Northern Cyprus
- Unrecognized states
- Independence declared on 15 November 1983
- Capital North Nicosia
- Population 382,836 (2021 estimate)
- Area 3,355 km²
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (Turkish: Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti), is a de facto state that comprises the northeastern portion of the island of Cyprus. It unilaterally declared independence in 1983, and is recognized only by Turkey. A buffer zone under the control of the United Nations stretches between Northern Cyprus and the rest of the island and divides Nicosia, the island’s largest city and capital. Attempts to reach a solution to the Cyprus dispute have been unsuccessful. The Turkish Army maintains a large force in Northern Cyprus.
Soldiers in the Courtyard
Right through the center of the Cypriotic capital Nicosia runs a wall composed of ruins, fences and sandbags. The streets within the bufferzone between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots have been deserted already for thirty years. ‘Even the mailman didn’t dare to come here.’ (Article in Dutch)
Jorie Horsthuis | 23 Jul 2008
The Flashing Flag of Tashkent
Not all Turkish-Cypriots are happy with the huge flag covering the mountainside just above Tashkent. But their request for the removal of this ‘symbol of the Turkish occupation of Northern Cyprus’ does not really resonate. (Article in Dutch)
Jorie Horsthuis | 8 May 2008
