Manolya Hotel Blog

GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT “NORTH CYPRUS’SEA TURTLES” 

     Beaches of

North Cyprus are but safe bosoms they choose to trust their lovely hatches… Sea Turtles are loyal visitors of

North Cyprus coastline, ehere they lay their hatches.  Released quite recently, North Cyprus Sea Turtles is a pocket guide about these gentle giants. 

Protected by the night, some abandoned beaches in

North Cyprus come to life. Not because boisterous holiday makers having a moonlight- party but because a spectacle will be landscape sinks into total darkness colossal shelled cratures emerge from the sea, dragging themselves arduosly to the shores to dig their nests. They are marine turtles, hiding their eggs in the hot sand of

Cyprus during the summer months, leaving them to develp under the warm sun. When the little turltles hatch from their nests they quickly crawl into the sea. 

     These shelled animals are becoming rare questes on Mediterranean beaches. Only iğn places where nature is unspoiled do the primeval cratures have a chance to preserve their continous rhythm of life. Their sight leaves a lasting impressionn, the knowledge about their secrets an invaluable privilege. There is one simple way getting to know these wonderful animals: Visit them at their home in

North Cyprus. For all who don’t know have the chance to come here or for all who want to take aspecial memory along, the book ‘’

North Cyprus’ Sea Turtles’’ hits the spot. This pocket guide is the first of its kind on the island. It tells lovingly and in detail about the delightful adventure of experiencing these mysterious animals in their natural habitat. That is possible, even for tourists since the sea turtle projects on the island are open for visitors. The guests may experience at firs hand somting they are only presented on television: a live animal film, so to speak. In the book you eill discover everyting what you have seen that mystery nights and days as an ‘’ amateur biologist’’.     Futhermore it explains briefly and clearly intersting informaiton on the ‘’ gentle giants’’ from their origin to their interperetation in our dreams. Did you know that tortoises are a race from time immemorial? They evolved approximatly 250 million years ago. They are regarded as the oldest living reptiğles to be alive today, being evern older than crocodiles. Have you heard of the World Turtle Day in May? Did you know that sea turtles have always been exposed to the  satisfaction of man’s plasures of the flesh or luxurios desires and that  they are slaughtered for food or to produce pieaces of jewellery from their shells – until today? Or have you ever heard that many indigenous people belive that the earth was born on the back of a tortioise? This and much more you will find in the book.     Superb photos, a map containing the most important nesting sites as well as inforamtion about turtle watching in North Cyprus complete this pocket guide and maek it an idispensable compainon for ‘’discovers’’. 

North Cyprus’Sea Turtles / Northzprens MeeresschildkrötenPublish by Rustem Bookshop, Nicosia,

North CyprusEnglish verison ISBN 978-9944-968-07-2Deutsche Ausgable ISBN 978-9944-968-08-910.00€

CYPRUS:  The First inhabitants of Cyprus are thougt to have migrated to the island from the lands now called Anatolia, Syria and Palestine between the years 7000-6500 BC. The mountains of these countries can be seen from the island on clear days. The name of Cyprus, which is the most important island in the

Eastern Mediterranean, came from the rich copper mines that were first used in the Bronze Age. Its location and natural resorces such as olives, cereals and grapes made

Cyprus a very important trading centre. Because of these, many ancient civlizations tried to capture it and those wich managed, each left behind a piece of their own important cultral heritage and made the island a centre of attraction . the Egyptians, Assyrians, Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Lusignans, Venetians and Ottomans were the most important ancient civilizations which ruled the island.

Cyprus, with its natural beauties and historical riches remains a centre of attracton for many people to this day.  

The Chronological Calender of

Cyprus

 
BC 1450-700  Old Egypt DominationBC 700- 545   Assyrian DominationBC 545- 345   Persian DominatonBC 345- 290   Old Greek(Helen) DominationBC 290- 58     Ptolemik King DominationBC58-AC395  Roman Domination395   - 1190     Bzyantine Domination1190 - 1191     English Domination1191 - 1489     Louisianans Dominaton1489 - 1570     Venetian Domination1570 - 1878     Ottoman Domination1878 - 1960     English Domination1960 - 1963     Cyprus Republic1964 - 197       Turkish-Greek Administration1974   Cyprus Peace Action1975 - 1983      Turkish Federal State1983…TRNC

                                                                                                                                                                                                 
T R N C : 

Established: 15.11.1983

Capital

City: Lefkoşa /

NicosiaArea: 3,355 Km²Population: 208,886Other Major Towns: Kyrenia,

Famagusta, Güzelyurt, Iskele             Language:Although Turkish is the offical language, English is also widely used and understood. Many hotels employ German speaking personnel. Some of the hotels have Arabic or French speaking personnel too.  Climate:

Cyprus has a typical Mediterranen climate, summers are hot and dry and winters are generally rainy and warm. In summer the average temperature is 30ºC (90 F) and in the coldest months it is around 10ºC (50F).            

