Lefkoşa, the capital of Northern Cyprus

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North Nicosia, Lefkoşa in Turkish, is the capital and largest city of the 'de facto' state of Northern Cyprus. Divided between the Republican South and the Turkish-occupied North, the city is the world's last divided capital.

The main square in the centre of Lefkosa is Atatürk Square.

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2015 Europa stamp, Old Toys is this year’s theme. 

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Buyuk Han in Lefkoşa | North Cyprus

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The northern half of Cyprus’ capital Nicosia is known as Lefkoşa, a dizzying labyrinth of narrow, old streets. This part of the city is the capital and the largest city of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Nicosia is the world's last divided capital after Berlin was unified. 

Buyuk Han, meaning ‘the Great Inn’, is the largest caravanserai on the island. It was built by the Ottomans in 1572. Buyuk Han is host to many tourists in Nicosia. Not only the cafes, but also various shops serve the visitors. Shawls, traditional handicrafts, paintings, pottery and carvings are among the many things on offer.

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Part of a set of 4 stamps about old buses and motorbikes.

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St Barnabas Monastery, Famagusta, Northern Cyprus

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Famagusta is a city on the east coast of Cyprus. It is the ‘de facto’ capital of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is only recognized by Turkey.

St Barnabas, a Cypriot Jew, was one of the earliest Christian disciples in Jerusalem. He was one of the founders of the independent Greek Orthodox church, and is the patron saint of Cyprus.

The building that we see today dates from the 1750s. Once the centre of the Cyprus Orthodox church, the monastery is still in good condition. The monastery of St Barnabas is very important to the Orthodox Church, and is considered a place of pilgrimage. 

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In 2012 Northern Cyprus issued a set of two Europa stamps. Stamps issued by Northern Cyprus aren't recognized on an international level. Mail sent from TRNC is handled by Turkish mail.

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Kyrenia Harbour from Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

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Northern Cyprus, is a self-declared state that comprises the northeastern part of the island of Cyprus. Recognized only by Turkey, Northern Cyprus is considered by the international community to be occupied territory. Tensions between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot populations culminated in 1974 with a coup d'état, an attempt to annex the island to Greece, and an invasion by Turkey in response.

The United Nations Buffer Zone in Cyprus is a demilitarized zone, patrolled by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), that was established in 1974 following the Turkish invasion.

Located in the beautiful and richly historic town of Kyrenia in northern Cyprus, Kyrenia Harbour is a small but charming place. The harbour is filled with yachts and boats.

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From a set of stamps about Turkish Cypriot Artists (issued 2011).

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