HELLO from Golden Beach where it's not business as usual

[dippersgirl]

Dear Guests and Friends,
a big HELLO from Golden Beach where now it is not business as usual, as you have probably seen in the newspapers.
Yes, it is true, the Northern Turkish Government imprisoned Burhan for breaching building regulations. Yes, it is true that officials have said all buildings on Golden Beach might have to be flattened.
Burhan and Teko have been promised another site but progress is so very slow. The other businesses are still open, i.e. Big Sands, Sea bird and others.

We went there yesterday, had a swim, which was lovely, but all looked sad. The rubbish is increasing, even though some customers are picking stuff up. There is nobody from the tourist ministry making any efforts to clean
Soon it will be a place to avoid.

The court will reopen in mid September for all the other guys


https://www.facebook.com/cyprusgoldenbeach?pnref=story

[waddo]

Great news, will see you in September!

[kaiserphil]

That is great news! I remain convinced that the "fit-up" was the result of someone else wanting to get their greedy hands on it.

Well done Burhan!

[wondering1]

We will visit you soon

[Marions]

Wish it had bene resolved soone.r The couple who wanted their wedding on the beach moved to Hassan Korkman next door.

[Mint1955]

can we bring a dog with us to stay at Burhans?

[dippersgirl]

Nothing is actually resolved, but as the courts are closing at the beginning of July, not to open again until mid September nothing will happen, nothing will be enforced.
Burhan has two dogs(Jack Russels, which are very well behaved) I will ask him and If your dogs are no problem with other dogs and generally obedient, I'm sure it's ok but I will confirm!!!

[kerry 6138]

Took our 2 dogs with us to Burhans last year no problem, just booked for August asked about dogs it is fine so long has they are under control.

[dippersgirl]

Now it is all closed, he can't even sell a drink, so sad!!!!!!!!

[wondering1]

I heard, I'm so sorry to hear about this.

I can't understand why they have taken such a stupid stance, it is almost like they are preparing to give the area back to the Greeks or something. The entire area has always been totally under developed. When you'd ask someone, shall we go to Karpaz their response: There's nothing to do there but golden beach.

Its one of the most beautiful sections of North Cyprus and the backwards policy keep it deserted, it should be a focal point for tourists but there is literally nothing there now!!

[davy2]

I heard, I'm so sorry to hear about this.

I can't understand why they have taken such a stupid stance, it is almost like they are preparing to give the area back to the Greeks or something. The entire area has always been totally under developed. When you'd ask someone, shall we go to Karpaz their response: There's nothing to do there but golden beach.

Its one of the most beautiful sections of North Cyprus and the backwards policy keep it deserted, it should be a focal point for tourists but there is literally nothing there now!!

words fail me

[PoshinDevon]

The whole reason to go to the Karpas was because it was not over developed. A place to escape the rat race, tourist traps and enjoy nature as intended. Of course there is not a lot to do in the Karpas, that is what its all about.....a few places to sleep, enjoy a good meal, watch the stars with no light pollution and swim on glorious beaches.

The developments at Golden Beach were in keeping with the area and no huge hotels etc were required. Now some of these small developments have been closed down who knows how much of an impact it will have on the local people, already struggling to make a living.

What the Karpas does not need is overdevelopment, what it is ripe for is sustainable, environmentally friendly tourism such as was being provided by the very places that have been closed down.

[kibsolar1999]

Its one of the most beautiful sections of North Cyprus .....there is literally nothing there.....!!

the policy of the TRNC is that nothing should be there and declared this area a natural reserve, the Karpaz National Park.
founded, you will not believe it, in 1983, but only in 1994 strong regulations have been imposed.
still, a 22 years ago.
to make it formally correct:
Burhan and Co have been not " imprisoned for breaching building regulations", they have been imprisoned for not following court orders.

[tomsteel]

Is there not a monster new marina in the Karpaz area? How did that get planning permission if strong regulations were imposed in 1994? The cynics will still believe the little man is being shafted by the wallets of the rich and elite families.

[kibsolar1999]

the monster new marina is not within the borders of the karpaz national park.

just a second..... a map you can see here

http://www.karpasia.net/index2.htm

[wondering1]

I heard, I'm so sorry to hear about this.

