Cities and Sights of North Cyprus - Gazimaguza (Famagusta)
| Gazimaguza,
commonly known as Famagusta, was once the richest city on Earth.
It is alleged that Shakespeare's Othello was set in the Citadel at
Famagusta (known as Othello's Tower).
Famagusta was first settled as a small fishing port, but after the Arab raids in the 6th and 7th centuries the surviving inhabitants of Salamis moved south and populated Famagusta. In the eleventh century, following the expulsion of the Christians from the Holy land, Famagusta became the strategic port for all commerce between East and West and its wealth grew legendary. After the decline of the Lusignan throne the Venetians took over control of Cyprus, and in fear of the Ottoman expansion they fortified the main towns on the island in including Famagusta. The city was walled to withstand the best ordnance of the day, and the 25 foot thick by 40 foot high walls with bastions are still impressive. The Venetians work came to nothing in the end, only allowing Famagusta to hold out a bit longer against the Ottomans under Lala Mustapha Pasha in 1570. Much of the city was destroyed during and after the siege.The city decayed for the next 300 years and when the British took over the island in 1878 most of the population had gone. The cities ancient defences came into their own again in 1974 when they were used by Turkish Cypriots fleeing from the Greek National Guard. The besieged Turkish Cypriots were relieved by the advance of the Turkish army, who went on to take Varosha which is still under Turkish and UN control. |
Famagusta
can easily be visited in less than a day, as the main attraction are the
Venetian defences
(the Kaleiçi) along with the Lala Mustapha Pasha Mosque and some 13-14th
century churches.
The city doesn't have much in the way of amenities with only a few restaurants and cafés, but it does have a very easy going Turkish Cypriot charm. The walls and citadel (Othello's Tower) are worth a visit, and the city has many Gothic building and ruins within the old walls. The citadel gives good views over the harbour and old city. The Lala Mustapha Pasha Mosque was once the Cathedral of St Nicholas where the Lusignan kings of Cyprus were crowned.Other sights include the Sinan Paîa Mosque formerly the St Peter and St Paul church, St George of the Greeks is the ruined Gothic style Orthodox cathedral, St George of the Latins is the ruin of what must have been a splendid semi-fortified gothic church, the remains of the Venetian Palace also make a pleasant walk. |