Nicosia (North)

[[file:Nicosia north banner.jpg|1280px|Halal Travel to Nicosia}} Nicosia_AtaturkPlaza - Atatürk Plaza, with the figure of Atatürk and the Turkish flag

North Nicosia ( Turkish: Lefkoşa) is the Turkish Cypriot side of the city of Nicosia and the capital of Northern Cyprus.

Nicosia (North) Halal Explorer

Northern Nicosia is the capital and largest city of Northern Cyprus. he city, containing roughly half of the Old City. The city streets are visibly crumbling.

Orientation

• Atatürk Plaza, at the northern edge of the Old City, is the main square of the city.
• Dereboyu Street, commonly called Mehmet Akif Street, is the busiest place of the city with lots of restaurants and retail outlets, and it is busy until late.

Travel to Nicosia (North)

Most tourists visit northern Nicosia as a day trip from the southern side.

If arriving from abroad without going to the southern side first, from nearby Ercan Airport you can take a scheduled bus called Kibhas or take a taxi which costs about 190 TL.

By Plane

• Ercan International Airport IATA Flight Code: ECN Regular Flights from Ankara and Istanbul, seasonal Flights from north-west European airports

Walk in Nicosia (North)

The recently (2023) opened Ledra Street (Lokmacı Caddesi) pedestrian crossing is an easy way to walk to northern Nicosia from southern Nicosia.

By car

From Kyrenia on the northern coast and there is a road which connects to Nicosia.

From southern Nicosia the easiest crossing is the Ledra Palace crossing outside the city walls to the west.

How to get around in Nicosia (North)

The Old City of northern Nicosia can be comfortably covered on foot. If crossing through the checkpoint from South Cyprus and there are taxis that can be rented by the hour or by the day to cover the Old City and surrounding areas.

What to see in Nicosia (North)

Nicosia 01-2017 img20 View from Shacolas Tower - Selimiye Mosque

Most of Nicosia's sights are within the walled city:

• Selimiye Mosque - St. Sophia Gothic Church - Northern Nicosia's top attraction, this fortress-like cathedral-cum-mosque was completed in 1228 and has survived a number of earthquakes since then. The cathedral was converted into a mosque in 1570 and the two minarets added at the same time are a Nicosia landmark.

• Kyrenia Gate Built in 1567 and the impressive Northern entry gate into Nicosia was built when the Venetians were in charge of Cyprus. Today it is home to the tourism information centre in Nicosia.

• The Great Inn - Büyük Han - It has been totally transformed through sympathetic renovation and restoration over the past few years and today it’s a place where you can shop for eclectic crafts, enjoy a light meal, watch some street theatre or listen to live music and marvel at the incredible architecture of this building constructed back in 1572.

• Atatürk Plaza Judicial Building, with an opportunity to see other historical buildings and witness local residents going about their daily business.

• Samanbahçe Houses a very good reflection of traditional Turkish Cypriot architecture and these houses are excellently maintained and well worth seeing and photographing.

• The Great Turkish Bath - Büyük Hamam - built over 400 years ago and still active, this bath is a place to relax.

• Dervish Pasha’s House Another cultural anthropology centre is the recently resorted mansion that was once owned by Dervish Pasha.

• The Lusignan House A French medieval residence

• Lapidary Museum - An archaeological museum

• Mevlevi Tekke Museum of whirling Dervishes

• Arabahmet Mosque another historical mosque

Attractions outside the walled city:

• The Museum of Barbarism The house of Dr. Nihat Ilhan, a major who was serving in the Cyprus Turkish Contingent in 1963. During the inter-communal troubles of December that year and the house was attacked by the Greek-Cypriot terrorists. Dr. Ilhan's wife and three children were ruthlessly murdered in the bathroom where they had tried to hide. The house, in the Kumsal neighborhood of Nicosia has been preserved as a museum.

• Kızılbaş Church in the Kızılbaş area, within walking distance from Dereboyu, this historical church is now used as a cultural center with frequent exhibitions and other cultural events.

• The Office of Rauf Denktaş the office of the founder of Northern Cyprus, this is another attraction in the Dereboyu area.

• The Republic Park - Cumhuriyet Parkı - hosting the grave of Rauf Denktaş and a monument dedicated to the national struggle, this park is located in the Gönyeli area.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Nicosia (North)

Whirling Dervish Shows take place in the walled city near the Selimiye Mosque, every night apart from the Sundays.

Try the 500-year-old Great Turkish Bath (Büyük Hamam) for an experience of true and relaxing cleanliness.

