Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

I am considering renting a house in the Turkish quarter of Girne.

It is an old traditional house with small windows, high ceilings, an open fire, etc.

It is on a cul-de-sac across a field from Zeus Casino and Z-Club (where I believe building work is currently underway).

I would appreciate the views of people who have lived in the Turkish quarter, or have heard from others who have done so.

In particular, I am wondering about:

- Noise levels, esp in the summer, from nightclubs, discos, restaurants, etc.
- Number of powercuts - Same as rest of Girne, or more?
- Water supply problems - Same as rest of Girne, or more? Difficulty of small tankers getting access to the properties?
- Anything else one should know about living in that part of Turkish quarter.

All general comments/views would be welcome. Thanks to all.

As a very occasional visitor to a friend in the Turkish Quarter, it seemed to me that a major problem was parking . Even if you have your own space, will there be anywhere safe in the narrow streets for your visitors , particularly if they drive large cars?

As the owner of an old stone house with high ceilings and open fire, bear in mind that heat rises, timber is expensive, and you will waste a lot, and probably need additional forms of heating. Small windows can be claustrophobic in summer , Also probably no dpc or damp proof membrane. Check where the water runs in this type of weather and how efficient the street drainage is. Check for signs of damp penetration/damage.

As a resident of a village with mainly Turkish/Turkish Cypriot neighbours I would respectfully suggest you consider whether you can be tolerant of different but not necessarily worse cultural behaviour, or whether you would be happier in one of the British"ghettos"!! You should also be prepared to learn at least a few basic Turkish words of greeting etc, On the other hand, once you have been accepted the Turkish Cypriots can be incredibly helpful and supportive.

Thank you, Ragged Robin.

There is a parking space, but you are quite right about visitor parking.

I've lived in a few 'new build' villas here, and none had effective damp-proofing for the floors or walls. Salts emerge across the floors, paint blisters, plaster crumbles away, and cupboards are so damp the clothes inside feel moist.

Also, most new houses have an inflexible open-plan layout. You cannot close rooms off (and concentrate the heat) in the winter. Arched doorways make it difficult to hang curtains without damaging the walls, which a tenant cannot do.

At least the older Cypriot houses allow you to close rooms off, though one does of course need additional sources of heat other than a fire. The latter reduces one’s reliance on Kibtek, however, which, given the multiple powercuts, must be a good thing on cold damp days.

Thanks again for your advice, RR.

Hi Sunspot,

Out if interest did you decide to move into Turkish Quarters? - we are also considering this - also just being curious wondered whereabouts the house is you was going to rent as it sounds close to where we may be? Thank you.

Hello, Ijarvo. I have sent you a PM.

Thank you - received and responded.