Reveal.World logo
Reveal

Ancient fig tree by the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas

4WFR+VVW, Mahmut Celaleddin St, Famagusta 99450

Next to the entrance of the cathedral (mosque) grows an ancient fig tree, over 700 years old — the oldest on Cyprus. According to legend, it was planted during the construction of the temple.
Northern Cyprus: Stories, Legends, and People
photo
Jermaine
In the center of Famagusta, opposite the entrance to the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, grows an ancient tree of colossal size. According to botanists, it was planted at the time when the construction of the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas began (which was later converted into the mosque we see today), so its age is over 720 years, making it one of the oldest living trees on the island. Planted at the moment the foundation was laid (in 1298), it still delights the eye with its green crowns, whose fruits, according to local legends, help women who dream of having children. 

This tree has many names, but it is best known in the scientific world as Ficus sycomorus, or sycamore. Many also know it as the biblical fig tree — it is believed that this tree is mentioned in the Bible. It is also called fig mulberry, and locals call it “kumbes.”
The sycamore originates from Africa, from Egypt, and is widespread in many parts of the continent, as well as in the southern Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East.

The main trunk of the tree is surrounded by smaller trunks that have grown into the main one and provide it with additional support, relying on the massive root system. According to local folklore, seven trunks surround the main trunk, each representing one hundred years of its past.

Sources:
https://cyprus-faq.com/ru/north/mesta/oldest-fig-tree-cyprus/

photo
Jermaine

Follow us on social media

More stories from Northern Cyprus: Stories, Legends, and People

Former Cathedral of Saint Nicholas or Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque

Mahmut Celaleddin Street no:42, Gazimağusa 99450

Northern Cyprus: Stories, Legends, and People
In the central square of Famagusta stands the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Nicholas. It is the finest example of Gothic church architecture in Cyprus, and today it is a mosque. This temple has had many names: originally — the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, then Ayasofya Magusa or Aya Sofya "Holy Wisdom," and the latest — the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. This temple has a special fate — a Christian cathedral that became a mosque. This makes the sanctuary even more unique; the combination of Gothic architecture and a minaret is surprising and impressive.
photo
Jermaine

Othello Castle (Desdemona's) in Famagusta

Otello Castle, Othello St, Famagusta 99450

Northern Cyprus: Stories, Legends, and People
A fortress in the city of Famagusta in Cyprus, now located in the territory of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. In tourist literature and guidebooks, it is called Othello's Castle (Tower) or Desdemona's Castle (characters from Shakespeare's play "Othello"). The fortress stands in the northeastern part of the old city, directly adjacent to the fortress wall surrounding the cargo port.
photo
Jermaine

Monastery of Saint Apostle Barnabas

Street, 9-27, Tuzla 99500

Northern Cyprus: Stories, Legends, and People
On the outskirts of Famagusta, on a small hill overlooking the vast ancient city of Salamis, stands a two-domed church dedicated to Saint Barnabas, the patron saint of Cyprus.
photo
Jermaine

Varosha: How the War Preserved the Cypriot City in 1974

4X44+85X, Famagusta 99450

Northern Cyprus: Stories, Legends, and People
Varosha is a district in the city of Famagusta in Cyprus. Before the Turkish invasion, it was a popular tourist destination, but then it became a "ghost town." It is under protection (though it has been looted), and tourists are allowed to enter. In the 1960s and 1970s, Famagusta was the main tourist center in Cyprus. Due to the growing number of tourists, many new hotels and tourist facilities were built in the city, with a particularly large number appearing in Varosha. From 1970 to 1974, the city was at the peak of its popularity and was favored by many famous figures of that time. Among the stars who visited were Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Raquel Welch, and Brigitte Bardot. Varosha housed many modern hotels, and its streets were filled with numerous entertainment venues, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. One of Varosha's hotels was opened just three days before the city was abandoned by its residents. Some of Varosha's hotel complexes are still legally private property owned by citizens from 20 countries around the world.
photo
Jermaine