It doesn’t take an Idiot to realize the many differences between the Republic of Cyprus (think Greek Cypriots) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which has been occupied by Turkey since its invasion in 1974.
Once three MedTrekkers cross the border at Kato Pyrgos in western Cyprus (Tip: The only country to officially recognize the TRNC is Turkey. Get an entry visa on a separate piece of paper rather than in your passport to avoid hassles down the road) the differences are immediately apparent.
The red Turkish flag with a white crescent and white star frequently flies in tandem with the white TRNC flag with a red crescent and red star. (Photo: Liz Chapin)
Turkey has financed and constructed new mosques throughout the TRNC.
Off-limit Turkish military bases and forbidden zones are a frequent sight in the TRNC. Cyprus-born MedTrekker Michael de Glanville, who provides The Idiot with a wealth of anecdotes and information regarding the island country, poses near a military warning sign near the ruins of the Vouni palace.
Turkish military maneuvers, often with tanks which sometimes create a decent MedTrekking path, are a daily sight. (Photo: Michael de Glanville)
The Idiot considers Turkish rule benevolently paternalistic and takes it in stride during the five-day MedTrek around Güzelyurt Körtezi (aka Morphou Bay) and Cape Koruçam to Girne (aka Kyrenia). Turkish rule certainly didn’t impact the exquisite views and sometimes rugged, sometimes easy MedTrekking.
Güzelyurt Körtezi (aka Morphou Bay) from atop Vouni Palace.
Michael de Glanville looks ahead after Cape Koruçam.
Looking back towards Cape Koruçam. (Photo: Michael de Glanville)
And the variations in terrain and intrigue during the mostly rural MedTrek make this one of The Idiot’s favorite stretches on the Mediterranean Sea.
Liz Chapin investigates a kiln used to make charcoal.
The Idiot and Liz Chapin enjoy the path. (Photo: Michael de Glanville)
MedTrekking can be a beach walk in the TRNC. (Photo: Michael de Glanville)
Seasoned MedTrek scouts have no trouble following tracks made by Turkish tanks near the Aphrodite Beachfront Village. (Photo: Liz Chapin)
Liz Chapin negotiates a non-path through prickly igneous volcanic rocks.
The Idiot wears sandals and follows a well-marked path. (Photo: Liz Chapin)
Arriving in Girne and looking down on the harbor from the castle in the most attractive seaside town in Cyprus.
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