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Introduction
Famagusta District is one of the six districts of Cyprus. Its main town is the island's most important port, Famagusta. The city of Famagusta is currently controlled by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and functions as the administrative center of the Gazimağusa District of Northern Cyprus. A district administration in "exile" exists on the Republic of Cyprus-controlled part of the island. This part of the district has a population of 37,738 inhabitants (2001). Most of the district has been under Turkish control since the 1974 invasion. Since then, the northeastern section, including the Karpasia Peninsula, has been administered separately as the İskele District, a division not recognized by the Republic of Cyprus and the UN.
History
The city was founded around 274 BC, after the serious damage to Salamis by an earthquake, by Ptolemy II Philadelphus and named "Arsinoe" after his sister. Arsinoe was described as a "fishing town" by Strabo in his Geographica in the first century BC. It remained a small fishing village for a long time. Later, as a result of the gradual evacuation of Salamis due to the Arab invasion led by Muawiyah I, it developed into a small port. During the medieval period (especially under the maritime republics of Genoa and Venice), Famagusta was the island's most important port city, and a gateway to trade with the ports of the Levant, from where the Silk Road merchants carried their goods to Western Europe. The old walled city and parts of the modern town presently fall within the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in Gazimağusa District of which it is the capital. The turning point for Famagusta was 1192 with the onset of Lusignan rule. It was during this period that Famagusta developed as a fully-fledged town. It increased in importance to the Eastern Mediterranean due to its natural harbour and the walls that protected its inner town. Its population began to increase. This development accelerated in the 13th century as the town became a centre of commerce for both the East and West. An influx of Christian refugees fleeing the downfall of Acre (1291) in Palestine transformed it from a tiny village into one of the richest cities in Christendom. In 1372 the port was seized by Genoa and in 1489 by Venice. This commercial activity turned Famagusta into a place where merchants and ship owners led lives of luxury. The belief that people's wealth could be measured by the churches they built inspired these merchants to have churches built in varying styles. These churches, which still exist, were the reason Famagusta came to be known as "the district of churches". The development of the town focused on the social lives of the wealthy people and was centred upon the Lusignan palace, the Cathedral, the Square and the harbour. In 1570–1571, Famagusta was the last stronghold in Venetian Cyprus to hold out against the Turks under Mustafa Pasha. It resisted a siege of thirteen months and a terrible bombardment, until at last the garrison surrendered. The Ottoman forces had lost 50,000 men, including Mustafa Pasha's son. Although the surrender terms had stipulated that the Venetian forces be allowed to return home, the Venetian commander, Marco Antonio Bragadin, was flayed alive, his lieutenant Tiepolo was hanged, and many other Christians were killed. With the British takeover, Famagusta regained its significance as a port and an economic centre and its development was specifically targeted in British plans. As soon as the British took over the island, a Famagusta Development Act was passed that aimed at the reconstruction and redevelopment of the city's streets and dilapidated buildings as well as better hygiene. The port was developed and expanded between 1903 and 1906 and Cyprus Government Railway, with its terminus in Famagusta, started construction in 1904.
Famagusta Now
From independence in 1960 to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus of 1974, Famagusta developed toward the south west of Varosha as a tourist centre. In the late 1960s Famagusta became one of the world's best-known entertainment and tourist centres. The contribution of Famagusta to the country's economic activity by 1974 far exceeded its proportional dimensions within the country. It possessed over 50% of the total hotel accommodation of Cyprus. Whilst its population was only about 7% of the total of the country, Famagusta by 1974 accounted for over 10% of the total industrial employment and production of Cyprus, concentrating mainly on light industry compatible with its activity as a tourist resort and turning out high-quality products ranging from food, beverages and tobacco to clothing, footwear, plastics, light machinery and transport equipment. It contributed 19.3% of the business units and employed 21.3% of the total number of persons engaged in commerce on the island. It acted as the main tourist destination of Cyprus, hosting 31.5% of the hotels and 45% of Cyprus' total bed capacity. Varosha acted as the main touristic and business quarters. During the second phase of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus on 14 August 1974 the Mesaoria plain was overrun by Turkish tanks and Famagusta was bombed by Turkish aircraft. It took two days for the Turkish Army to occupy the city, prior to which Famagusta's entire Greek Cypriot population had fled into surrounding fields. Most of these Greek Cypriots believed that once the initial violence calmed down they would be allowed to return. As a result of the Turkish airstrikes dozens of civilians died, including tourists. Unlike other parts of the Turkish-controlled areas of Cyprus, the Varosha suburb of Famagusta was fenced off by the Turkish Army immediately after being captured and remains fenced off today. The Greek Cypriots who had fled from Varosha were not allowed to return, and journalists are banned. The city has been frozen in time, with houses, department stores and hotels empty and looted, even to the tiles on bathroom walls.