Time:Local time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), however, from April to September the local times is three hours ahead of GMT.   Passport and Visa:One can be admitted to

North Cyprus with any passport. A three month touristic visa is usually given upon entry. In order to extend the period, one must apply at the Immigration Office. Children younger than 16 years of age can be admitted under their parent’s passport.

 Customs: There is no custom for private belongings and foodstuffs brought by tourists coming to the island. However it is forbidden to take historical works of art found in Cyprus off of the island. There is a substantial penalty for those found to be doing so.                       

Traffic:In the TRNC traffic flows from the left. International road and traffic signs are used. Maximum traveling speed is 100 km/h. Seat belts are obligatory.            

Telephone:In order to call TRNC from abroad, after dailing 00 90 392, local numbers should be dailed. You can obtain telephone cards for the public telephones present in entrie TRNC, from the post offices.                       

Banks & Currency:In TRNC, numerous Turkish and Turkish Cypriot banks operate and they are open from  Monday to Friday (except public holidays) between 08:00-02:00/14:00-16:00 hours. Turskih lira is used as the local currency. Exchanging all the currencies in banks, exchange offices and hotels, is possible . Visa card, credit card, master and euro cards, checks etc. Can be used in place of cash.  Opening Hours:Shops are open with some variations but generally:Summer: 08:00  - 13:00  / 16:00 – 19:00Winter: 09:00 – 13:00 / 14:00 – 18:00Public Services:SummerMonday: 07:30 – 14:00 / 15:30 – 18:00Tuesday to Friday: 07:30 – 14:00WinterMonday to Friday: 08:00 – 13:00 / 14:00 – 17:00 

Museums:During the summer season visiting hours of the museums can change. For informaiton, you can apply to Office of Museums and Old work of arts (00 90 392 227 29 16)

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Sea Turtle Nesting Season commences in North Cyprus Loggerhead and Green Turtles aririving at c. Forty six beaches. Without the protection of the students and members of SPOT, both adult turtles and their hatchling are in constant danger. The little ‘uns provide a tempating diet for foxes, large sea birds and stray dogs as they dash down to the waters adge, thereafter, they have to try and escape the attentions of large fish until thy grow beyond the size of ‘jaws’. Later, in maturity they grow beyond to fishing nets, both active and abandoned, and in recent years many have been injured or destroyed espdcially off shore, by spededing marine craft such as racing motor beoats and the scourge of trhe Medeterranean waters, jet skis! Noise pollution, beach litter and flotsam(discarded rubbish and chemicals from marine craft) also conspire to make the turtles an endangered species, under strict control. The sea Turtle Marine project is now in its fourteenth season. The Enviormental Protection Office of Northern Cyprus, together with enviormen related NGOs such as Society for Protection of Marine-turtles, the Green Peace Movement of North Cyprus, and the North Cyprus National Trust are all avtive in the protection of the sea turtles.

Flying Is a Passion:
North Cyprus is a country where you can experience the irresistible pleasure of flying with a slope parachute all-year-round. How about soaring in the skies like a bird from Heaven Hill or what about gliding from the shores of Kyrenia?
Şükrü Türkeün, who has made a name for himself among professional parachutists and those who are involved in parachuting since 1986, says that “flying is a passion” and calls upon those who have not yet tasted the pleasures of this sport to also become involved.
In a recent interview, Sükrü Türkeün, who is a Reserve member on the Discilinary Committ of the North Cyprus Aviation Sports Federation, described the delights of parachuting to Tourism Monthly readers.

What is difference between Slope Parachuting and Freestyle parachuting?
As in other air sports, the common cgaracteristic that seperate Slope Parachuting and Freestyle Parachute training is the fact that they are seperate disciplines. Freestyle Parachute training begins with an initial course. During the first 3-4 days, theoric and pratical training is given. Later, the first jumps , using 100 per cent safe parachutes that have an automatic opening system, are made under the supervisionof trainer. By making a minimumof three entitled to the Federation’s Beginners Certificate. After the beginners course, you can proceed to the intermediary courses. Longer training periods are given during the intermediary courses. The aim of this course is to train you completly and for you to be cable of freely jumping from an aircraft and open your parchute at the righ level. In slope parachuting you take off from a slope with parachute that is designed to help you land on a flat or suitable surface. Training for Slope Parachuting initally begins on the ground. During the practical and theoretical training sessions, the trainee learns how to pull the parachute aginst the wind and after controlling it above him, running with it and taking off.

