Cyprus: Issues and Prospects for the Unification of the Island

Brief historical overview

For centuries, Cyprus has been home to two significant ethnic groups – Greeks and Turks, each possessing unique cultures and religious traditions. Currently, the territory of NorthernCyprus, known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, is recognized as a separate state only by Turkey, while the rest of the world views it as part of the Republic of Cyprus. Like many other conflicts, the situation on the island has two sides, and in this article, we focus on providing objective information, allowing readers to form their own opinions.

Independence of Cyprus

Cyprus declared its independence in 1960 after the end of British colonial rule, and the island became known as the Republic of Cyprus, where both ethnic communities, Greek and Turkish, were granted equal rights in governance. However, the escalation of political tensions between these groups led to the division of the capital, Nicosia, into two parts: Greek and Turkish. The boundary line, marked in green, is known as the "Green Line," and it separated the southern and northern parts of the island.

Military actions and division

As a result of the conflicts in Cyprus, in 1974 the UN established the Green Line as the official border between the two parts, following Turkey's military intervention known as Operation Attila. This action led to the northern part of Cyprus coming under the control of the Turkish population, while the Greek community was forced to move south. Despite this, there are still Greek settlements near the areas controlled by the Turks. Peace agreements in 1975 proposed the creation of a federation in the north, but the Republic of Cyprus and the international community did not support this approach.

Declaration of Independence

In 1983, independence was declared for the Turkish Federative Republic of Northern Cyprus, which later became known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). However, the UN rejected this declaration. Northern Cyprus currently operates as a democratic republic, led by a president. The constitution of the TRNC was adopted in a referendum on May 5, 1985. On April 30, 2015, Mustafa Akıncı took office as president, succeeding Derviş Eroğlu.

Negotiations on unification

The topics regarding the possibility of uniting Cyprus are still relevant and actively discussed. Negotiations have been ongoing for a long time, but tangible results have not yet been achieved. In 2004, with the assistance of the UN, a referendum was held on the island where local residents voted on the so-called "Annan Plan." Despite significant efforts, the issue of unification remains unresolved and continues to spark numerous debates.

Difficulties in the process of merging

Historical conflicts,political interestsandsocial aspectsThey complicate the search for a compromise between the parties. Consequently, the future of Cyprus remains uncertain, and the possibility of its unity largely depends on the willingness of the parties to engage in dialogue and seek a peaceful solution. It is important to recognize that the issues in Cyprus have deep roots, affecting not only the current political nuances but also broader questions of identity and cultural characteristics of both peoples living on the island.

Introduction

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, proposed the concept of creating a dual communal and dual zonal state in Cyprus instead of a single state. This proposal elicited mixed reactions among Greek Cypriots, with a significant majority, specifically 75%, opposing the initiative. At the same time, most Turkish Cypriots supported the idea. The Greeks believed that accepting Annan's proposal would mean recognizing the Turkish military intervention and would nullify previously adopted UN Security Council resolutions regarding the conflict in Cyprus.

Negotiations and contradictions

For many years, the governments of both the southern and northern parts of Cyprus, as well as the presidents of Greece and Turkey, have met to discuss the possibility of creating a more integrated solution known as "United Cyprus." However, discussions on reaching an agreement on this issue have consistently faced differences in opinions and interests among the parties involved.

The impact of the political situation

The unclear political situation in the northern part of Cyprus affects many areas, including:

• infrastructure;
• rules for obtaining visas;
• transportation issues.

This uncertainty also affects the legal aspects related to land and real estate ownership. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns its citizens about potential risks associated with purchasing property in the "troubled" territory of Northern Cyprus. Many plots of land may belong to Greek Cypriots, who have the right to restitution. Moreover, the cadastral system in the northern zone has not yet been officially recognized.

Real estate commission

In 2006, a Property Commission (IPC) was established in Nicosia with the aim of resolving land and property disputes in Northern Cyprus. This commission was recognized by the European Court of Human Rights, which stated that in the event of disputes over land rights, one should turn to it. To file a claim, the following is required:

• documents confirming ownership rights;
• payment of a fee of 100 Turkish lira.