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Landmarks & Attractions
Agia Napa is renowned for its vibrant life, especially at night, and is a popular destination for tourists around the world as is also Protaras in the coastal area of Paralimni. Dine at many of the restaurants and check out the buzzing nightclubs. During the day enjoy the white sandy beaches with their crystal waters and have fun with the numerous activities available including boat trips along the coast. Also the multitude of windmills in the area. Cape Greco, also known as Capo Greco (Italian; Greek: Κάβο Γκρέκο "Greek cape"), is a headland in the southeastern part of the district. It is at the southern end of Famagusta Bay. It is visited by tourists for its natural environment, and is a protected coastal nature park. It is a unique and amazing place lying on the Eastern peninsular of the island. A great diving and snorkeling experience can be had here. With its rocky protrusions, secluded coves, sea caves and amazing views from the cliff peaks, it is just the place for adventures. From the high points on the cliff that rests at the cape one can view out to sea. According to local legend, it is also the home of the Ayia Napa sea monster. A group of villages which lie in the Famagusta district are known as the “Kokkinochoria” (the “red soil villages”). They are known thus due to the rich red earth where potatoes are grown. Cyprus potatoes are famous and are one of Cyprus’ biggest exports. The village of Sotira is one of the villages where medieval churches abound in this area. Folk art museums like the one in Deryneia have wonderful rural artifacts on display. In Agia Napa, you and your family would do well to visit the Marine Life Museum or the recently built Sea Museum which contains a brilliant replica of a 4th century trading ship which sunk off the coast of Kyrenia. Visit the little estuary locally known as ‘Potamos’ and see the fishing boats bring in their catch of the day. An absolute must, is the ancient Greek city of Salamis. According to tradition, the founder of Salamis was Teucer, son of Telamon, who could not return home after the Trojan war because he had failed to avenge his brother Ajax.
Economy
The parts of Famagusta District controlled by the Republic of Cyprus, i.e. around Ayia Napa and Protaras is a major centre for Tourism and the main source of income. Famagusta is an important commercial hub of Northern Cyprus. The main economic activities in the city are tourism, education, construction and industrial production. It has a 115-acre free port, which is the most important seaport of Northern Cyprus for travel and commerce. The port is an important source of income and employment for the city, though its volume of trade is restricted by the embargo against Northern Cyprus. Its historical sites, including the walled city, Salamis, the Othello Castle and the St Barnabas Church, as well as the sandy beaches surrounding it make it a tourist attraction; efforts are also underway to make the city more attractive for international congresses. The Eastern Mediterranean University is also an important employer and supplies significant income and activity, as well as opportunities for the construction sector. The university also raises a qualified workforce that stimulates the city's industry and makes communications industry viable. The city has two industrial zones: the Large Industrial Zone and the Little Industrial Zone. The city is also home to a fishing port, but inadequate infrastructure of the port restricts the growth of this sector. The industry in the city has traditionally been concentrated on processing agricultural products.
Climate
Transport
Local Buses in the Ayia Napa, Protaras and Paralimni area are served by the OSEA company.
Hospitals & Medical Centres
The Famagusta General Hospitals serves the local population in the Republic of Cyprus. There is also the Napa Olympic Private Hospital. In the TRNC part of Famagusta there are three general hospitals. Gazimağusa Devlet Hastahanesi, a state hospital, is the biggest hospital in city. Gazimağusa Tıp Merkezi and Gazimağusa Yaşam Hastahanesi are private hospitals.
Education
Ayia Napap has an elementary school and there is a secondary school at Paralimni. In the TRNC there is he Eastern Mediterranean University was founded in the city in 1979. Also the Istanbul Technical University founded a campus in the city in 2010.
Arts & Culture
The walled city of Famagusta contains many unique buildings. Famagusta has a walled city popular with tourists. Every year, the International Famagusta Art and Culture Festival is organized in Famagusta. Concerts, dance shows and theatre plays take place during the festival. A growth in tourism and the city's university have fueled the development of Famagusta's vibrant nightlife. Nightlife in the city is especially active on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights and in the hotter months of the year, starting from April. Larger hotels in the city have casinos that cater to their customers. Salamis Road is an area of Famagusta where bars frequented by students and locals are concentrated and is very vibrant, especially in the summer. Famagusta's Othello Castle is the setting for William Shakespeare's play Othello.
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