Cyprus: The Enigmatic Charm of the ‘Motherland’ Closed Off from the World

Once again, I hit the road. I always say, everything that’s close and easy to reach is bound to be postponed.As always,I regret discovering it so late :)

Known as the “Motherland” by Turks, this island in the heart of the Eastern Mediterranean, with 330 sunny days a year, remains largely closed off to the world. In terms of size, it ranks third after Sicily and Sardinia. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus continues to exist as a country barely recognized by anyone outside of Turkey on the world map. The United Nations and the European Council consider Cyprus to be under Turkish occupation, leaving it diplomatically isolated. However, Turkey continues to support the island both politically and, especially, militarily.

The island has a dual governance system, with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north and the Greek Cypriot Administration in the south. The scars of war are so present in Cyprus that at times, I truly felt chills. While the war has ended, a strong hostility still lingers between the Turkish and Greek communities. The borders are as sharp as if cut with a knife, and people continue to live their daily lives while constantly facing this divide.

Don’t let its small size fool you. Every inch of Cyprus is filled with traces of different…