METILCULOUS TRAINING PROCESS
What do you have to do when embarking upon Slope Parachuting?
Anyone aged at least 16, who is healthy and have no physical disabilites can take up Slope Parachuteing. All the necessary equipment for jumping is made available at training centre. Firstly, a training parachute is used for the initial training. Later, as the training level of the trainee advantaces, the instruction continues with a superior performance parachut. These are 2nd, middle, 3rd level performance and high level performance parachutes with the last stage of training involving the use of high perforance competition parachutes. In addition to this, every parachute has a specified take off, weight and wind limit and according to your weight there are small, medium , large, extra large or extra extra large parchute models to choose from.

FUNDAMENTAL RULE
What must be the specifications of the area you are jumping in?
Exterior factors such as the wind are extremely important. A parachute rises and lands against the wind. This is a fundamental rule. Along with this, the area you are going to take off in m ust be clean. One of the most important factors for both amateurs and professionals alike is estublishing the landing area when flight planning. Also alternative landing areas should be established in case of an emergency.

How long does an average Slope Parachuting flight last?
The legend of the flight changes depending on the height you took off from. If you took off from Heaven Hill in Kyrenia, Karmi and did not manoeuvre in any way to lose altiude you could fly for around 15-20 minutes. But it is possible to increase your flight time. A parchutist who has attained a certain amount of experience can legenthen his flight time by using the wind or the thermals which come about from the expansion of heated air. A parachutist who encounters a thermal area can increase his flight time – by using flight rules-and circling or flying and turning in eights. It is possible to decrase flight time. Using various acrobatic manoevures in the air can result in the loss of speed and altitude of a parachute. For instance, if a spiral manoeuvere is made, then a controlled downward spectacular flight of 20-30 metres per second can be achived.

Manolya Resort Hotel

A warm welcome awaits you, at this family orientated hotel, at the side of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea in Lapta. We offer you the opportunity to relax feel special and be part of our family. The superb mountain and sea views, give you the feeling of total relaxation, whilist still offering you the freedom to explore this paradise island. The 61 rooms are all air conditioned, en-suite and very comfortable ” The comforts of our your own home, whilst on holiday”

We are proud of to announce that we are the first and only hotel own HACCP certificate in Northern Cyprus.

 We want to share this proud with you and you can get our speacial discounts from August 2007 till November 2007 if you book now…

Please contact with us for more information info@manolyahotel.com

DAY 7  

This is the last day one week vacation.today we will spend our time in the besparmak mountain range.first we stop by buffavento castle on our way.buffavento means’’ standing before the wind’’ the castle is built on steep hills of 950 metres high. You can see both

nicosia and kyrenia from castle .after expoling the castle we head for the besparmak mountain . besparmak means ‘’ five fingers ‘’ and if you look carefully this hill has the sahape of a first.this is a beautiful way that winds amangst the pine trees that provide a cool shelter from the heat of the sun . at some point we come across a picnic  place situated on top of a hill that overlooks the eastern shores of keyrenia. This arena is ver crowded with people wgo come here to picnic.a way plunges into the forests winding downward.ıf you follow this road   you arrive at and old armenian monatery ; sourp mangar .one the spot of armenian pilgrims on their road to jerusalem,the monastery servers as a guesthouse today.one the way back  we return the road we have come and reach the mountain road again.this mountainn road will taje us to esentepe ,a lovely cypriot village.esentepe is on the foot on the mountains and traversing the village we arrive at the coastline .time to go back to the hotel and pack up for departure Of course there is a lot more to be seen in this beautiful island. What we have covered in a week s time was to mae you have a quick taste ; sort of a ‘’ prologue.’’waiting with open arms among the blue waters of the mediterranean ,

cyprus is always read to re-accommodate you ….

Day 6.On our 6^th day our destination will be the Karpas

Peninsula which deserves to be seen most for its historical importance and natural beauty. With its natural virginity and beatiful beaches, this peninsula has always been the favorite place that people chose to run away from the rush of the modern world with a willingness of monkery. This is the reason why it is the region which has the most monasteries regarding its size. We will give a break in one ot these, Panaghia Kanakaria. After visiting this church, which is dressed with icons and mosaics, we head for Dipkarpaz over yenierenköy . basically follow the signposts that freedom in this tolos andreas monastery.a special local kind of donkey lives in freedom in this untached virgin nature. This means do not surprised if suddenly one of them approaches towards you. the road winds its way through fragrenched herbs. As we get farther the becomes narrower. the road reaches the Monastery of Apostolos Andreas at one point. One of the centres of pilgrimage for the Orthodox world, the Monostery is considered holy by both the Turkish and Greek. We drink from the holy water of the Monastery and continue our way. A few kilometres after, the asphalt road comes to end. We continue further following the gravel path. This time we arrive at the easternmost tip of the northern coast. At this point you may feel the excitment of standing at a distinctive place in the map. This spot features a fascinating view. We depart from

Zafer

Cape and start our return journey. On the way we are dazzled by the breathtaking view of golden beach.seen from above ,this

long beach is twinkling with its blue waters and golden sand. Golden beach is the usual destination of caretta caretta sea turtles to lay their eggs.swiming in these waters is an exceptional delight.we take our time in this marvellous beach and then we depart.

