The British Community in North Cyprus

Frank and Joan photo by: Frank and Joan [ enlarge photo ]

A British Place in the Sun

In 1960, the British relinquished control over Cyprus to a power-sharing government, and many aspects of North Cyprus life still have a vaguely British feel about them. Cars drive on the left, legal systems and property purchase laws are based on British laws, and most North Cypriots speak excellent English. No wonder that 90% of foreign property buyers in North Cyprus are currently British.

Ask question to the ex-pat community

Many British expatriates are members of our North Cyprus Tourist Board and will be happy to assist you should you have any questions.

A warm welcome in North Cyprus

Turkish Cypriots welcome British tourists and residents alike, and since English is widely spoken it is not necessary to be fluent in Turkish. However, the more Turkish you pick up and try to use, the more you’ll get out of living in North Cyprus! Luckily, North Cyprus has not succumbed to the rash of British pubs and clubs that dominate most Mediterranean resorts; you can live in North Cyprus and still be proud to be British!

British Facilities in North Cyprus

The British community keep in touch with news and events through the weekly English “Cyprus Today”. There are also several British societies in North Cyprus, such as The Red Cross, the Northern Cyprus Society for the Protection of Birds and Nature, and even the Kyrenia Amateur Dramatic Society (KADS)! Some new development complexes in North Cyprus are offering a clubhouse where residents can meet and chat over a drink or a game of darts, and no doubt the new 18 hole international golf course at Esentepe will be a magnet for the ex-pat golf fanatic.

North Cyprus for British families

More and more British families are moving to Northern Cyprus to enjoy the safe environment and unspoilt natural beauty. The education system offers an English-speaking nursery in Kyrenia, and two English-language primary schools attached to the universities. An English secondary education is offered by the International American College in Nicosia and the Girne American University (in Kyrenia).

Religion in North Cyprus

While North Cyprus is predominantly Muslim, the islanders have always been very accepting of other religions and customs. In Kyrenia, the Roman Catholic church and the Anglican Church of St Andrew’s both hold regular services. There are also services every Sunday at the Nestorian Church of St George in Famagusta.

The British Residents Society

The British Residents Society of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is an active group that seeks to, quote, “Foster friendly relations with the people of Cyprus, to advise and assist members and to make representation on their behalf to the authorities.” Established in 1975, the group offers support and advice for all; you can drop into their offices behind the Post Office in Kyrenia every Saturday morning, or to the Pegasos Restaurant between 11am and 1pm most Fridays. Membership is open to all holders of a valid British Passport, who own or rent property and use it regularly or as a holiday or second home, once their application has been approved by the Committee. The British Society also issue a handbook which covers many aspects of living in North Cyprus, but since the situation in North Cyprus can change rapidly, this may not always be right up to date. The Society also has regular meetings with the TRNC government on issues such as speeding up permit application times, improving the clarity of application procedures, and import duties on household goods and cars. In addition, the Society offers the TRNC the skills and expertise of the ex-pat community for the future development and growth of North Cyprus.

See their web site at http://www.brstrnc.com for more details.