The IPC website states that as of May 29, 2015, the commission had reviewed 6,179 applications from Greek Cypriots, of which 663 resulted in "friendly" resolutions, and 18 cases went to court. As a result of this process, applicants who were able to prove their land rights in northern Cyprus received compensations exceeding306 million euros.

Travel to Northern Cyprus

As for travel, you can only reach Northern Cyprus through Turkey, as it is the only official route for direct flights. It is also worth noting that there is a unique embassy for this region located in Northern Cyprus, which simplifies the entry process since a visa is not required for visiting.

For those planning to visit Northern Cyprus, whether as tourists or investors, it is important to consider the potential challenges related to entry visas for the Republic of Cyprus when going through passport control on the island.

It is important to note that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation warns about potential difficulties in obtaining Schengen visas, especially if your goal is to travel to Greece. As of today, the most common and legal way to enter Northern Cyprus is to first obtain a visa to visit the Republic of Cyprus and only then make a short trip to the northern regions.

Access to Northern Cyprus

Travelers to Northern Cyprus are served by a single international airport called Ercan, which has regular flights operated by airlines such as Turkish Airlines, AtlasJet, and Pegasus from cities like:

• Istanbul
• Ankara
• Antalya
• Izmir
• Adana

The travel time is about one hour. From the capital of Northern Cyprus, Nicosia, you can reach the airfield in approximately thirty minutes, and the cities of Famagusta and Kyrenia in forty minutes. Ferry routes are also available; for example, from Alanya, the ferry takes about two and a half hours, while from Taşucu, it takes just under two hours. It is worth noting that car ferries only depart from Taşucu.

Alternative routes

There is also an alternative: you can land in Larnaca and then drive across the land border to Northern Cyprus by passing through one of the checkpoints. However, in this case, a visa will be required to visit the Republic of Cyprus.

Geographical features

Speaking of geography, it is worth mentioning that the capital of Northern Cyprus is Nicosia, also known as Lefkoşa. Among the major cities, it is important to highlight:

• Famagusta (Gazimağusa)
• Kyrenia (Girne)
• Guzelyurt (Morphou)

Each of these cities has two names: a Greek one and a Turkish one. Northern Cyprus is divided into five main zones:

• Nicosia
• Guzelyurt
• Kyrenia
• Famagusta
• Karpaz Peninsula

Real estate in Northern Cyprus

Experts note that foreign investors in real estate primarily consider the regions of Kyrenia and Famagusta. Guzelyurt is mainly a rural area and cannot provide the necessary infrastructure for comfortable living and recreation.

Nicosia is located in the center of the island, but most tourists come to Cyprus for the magnificent beaches and sea, which are not found in the center. The Karpaz Peninsula, in turn, is considered a protected area where the construction of new real estate is almost not allowed. Among all the regions, Kyrenia is considered the most suitable for permanent residence, while Famagusta offers more attractive conditions for beach holidays.

Why should you choose Northern Cyprus?

Why should one pay attention to Northern Cyprus?This area is less popular among tourists and, therefore, not as crowded in terms of leisure as the southern part of the island.

Features of real estate in Northern Cyprus

Similar trends are also observed in residential real estate in Northern Cyprus. For many potential buyers, the lack of a clear political status for this region is not a barrier, and they view purchasing property here as a very sensible choice.

The cost of housing and the standard of living in this part of the island are significantly lower than in the south, making it more accessible to a wider audience. The locals in Northern Cyprus consider their belonging to“stable Turkey”as a specific advantage, especially in the context of the economic difficulties faced by the European Union, which includes the Republic of Cyprus.

The official currency used in Northern Cyprus isTurkish liraAccording to data from the Numbeo study, in 2014, the cost per square meter in Famagusta was around €600. Experts note that similar price ranges can also be found in Bulgarian cities; however, it is worth mentioning that the tourist season in Cyprus lasts for almost eight months.

