Famagusta, Northern Cyprus

Famagusta, also known as Gazimagusa or Mağusa, is a city on the eastern coast of Cyprus. It has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times.

In the 4th century BC, Famagusta was founded as a city-state by the Greek philosopher and teacher Pythagoras. The city prospered under the rule of the Byzantine Empire, and it became an important center for trade and commerce.

During the Middle Ages, Famagusta was a key port for the Crusaders and was frequently attacked by Arab pirates. In the 16th century, the city was captured by the Ottoman Turks and became an important center for the Ottoman Empire in the eastern Mediterranean.

In the 20th century, Famagusta was a thriving tourist destination, with a bustling port and a beautiful old city. However, the city was caught in the middle of the Cyprus conflict between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, and it was captured by Turkish forces during the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Today, Famagusta remains divided, with the northern part of the city under Turkish control and the southern part under the control of the Republic of Cyprus. Despite this, Famagusta remains an important cultural and economic hub for Cyprus.