Day 5. One of the most important stops of our-week Cyprus tours is Famagusta. This ancient harbour city served as the last stop before Jerusalem during the Crusades. Famagusta is encircled by fascinating walls, which bears fingerprints of Leonardo da Vici. The ancient city of Famagusta, still in walls today, is home to many monuments. You may climb the Othello Tower and remeber that this city is the exact place where Shakespeare’s famuse tragedy Othello takes place. You may travel back in time by visiting the twin churches, a Templar church. Altough little remains, the Vetetian Palace deserves a visit. Famagusta is astonighly packed with churches, one after other. St. George of the Latins and St. Nicholas Cathedral model. The minarets are carefully annexed to the main building without any desfect in its French gothic charecter. Famagusta comprieses many Ottoman buildings as well. Kertikli Baths comprises a number of cafes, restaurants and bars for those who wish to enjoy authentic Cypriot atmosphere. If you pass under the remaningarches of Venetian Palace, just across the Cathedral/Mosque, you can see the dungeon where the Turkish poet Namık Kemal spent his last years. Departing from Famagusta city centre, Salamis Ruins. An 8-km far from the city centre, Salamis ruins are wroth visiting. You may also see the Royal Tombs and Monastery of St. Barnabas, once the centre of Cypriot Orthodox Church. Harbouring many icons today, the Monastery of St. Barnabas is a museum with a rich collection of archaeological findings gathered across Cyprus.

Day 4

One the fourth day we will plunge into the streets of Nicosia ,the very last divided capital in the world. The capital of both states on the island, Nicosia was founded in 300 BC. Nicosia is famous for its star shape. Also called “the star–shaped city,” Nicosia bears the traces ef Venetian, Lusignan, Otoman, and British reigns. Inside the walls, the streets of Nicosia are very narrow and complex, like a huge labyrinth. The centre of the ancient city is marked with arasta bazaar. Situated beside the bazaar is büyük han, the most sitriking ottoman building in the town.made of indigenous cypriot stone, the building comprises 68 rooms and 10 shops. Today it includes an authentic cypriot restaurant, numerous souvenir shops featuring samples of cypriot handicrafts, and a few cafes. Büyük han houses concert performances in summer evenings in its courtyard. Just a few metres away from Büyük han is Selimiye mosque, another monument. Almost 800 years old, this building was orginally built by the Lusignans as St. Sophia Cathedral. Following the ottoman invasion,the church was converted to a mosque without any defect in its gothic structure. Only Christian componenets such as statues and reliefs of saints were removed and frescoes were covered with white paint.

As we have said before, Nicosia is the only divided capital in the world. This division is highly felt at the park situated on Yiğitler Burcu. Here you encounter barbed wire entanglement that marks the borders of two countries. Still you can see the Greek side at a step’s distance. The street-hand side of the park, you can see Hotel Ledra Palas. The symbol of country’s dividedness, the hotel is currently at UN’s disposal All along the Green Line that divides Nicosia, there are a lot of destroyed buildings still displayig the traces of the war.

Day 4

The greenest region in cyprus is Güzelyurt without duobt. The first stop on our cape koruçam.you need to follow the road to güzelyurt then take the way signposted sadrazamköy.cape koruçam marks the westernmost tip of the northen coast.do not stop as the asphalt road ends ; instead follow the gravel road till the end .cape koruçam promises an extraordinary experience with its exceptional geographic ambience. Following the road back to sadrazamköy we head for koruçam village ,alias kormacit .this village is mainly inhabited by catholic arabs, namely Maronites ,who speak arabic and greek.there is a restaurant just across the cathedral yorgo kasap restaurant. Offering a wide range of mezes from authentic cypriot cuisine, yorgo is also famous for its delicious kleftiko. now having enough energy to couninue our trip, we head for Güzelyurt, “the citrus garden of cyprus”.

Do not leave without visiting St. Manas church and the museum of archeology beside. On the way from Güzelyurt to lefke ,we stop by the ruins of the ancient city of soli . one of the nine kingdoms on Cyprus soli hosts one of lica stil observable today. Boasting a marvellous view and a 4 thousand spectator capacity roman theatre , soli deserves attention .heading forth ,we arrive at yaşil ırmak. This tiny village houses the biggest vine tree has an 85 cm diameter and and producess three tons of grapes each year. There is a beautiful and inviting beach in front of the record vine.this is perfect place to seim an relax.