The average living expenses for a couple, including utilities, food, entertainment, and fuel, amount to about €400 per month.

Climate and Nature

The summer months in Cyprus last from May to October. This period is characterized by dry and hot days, while winters remain quite warm. Summer temperatures can exceed +35°C in the shade, but thanks to the moderate humidity, it becomes easier to cope with the heat.

In addition, Northern Cyprus stands out with its more diverse vegetation compared to the southern part of the island, making it particularly attractive to tourists. The beaches here are on par with those found in famous Mediterranean resorts, both in terms of beauty and water cleanliness.

Attractions of the region

When it comes to attractions, Northern Cyprus offers a variety of interesting places for tourists, including diverse archaeological excavations that can be seen in local archaeological parks. The history of this region permeates all aspects of life, with numerous medieval architectural monuments located right on the streets of the towns.

Additionally, due to the Greek heritage, you can find many Orthodox shrines here.

Kyrenia

Kyrenia, one of the most popular cities in this region, is rich in historical monuments and interesting attractions. It's definitely worth visiting iconic places such as:

• old port
• city walls
• marine museum with a sunken ship
• the monastery in Bellapais
• Tower of Saint Hilarion
• mosque and mausoleum of the prophet Omar
• Buffavento Fortress

Famagusta

Famagusta, which until 1974 was considered the most prosperous city in Cyprus, is the birthplace of many well-known Greek families. This city is interesting not only for its history but also for its rich cultural heritage.

Each city in Northern Cyprus has its own unique atmosphere, offering numerous opportunities for exploration, relaxation, and enjoyment of the beauty of the surrounding world. Throughout the journey in this region, everyone can find something for themselves, and its unique culture and picturesque landscapes will remain in memory for a long time.

The history of migration in Cyprus

After the Turkish invasion, many Greeks left the northern part of Cyprus, migrating to various areas of the Greek part of the island. This migration movement is particularly noticeable near Limassol, which contributed to the rapid development of this new city on the southern coast.

Attractions in Limassol

One of the most popular and frequently photographed tourist attractions is the defensive wall that surrounds the old quarter, reaching a height of 15-17 meters. Be sure to check out:

• the former Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, now transformed into the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque;
• Church of Peter and Paul;
• the shrine of the Virgin Mary located in Liopetri.

On the southern slopes of Famagusta lies a Greek cape, offering magnificent views of the surrounding city and coastline. This area also features caves that attract travelers with their unique natural beauty.

The state of Varosha

The suburb of Famagusta, known as Varosha, is an abandoned resort area that has been non-functional for over four decades. Here, you can see many abandoned Greek high-rise hotels, and this ghost town is surrounded by fences guarded by Turkish soldiers.

Culinary traditions of Northern Cyprus

The culinary traditions of Northern Cyprus represent a vibrant blend of cultural influences from various peoples, including elements of Turkish, Greek, and other Mediterranean cuisines. This region boasts an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits, a variety of seafood, and meat dishes, along with excellent wines.

The remarkable influence of Turkish cuisine can be seen in popular dishes such as:

• Doner-durum kebab – chicken or lamb shawarma with peppers, pickled cabbage, and ayran;
• Mix kebab is skewered meat made from various types of meat.
• Meze is a huge variety of appetizers that adorn any festive table.

Traditional dishes

One of the traditional dishes of Northern Cyprus is shafteh kebab – meat patties wrapped in lamb casing. Various soups are also popular, among which the following stand out:

• soup
• Kilipacha is a soup made from sheep brains.

The coastal waters are home to a variety of fish species, and lobsters are offered at quite affordable prices. Eastern sweets also delight gourmets with their many options and unusually rich flavors.

Real estate market

When it comes to the real estate market, one of its important characteristics is related to the political status of the land plots. Many of them officially belong to Greek Cypriots who have left these territories, so the process of acquiring property requires careful verification of all necessary documents.