The Nicosia International Fair, takes place every June, and it's more than a fair, with an opportunity to mingle with local residents and enjoy the decades-old atmosphere of the mobile restaurants and funfair there.

Nicosia is home to festivals, especially during the summer:

• International Gönyeli Festival - organized by the Gönyeli Municipality in July, one of the suburbs of Nicosia and the festival boasts concerts from some internationally-known Turkish bands and folk dance shows, with many other events
• Nicosia Theater Festival - in September and October, with well-known plays and actors from Türkiye and Cyprus, this is a festival the local residents are proud of, though the plays are in Turkish
• Nicosia Youth Festival - takes place in the summer, with concerts of local bands
• Walled City Jazz Festival - in September

Golden Tulip Hotel, Saray Hotel, Merit Hotel and Royal Hotel host casinos, which are banned in the south.

The so-called late night restaurants on the highway to Morphou are prostitution centers. While prostution is illegal and the government turns a blind eye to these "late night restaurants" and they remain an attraction for men. These are called "gabareler" in Turkish Cypriot dialect (from "cabaret" in French). Information about these brothels as well as a vibrant discussion form is available online under the same name "gabareler" for curious clients who would like do some research before paying them a visit.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Nicosia (North)

The Indoor and Outdoor Markets are the markets in North Nicosia are certainly worth a visit...There are many market stalls to browse selling everything from genuine fake designer clothes, bags, belts and shoes to stalls overflowing with fantastic fresh, organic and locally grown fruit and vegetables. You can pick up all the local Cheese (Hellim cheese), Turkish delight, Olive oil and such like that you want to take home to family and friends and you can negotiate a good clothing bargain or two to boot.

Arasta region in the walled city is home to affordable clothing, souvenirs and many other items with friendly vendors.

Outside the walled city, Dereboyu is the most classy area of the city. With frequent festivals and the area hosts several international clothing brands, restaurants and cafes. You will encounter Turkish Cypriot youths here, and hear foreign music. It is busy until late, and probably the only place in North Nicosia with this quality.

Halal Restaurants in Nicosia (North)

Traditional Cypriot cuisine is a melting pot of south European, Balkan and Middle Eastern influences. However, in northern Nicosia and the food you will find is by no means limited to that: while not incredibly cosmopolitan, as the cultural capital of Northern Cyprus, northern Nicosia will offer a unique blend of Cypriot, (Turkish), Italian, and other cuisines. Food is affordable for GCC standards, and depending on the exchange rates, you should expect significantly lower deals than the restaurants in the south.

In Northern Nicosia, restaurants are omnipresent: Turkish Cypriots are an exuberant people who love to go out and eat, as a proverb states, "one should eat if they find food". Dining late is quite common outside of the walled city, and you will find that live music is quite common in restaurants.

While food is pretty much available everywhere and there is a large conglomeration of restaurants in the fancy Dereboyu area, where most of the students and the youth hang out and prices with a great range can be observed. Expect very few restaurants in the shopping neighborhood of Taşkınköy, but more in the Gönyeli area and Lemar Yolu. Traditional food (excluding y- Halal Kebabs and / Halal Döner, which are available 24/7 in a few restaurants and everywhere in the city during daytime), while available in the modern city, can be more readily found in the walled city, although these restaurants tend to close earlier. Some examples of traditional food are:

• Molhiya is a well developed dish appealing to Turkish Cypriot taste, preparation and presentation, since they were Arabs known for their spicy and tasty food who passed it to Turks.
• Yalanci Dolma (vine leaves stuffed with Rice, onions, and tomatoes) is a Turkish Cypriot dish. In Turkish Yalanci Dolma means "stuffed liar".
• Shish Kebab (marinated lamb, skewered and grilled over charcoal), shis is the everyday word used by Turkish people which refers to "skewer", similarly Doner Kebabs means "spinning kebab".
• Musakka (layers of mince, potatoes, and aubergines baked in the oven with Cheese topping).

Budget

• Dönerci - they are everywhere. Apart from perhaps a few, notably the famous Enişte Restaurant in Dereboyu, this Turkish fast-food is readily available (Özgülen Kebap is known for its 24/7 service, while Ozie Kebap is known for its gigantic meals at rather affordable prices). Expect good deals, as low as 3 euros / 10-12 lira at some places.
• Sandwich kiosks - much less ubiquitous than / Halal Döner houses of course, but Ali Usta's place at Sarayönü Plaza is traditionally considered a decent place.
• Burger City - totally the same as Burger King (Please do not support Burger King as Burger King supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant) in other countries, only that the "king" in the name has been replaced due to the international embargo. The city's only international fast food chain, you can find it in Dereboyu or in Lemar Yolu (Ortaköy). A decent meal should cost around 6 euros.
• Supermarkets are an option and they sell sandwiches or cold traditional foods at affordable prices.
• Sandviççi Ali'nin Yeri - at Sarayönü/Atatürk Plaza, this small and inconspicuous place has a sense of heredity: it has been there for decades.
• Simit Dünyası - at Girne Avenue, in the walled city, a sort of bakery where you can get affordable meals. You can see their vendors around the streets of the old city.
• Yaprak Tantuni - traditional Turkish Halal Food (mainly southern regions of Turkey), found in the Dereboyu area, one meal could be as affordable as 3 euros depending on your appetite.
• Etiler Marmaris - known for its wet Burgers in the Dereboyu region.

