for traditional Cypriot meze and fresh grilled meats.
• Rouge 21 – A stylish option for Mediterranean dining in the heart of the old town.
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🧩 Why Visit Enkomi?

Enkomi offers something few places can — a direct link to the Bronze Age roots of Cypriot civilization. Walking through its ruins, you can imagine a time when Cyprus was a vital player in Mediterranean trade, its copper and culture connecting distant empires.

For history enthusiasts, archaeologists, and curious travellers, Enkomi is a must-see site that brings to life the ancient story of North Cyprus.
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🏺 Conclusion

The Enkomi Archaeological Site in North Cyprus stands as a remarkable testament to the island’s Bronze Age glory. Once known as Alasia, this thriving ancient city was the beating heart of Cypriot trade and culture — a place where copper, craftsmanship, and commerce came together to shape the early history of the Mediterranean.

Exploring Enkomi is more than a walk through ruins; it’s a journey back to a time when Cyprus stood at the crossroads of empires, its people forging connections that still echo through history today.