Cyprus is an Island located under Turkey, but despite what a lot of people think, Cyprus is divided into two Parts, Greek Cyprus and The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus or simply TRNC. I am here to tell you about Northern Cyprus which is basically the Turkish side of the island. The TRNC declared its independence on November 15, 1983, nine years after a Greek Cypriot coup attempting to annex the island to Greece triggered an invasion by Turkey. The TRNC extends from the tip of the Karpass Peninsula (Cape Apostolos Andreas) in the northeast, westward to Morphou Bay and Cape Kormakitis (the Kokkina/Erenkoy exclave marks the westernmost extent of the area), and southward to the village of Louroujina/Akincilar, and within these boundaries lies the most beautiful island one can imagine. TRNC is divided into 5 districts, namely, Lefkosa (Nicosia), Magusa (Famagusta), Girne (Kyrenia), Guzelyurt (Morphou) and Iskele (Trikomo). The TRNC is without a doubt the most relaxing and exotic island you will ever come across. It is not at all like the concrete jungle this world is becoming, with high-rise buildings and noise pollution, the TRNC has breathtaking natural beauty, with the calm Mediterranean Ocean along the coastal cities like Girne and Famagusta. The calm, soothing atmosphere, the delicate blend of beautifully preserved historical landmarks with the natural beauty of the island itself gives this place a magical aura. TRNC is culturally diverse, with ancient churches, mosques, castles, clubs, cafes and restaurants with live music all brightening up the nights, and adding further beauty to the day. Let me assure you, once you come and experience the TRNC, you will return to your normal life refreshed, refuelled, re-energised and ready to face anything. Magusa boasts some breathtaking historical structures such as castles and the Saint Nicolas Cathedral prior to its conversion in 1571, after which it is known as the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. There are many tourists who come here and are amazed to see a place on this Earth which is free from pollution and boasts sceneries of nature that one only dreams about thinking that places with such peace and tranquillity no longer exist. The majority of the residing population here is of Turkish and Turkish Cypriot people who are mostly Muslims, although the place itself is very liberal as there are a lot of tourists coming and going from all parts of the world, the number of tourists visiting the TRNC during January-August 2006 was 380,000 and the numbers keep rising, also there are about 80,000 students and temporary residents living, working and studying in TRNC. TRNC also boasts a great educational system. The educational system ranges from elementary school till higher education. There are six large universities including Near-East University, Girne American University, Middle East Technical University, European University of Lefke, Cyprus International University, and Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU). EMU is an internationally recognised institution of higher learning with more than 1,000 faculty members from 35 countries. There are 16,000 students in EMU representing 68 nationalities. EMU has been approved by the Higher Education Council of Turkey. It is a full individual [clarification needed] member of the European University Association, Community of Mediterranean Universities, Federation Universities of Islamic World and International Association of Universities. Basically, it is a great place to live, the atmosphere is wonderful and peaceful, people are helpful and kind, the weather is fantastic, cool and breezy and the place seems like a little corner of heaven on this planet, with trees instead of buildings and exotic fruits instead of junk food. Not many places in the world remain so wonderful and pure. My advice, to everyone who enjoys travelling, would be to at least once in your lifetime, go to TRNC and experience the wonders of God first hand before us, the humans destroy the best part of mother Earth. The writer is a student of Communication and Media Studies Department, Eastern Mediterranean University.