Magusa

Magusa, also known as Mağusa in Turkish and Famagusta in English, is a historic coastal city on the eastern coast of Cyprus. It lies on the Mediterranean Sea near the eastern tip of the island and is administered by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, though the island remains divided internationally. In Greek, the area near the city is associated with the ancient site of Ammochostos, a name still used in historical contexts.

History and landmarks

Magusa has a long history as a port and commercial center. The old town is enclosed by substantial Venetian walls built in the 16th century to defend against Ottoman attack. Within the walls are fortifications and notable structures such as the Othello’s Tower overlooking the harbor and the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, which was formerly the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas. The surrounding area includes the ruins of Salamis, an ancient city further north, which is a major archaeological site.

Modern status

Since the 1974 conflict on Cyprus, the island has been partitioned, and Magusa is part of the northern sector controlled by Turkish Cypriots. The Varosha district, formerly a popular tourist area, has been heavily restricted and largely inaccessible to visitors since 1974. The city remains a focal point for tourism, education, and regional commerce in Northern Cyprus.

See also

Famagusta’s historic core and nearby Salamis ruins attract visitors, offering a view into Cypriot medieval and ancient history within a contemporary political context.