There is a topic that every person who is new to the island of Cyprus is confused about. The city names which are in Turkish and Greek. Since Cyprus has two main influential ethnic groups, many towns and cities in North Cyprus are known by two names, one of Greek origin, the other of Turkish. For example, the popular tourist town of Kyrenia (Greek origin) is also known as Girne (Turkish), while the capital Nicosia is also known as Lefkoşa.
There is not a lot of consistency with the usage of the city names. Road signs generally display both names, but older signs only displayed the Greek variant and newer signs only displayed the Turkish. Mini-buses for general touristic use generally only display their destinations in Turkish.
Since there’s no consistency, it’s good to know names in both languages, just in case.
Northern Cyprus is also known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Here are some of the prominent city names in Northern Cyprus:
- Nicosia (Lefkoşa):
Nicosia is the capital and largest city of Northern Cyprus. It is the only divided capital in the world, with a border separating the northern and southern parts of the city. Nicosia is known for its rich history, with landmarks such as the Selimiye Mosque, Büyük Han (Great Inn), and the Venetian Walls. The city offers a mix of modern amenities and traditional charm.
- Kyrenia (Girne):
Kyrenia is a picturesque coastal city located on the northern coast of Cyprus, on clear days Mersin; a city on the Turkish mainland is visible. Girne is renowned for its stunning harbor, medieval Kyrenia Castle, and charming narrow streets lined with shops and restaurants. The city is a popular tourist destination, offering beautiful beaches, historical sites like Bellapais Abbey, and a vibrant nightlife.
- Famagusta (Gazimağusa):
Famagusta is a historic city located on the eastern coast of Northern Cyprus. It is known for its ancient city walls, Othello Castle, and the ghost town of Varosha (Kapali Maras), which remains uninhabited since the 1974 conflict. Tourists can rent bicycles and bike through the town or walk through and discover the abandoned 5 star luxury hotels, derelict 70’s shops and crumbling beach villas. Many movie stars such as Robert Redford, Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot used to vacation in Varosha during it’s glorious days. Famagusta also boasts beautiful sandy beaches and a vibrant atmosphere, attracting both history enthusiasts, ghost hunters and beach lovers.
- Morphou (Güzelyurt):
Morphou is a town located in the western part of Northern Cyprus. It is known for its citrus orchards, vineyards, and agricultural landscapes. The town hosts an annual Orange Festival, celebrating the region's citrus production. Morphou is also home to historical sites such as the Soli Ruins *fabulous upkeep and Vouni Palace, offering glimpses into the region's ancient past. Nearby Guzelyurt is a town called Akdeniz Village which is under environmental protection with a very active Carette Turtle conservation project ongoing for many years.
- Iskele (Trikomo):
Iskele, formerly known as Trikomo, is a coastal town situated on the eastern side of Northern Cyprus. It offers beautiful sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere. Iskele is also known for its historical sites, including the ancient city of Salamis and the St. Barnabas Monastery. Many Iranian and Russian tourists flock to this area every year and most of them end up buying holiday condo’s or penthouses which are used during the summer holidays. At Kibriscv we understand that people from different backgrounds might get the names of the cities mixed up but in the end we all learn both names and use both as we please.
These major cities in Northern Cyprus each have their unique characteristics, combining historical significance, natural beauty, and modern amenities to offer visitors a diverse and memorable experience. Don’t get thrown off by the double-names of the cities. Depending on who you are speaking to both names can be used interchangeably no offence or biased meant. At https://kibriscv.com/ we have companies who need employees from all cities in TRNC.