I can't understand why they have taken such a stupid stance, it is almost like they are preparing to give the area back to the Greeks or something. The entire area has always been totally under developed. When you'd ask someone, shall we go to Karpaz their response: There's nothing to do there but golden beach.

Its one of the most beautiful sections of North Cyprus and the backwards policy keep it deserted, it should be a focal point for tourists but there is literally nothing there now!!

words fail me

Generally, when that happens you're not meant to post .

The whole reason to go to the Karpas was because it was not over developed. A place to escape the rat race, tourist traps and enjoy nature as intended. Of course there is not a lot to do in the Karpas, that is what its all about.....a few places to sleep, enjoy a good meal, watch the stars with no light pollution and swim on glorious beaches.

The developments at Golden Beach were in keeping with the area and no huge hotels etc were required. Now some of these small developments have been closed down who knows how much of an impact it will have on the local people, already struggling to make a living.

What the Karpas does not need is overdevelopment, what it is ripe for is sustainable, environmentally friendly tourism such as was being provided by the very places that have been closed down.

We are in agreement, however I'm surprised to have to state this but the majority of North Cyprus is not "over developed". If you are thinking of coast lines and cannot think of another untouched cost line I wonder how much of this Island you have actually explored.

For example have you been to the entire cost side where Akdeniz is? There's literally nothing there, I mean nothing, except for one beach bar called "Carrera" or something. It is empty from the tip of the Island all the way down to the old port town except for that single beach bar.

However, the best beaches are up in Karpaz, Golden beach is the best one for many. There is one or two restaurants there, very limited choice, no bars or anything at that area. Even the road to there is not fit for purpose.

Karpaz should be an attraction to market North Cyprus, but now on your day out there they will be no where to even buy a bottle of cold water, or any food.

You're now forced to take a pack lunch and some drinks that will be hot by the time you arrive there, "visit Karpaz in North Cyprus, hopefully you don't want cold drinks while you're there". When everyone has eaten their food and drank from their bottles there will be no bins to put them in so where will the rubbish go? On the beach and surrounding area. Who will be there to clean it? Burhans guys? No, no one.

So, it will now be:-

1.) Getting dirty with litter with no one to clean it up
2.) No where to buy drinks from near-by, no where to buy food from near-by, no shops near-by
2.) Can only take pack lunches for food, can't get a cold drink in 40c heat
3.) Less people there so likely there will be no vendors for sunbeds or umbrellas, ergo no shade and no where to sit so less people will bother to go.

= Another part of North Cyprus that is abandoned that in any other country would be a focal point.


Ultimately an area which should DRAW people to North Cyprus because of its beauty will not being utilized at all, they could restrict developement there and still retain the essence of the place while making it an attraction to visit North Cyprus.

Instead, North Cyprus, part of an Island that is characterized by its LACK of over-all development and infrastructure, have taken one of the best areas that they have access to and banned development there. Really, you couldn't make it up.

I will make this point however unpopular it may be, if you are an expat that is retired, of course it is understandable for you to want to keep this island quiet, under developed and hidden from the hoards. Keep it unmarketable. After all you hate the noisy night club that appeared near your house, you protest the new developments - but this is solely to benefit yourself!

I want to clarify, I'm not saying make here like the South Side. I love that it is under developed, but there is under developed and just plain empty.

There should be at least a few places to eat and drink up there, and as the poster I quoted said, Burhans place was perfectly fine where it was.

[kibsolar1999]

Well, when a country declares its first and only natural reserve... it must somewhat stick to it, or not?
In the “plan for Karpaz natural reserve”, the golden beach is a “use area”, but with limitations.

The whole court case is complicated, goes on for many many years , many stirred in the pot and Burhan was “warned” and even “sentenced” several times.
Basically the accusations say that Burhan overdeveloped this area.
He was “tolerated” to have a restaurant, a small camping area and “some huts” (with a low standart, better tents).

