Guzelyurt
Northern Cyprus

There are a couple of translations given for Guzelyurt.  The first is ‘beautiful country’ and the second ‘good earth’, both being very apt!  Neither can fully describe the beauty of Guzelyurt or the surrounding area.

Guzelyurt is known for its fertile lands and abundance of citrus groves. When you visit the Guzelyurt area you will immediately notice the vast difference in landscape than any other in Northern Cyprus. Green and luscious spring to mind instantly. A visit to Guzelyurt when the citrus trees are in full bloom will leave you with a memory to take with you forever.

When you enter the town you will drive across a broad and yet dry river bed, there was a time when this river flowed and was kept fed from the Troodos Mountains, unfortunately water has now been diverted and the river bed runs dry.

If you visit Guzelyurt on a Saturday you will find a very interesting open market. The market sells everything from hand woven carpets to fresh fruit and vegetables which are grown locally.  On this day the car parks will be full and the buses heavily laden. This is a fantastic atmosphere so well worth the trip.

There a two main tourist attraction in Guzelyurt, firstly St. Mamas’ Church and secondly the Guzelyurt Museum of Archaeology and Nature.

Just as a point of interest, St. Mamas is the patron saint of tax evaders! 

So the legend goes Mamas was a poor hermit who lived close to Guzelyurt, and who the authorities captured for not paying taxes.  Whilst Mamas was being taken into custody he escaped and saved a lamb from being killed by a lion.  He then rode on the back of the lion with the lamb in his arms and met his prosecutors.  In awe of his bravery they excused him from payment of the taxes.

Belief is that St. Mamas is buried within the church.  The inside of the church is covered in hundreds of well preserved icons from the orthodox faith. 

Guzelyurt and its surrounding areas offer you a glimpse into Cypriot life.  Here you will find places that time has forgotten and left untouched.