In this context, large new construction projects are considered safer, as they often have all the necessary permits. However, it is wiser to follow the principle“Trust, but verify.”even when it comes to new residential complexes.

Currently, there is active construction in Northern Cyprus, especially in university and resort areas, which indicates a growing interest in this region from both local residents and foreign buyers.

The variety of real estate in Northern Cyprus

The residential real estate market in Northern Cyprus offers a variety of properties, ranging from compact studios to luxury villas in different price categories. Despite the smaller selection of individual houses compared to apartments, unique custom-built homes are often constructed here.

Low maintenance costs

The cost of maintaining real estate in this region is quite low compared to European standards. For example, the annual tax for a 100-square-meter apartment is only about 35 euros. Utility bills for housing range from 50 to 150 euros per month, depending on the conditions and level of comfort.

Possibilities for obtaining a residence permit

Purchasing property of any price category in Northern Cyprus opens up the possibility of obtaining a residence permit (RP), the processing of which takes approximately 21 days. It is also possible to acquire real estate on credit for a term of up to 10 years with a down payment starting from 25% of the total property value, with an interest rate ranging from 8% to 12% per annum.

There is no need to provide income documents or look for guarantors.

Education in Northern Cyprus

Northern Cyprus is renowned for its educational institutions, with eight universities operating here. The most popular among students are institutions such as:

• Middle Eastern University
• American University in Kyrenia
• Eastern Mediterranean University
• Branch of the Middle Eastern Technical University
• European University in Lefke
• International University of Cyprus

Student rental market

According to expert forecasts, almost all apartments in the student area of Kyrenia are in constant rental, and about a third of the city's total population (which is approximately 35,000 people) consists of students. Many of them rent housing together, which does not allow for significant cost reductions.

Rental apartments, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, are in high demand throughout the year and are relevant in both Kyrenia and Famagusta. Furnished two-bedroom apartments priced around 95,000 euros can be rented for 450-500 euros per month; however, quality furniture and modern appliances can increase the rental price to 700 euros and above.

Real estate prices in Kyrenia

Kyrenia stands out in Northern Cyprus for its high real estate prices, and the rate of increase in housing prices here is astonishing. Over the past ten years, the price of land for construction has risen almost tenfold. The port city of Kyrenia and its surroundings, such as:

• Karaoglanoglu
• Alsancak
• Lapta
• Karshiyaka
• Karakum
• Chatalkay
• Esentepe

They are considered the most attractive to foreign buyers. It is also worth noting that the cost of living and the level of leisure in Kyrenia are the highest in all of Northern Cyprus.

Preferences of Russian citizens

Citizens of Russia typically focus on acquiring one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments or three-bedroom villas for permanent residence in the city of Kyrenia and its surrounding area. This creates additional opportunities for both the local real estate market and the rental housing sector.

Introduction

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that the history of Cyprus is not just a tale of geographical intersections and political entanglements; it is the story of two peoples whose fates have been intertwined for decades. The conflict between Greek and Turkish Cypriots remains a relevant topic, evoking a multitude of emotions and debates. The referendums held, the proposed peace plans, and international efforts, although aimed at resolving the conflict, highlight the complexity of the situation.

Search for peace and the path to unity

For many years, both sides have continued to seek ways to dialogue and reunification; however, political tension and a lack of trust between the groups remain significant obstacles. A return to peace and the restoration of unity on the island require not only political will but also understanding and respect for the history, culture, and traditions of each of the peoples inhabiting Cyprus.

The work of the real estate commission

The path to resolving the conflict will apparently be long and arduous; however, events such as the work of the real estate commission help to create a foundation for dialogue and unity. Every step on this challenging journey can be an important step towards a brighter future.

Hope for unity

Despite the existing challenges, I hope that the people of Cyprus can find common ground and build a future that accommodates both cultures. In this way, Cyprus, as a symbol of historical division, can become an example of reconciliation and cooperation, rooted in the recognition of our shared humanity and mutual respect.

Conclusion

Let each of us become a part of this process, striving for friendship and peace among nations.