Deciphering Cyprus

Turkish Cypriot flag

St. Nicholas' Church (note minaret addition)

Cemetery marker exhibits 'former' animosity

This past weekend, the class took a two-day study tour to Cyprus, or more specifically the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is only officially recognized by Turkey. The rest of the world considers this entire island the sovereign EU nation of the Republic of Cyprus. We visited some amazing sites while there, including St. Nicholas' Cathedral, a 14th-century Gothic cathedral which has been transformed into the Lala Mustafa Mosque. We were able to pass through the Green Line, the demilitarized zone overseen by UN peace-keeping forces since 1974. We could not take pictures within the zone, but you can see the 'aftermath' online; incredible as an economist to see hotels/buildings/airports empty and useless for four decades! Thus we were able to explore the EU side of southern Cyprus for an hour; it reminded me a lot of Europe and noticeably different from TRNC. We also had a great hike to explore the many different parts of St. Hilarion Castle high above the island and Kyrenia Castle on the coast. But I particularly enjoyed the lecture/conversation by an EU official regarding the history and current standing of this Cyprus dispute since we did not see much conflict as temporary tourists. - Alan

Former moat of Kyrenia Castle; now a tourist throughway

Harbor view of northern Cyprus outside Kyrenia Castle

Start of my conquest of St. Hilarion Castle