Mid-range

The Dereboyu region is practically full of mid-range restaurants, below is a choice of them, but feel free to explore around

• Califorian - A popular restaurant in the Dereboyu region, can be a budget restaurant as well with meals as affordable as 6 euros, even though it has costlier alternatives as well. Great range of options available.

• Meatballs In the Dereboyu region, choice of a range of Burgers and sandwiches that may surprise you with their unconventionality.

• Café de Bakkal - Ready for big gulps? A small, rather inconspicuous restaurant around the Ledra Palace checkpoint, serves Burgers of 200 g, 350 g or 400 g with a choice of additional ingredients.

• Büyük Han / the Great Inn - a classical favourite of tourists in the walled city, this place has a great atmosphere and sometimes live music. Offers a selection of traditional Cypriot and Turkish Halal Food.
• Eziç - part of a restaurant chain, popular place for date nights or special occasions, with an elite approach and range of meals. May be considered upper mid-range but is by no means expensive in comparison to the south, expect around 10 euros per head, or a bit more if opting for red Meat. Near the Taşkınköy shopping region.

• Hamur Next to the Ledra Palace checkpoint, serves traditional Cypriot food.

• Domino's Pizzas - in the Dereboyu region, very close to the walled city, just across from the parliament.

• Meyhane - the Gönyeli region is full of these, even though you may find them in central Nicosia as well, and they may be named "restaurants" at times. They are basically places with a great range of mezes, a slowly served fix menu of y- Halal Kebabs might be synonymous to a tavern!

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Nicosia (North)

Nicosia (North) - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Nicosia (North), is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Nicosia (North). This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Nicosia (North) and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Nicosia (North). The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Nicosia (North). Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inNicosia (North): A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Nicosia (North).

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Nicosia (North): A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Nicosia (North), allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Nicosia (North).

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Nicosia (North), ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Nicosia (North), enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Nicosia (North) and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Nicosia (North), stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Nicosia (North), a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Nicosia (North) without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Nicosia (North) is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Nicosia (North).

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Nicosia (North) is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Nicosia (North), please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Nicosia (North) Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Nicosia (North)

eHalal Group Nicosia (North) is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Nicosia (North). Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Nicosia (North).

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Nicosia (North) ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Nicosia (North). Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Nicosia (North), offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Nicosia (North) are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@halal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

The going rate for a Pension is 30 TL for a 1 or 2 person room. There are many of them around the Great Inn. They don't have online reservations, but hotels are a minimum of 100TL in the low-season so it's much cheaper to walk into any pension.

• Antalya Pansiyonu

• Aksaray Pansiyon - About €30 for superior Muslim friendly room for 2 with breakfast

• Golden Tulip Hotel - A 5-star hotel

• Merit Hotel - A 5-star hotel

• Gonyeli Kent Hotel

Telecommunications in Nicosia (North)

Tourism information may or may not be available at the tourism office on Atatürk Plaza. The telephone code of the city has no difference with the whole Northern Cyprus; (+90) 392.

Travel Next

Northern Cyprus is a small country, and even the farthest area, Karpaz Peninsula, is just over 1.5 hours by car.

• The pleasant port town of Kyrenia is 20 minutes hour away by car, and St. Hilarion Castle makes an interesting detour along the way.
• The old city of Famagusta.
• Those seeking to get off the beaten path may try Morphou and the Dillirga region, a 25-minutes drive by vehicle or dolmuş.

Before 2004, it was imfeasible to visit Cyprus|the South from the North, but controls have been relaxed since then. Now it is feasible to visit the South on a day trip, provided you are an EU-Citizen. Muslims visitors of other western nations (e.g. US, Canada, Australia) are allowed to pass by the Greek Cypriots on a case to case basis only. People from countries that need a visa for the Republic of Cyprus cannot visit the South if they entered the island via the TRNC. The main checkpoint for pedestrians is on Ledra Street.

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.