Famagusta

Famagusta /ˌfæməˈɡʊstə, ˌfɑː-/ (Greek: Αμμόχωστος [locally [aˈmːoxostos]]; Turkish: Mağusa [mɑˈɰusɑ], or Gazimağusa [gɑːzimɑˈɰusɑ] ) is a city on the east coast of Cyprus. De facto, it is the capital of the Gazimağusa District of Northern Cyprus. It is located east of Nicosia, and possesses the deepest harbour of the island. During the medieval period (especially under the maritime republics of Genoa and Venice), Famagusta was the island's most important port city, and a gateway to trade with the ports of the Levant, from where the Silk Road merchants carried their goods to Western Europe.

Name

In antiquity, the town was known as Arsinoe (Ancient Greek: Ἀρσινόη), after Arsinoe II of Egypt, and was mentioned by that name by Strabo. In Greek it is called Ammochostos (Αμμόχωστος), meaning "hidden in [the] sand". This name developed into Famagusta (originally Famagouste in French and Famagosta in Italian), used in Western European languages, and to its Turkish name, Mağusa. In Turkish, the city is also called Gazimağusa; Gazi means veteran in Turkish, and the city has been officially awarded with the title after 1974 (compare Gaziantep). In Armenian, Famagusta is called Ֆամակուսթա Famagust'a. The old town is nicknamed "the city of 365 churches" owing to a legend that at its peak, Famagusta boasted one church for each day of the year.

Famagusta District

Coordinates: 35°20′N 33°52′E / 35.333°N 33.867°E / 35.333; 33.867

Famagusta District is one of the six districts of Cyprus. Its main town is the island's most important port, Famagusta. The city of Famagusta is currently controlled by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and functions as the administrative center of the Gazimağusa District of Northern Cyprus.

A district administration in "exile" exists on the Republic of Cyprus-controlled part of the island. This part of the district has a population of 37,738 inhabitants (2001).

Most of the district has been under Turkish control since the 1974 invasion. Since then, the northeastern section, including the Karpasia Peninsula, has been administered separately as the İskele District, a division not recognized by the Republic of Cyprus and the UN.

Cape Greco, also known as Capo Greco (Italian; Greek: Κάβο Γκρέκο "Greek cape"), is a headland in the southeastern part of the district. It is at the southern end of Famagusta Bay. It is frequently visited by many tourists for its natural beauty. It is a protected costal nature park. From the high points on the cliff that rests at the cape one can view amazing sights out to sea. According to local legend, it is also the home of the Ayia Napa sea monster.