This post is about the last capital city in the world, that is devided since 1974.
The whole island of Cyprus is devided due to a conflict between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots shortly after it became a sovereign state from being a british colony .
There is the southern part which is administered by Greek Cypriots, formally the Republic of Cyprus, which is aknowledged by vast majority of countries. Then there is the northern part of Cyprus that is administrered by Turkish Cypriots, between that a buffer zone controlled by the UN.
The Turkish claim that this is the sovereign Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus whereas other countries say that this area is occupied by Turkish military. Therefor the northern side is not aknowledged by other countries than Turkey. This limits its international relations and its ability to trade massively. For example there are no direct flights to this part of the island. They first need to land in Turkey and then can proceed to ECN Airport. Therefor the northern part is underdeveloped and mostly relies on tourism and casinos as income.
The southern part however being aknowledged by the vast majority of nations is wealthier. It is even in the European Union since 2004 and due to attractive tax laws, attractive immigration laws and its geo strategic location between Europe and Asia a popular location for business.
However the northern part has its own charm. The nature is more likely untouched, there are not as many buildings than in the south and for example old cars like this can be found.
The inhabitants learned to cope with the status quo and arranged themselves not losing their spirit.
Because of its universities the northern part of Cyprus has also a little bit of a scene. It is rumored that there are parties going on in the summer in remote areas of the island, allthough I did not experience it myself.
One challenge it faces is the increasing tourism which destroys the culture of the island as mass tourism always does. Rising rents and house prices affect the Cypriots on both sides as well. This is not surprising at all since the Island is located in the mediteranean sea and due to its mild climate its fresh fruit and vegetable as well as its hisorical heritage attracts a lot of tourism as well as immigrants. Note that theses pictures were taken in January...