Over the years, Burhan promoted Karpaz and finally hosted dozens a day in his restaurant in summer. Burhan was quite successful to offer yoga, beach walk, “ romantic get together “ and other courses. For his customers he build several “small homes” (not huts) with a nice standart, incl bathroom and septic tank (even eco friends need some comfort ), incl lounge, meeting point, reception, bigger parking area, and so on (incl a permanent running generator) .
You say :
1.) Getting dirty with litter with no one to clean it up
2.) No where to buy drinks from near-by, no where to buy food from near-by, no shops near-by
2.) Can only take pack lunches for food, your drinks will be hot
3.) Less people there so no vendors for sunbeds or umbrellas, so they will be no shade and no where to sit

Exactly this is the purpose.. come, have a look, have a swim and leave asap.
take your rubbish with you and have a drink at Burhans. But for now he is closed.

[PoshinDevon]

Wondering1,

I have lived in Cyprus on and off since 1970, holidayed more times than I care to count and have explored the island fully both south and north.

Since 1970 I have seen many areas of the island change and become over developed.......Ayia Napa in 1971 was a beach and one shack sslling soft drinks, Limassol was a small town with a port and no tourist strip stretching 10 miles up the coast. Girne was a small town with lovely harbour and the roads heading east and west along the coast were single track, few cars and evefy beach was devoid of any tavernas......if you went to the beach you took everything. That was the norm.

So I have explored and seen a lot of the island in my time here and things have naturally changed. We believe we are lucky having seen the island before the developers spoiled parts of it.....plus having explored so much we know that there are still unspoilt places to be found.....have to search harder tho!

The point I am making is that the Karpas, due to its remoteness is the ideal area to try and protect. Keep away concrete hotels, casinos and nightclubs. No burger bars, shopping malls. Retain the type of developments that can be found on Golden Beach offering good basic accomodation and services. This is a special area.

[munchy]

PoshinDevon,
With a similar background , I fully agree with your comments. The stunted pace and scale of Development in NC has been a positive imo. ( I am speaking in relation to what might be coming).
If people can just remember how little you need to be happy and content, maybe this clamour for MORE & MORE, will be further arrested for the near future. Hoping!!

[PoshinDevon]

PoshinDevon,
With a similar background , I fully agree with your comments. The stunted pace and scale of Development in NC has been a positive imo. ( I am speaking in relation to what might be coming).
If people can just remember how little you need to be happy and content, maybe this clamour for MORE & MORE, will be further arrested for the near future. Hoping!!

Munchy,

I do agree and think that the isolation and non recognition of the TRNC since 1974 has obviously slowed development. I am not against progress and understand the need to attract the tourist €, £, $ etc. However; having seen the huge changes in the south since the 70s, I really would hope that development here in the north be seriously considered and I do think certain areas need protection from the creep of the concrete monstrosities that are growing year on year. However, it is only hope as I am sure it will continue!

We love the island both north and south and fortunately we can and still know where to find underdeveloped areas, great villages, tavernas and hidden away beaches. Your average tourist on 2 weeks hols is unlikely to really experience or possibly has no interest in experiencing the real Cyprus.

We can count ourselves very fortunate I suppose.

[munchy]

PoshinDevon
On the strength of my knowledge regarding NC, I have ensured that many "first Timers" have thoroughly enjoyed their Holidays in the TRNC. Generally, Local Expats have played their part by being helpful and sociable and this really is a bonus.
PoshinDevon, the knowledge people like us have garnered over the years, could be really useful to a lot of people, if only they would listen!!!

[PoshinDevon]

Munchy,

You are 100% correct.

Over all the years we have lived here in the 80s, 90s and also now we have had many friends and family join us for holidays. We love showing them the real Cyprus.

All have gone home happy at having found places, seen things and eaten out all over the island. They have all said they would never have seen even a quarter as much and had the great experienced they had if they had gone on a Thompson holiday 2 week break. Every summer we are contacted to ask our views on
Places to stay, eat etc.

Could write a book .....,., we were very fortunate that is for sure.

[munchy]

PoshinDevon,
Our previous ramblings on Kibkom would be a good basis for this book.. before Alzheimers sets in !

[justsayin]

We have heard that all places on golden beach are going. Reason we were given is that a company or person from Israel has brought land or at least has been given permission to build a hotel there.
I agree totally with those who say the area should be left. It's nature getting on with things with minimal impact from us humans. All the accommodation there blends in so well with the environment.
Not only would a hotel spoil the area but no doubt access and amenities would also be increased - not good for the karpaz at all in my opinion. Sure 1 major hotel wouldn't be the last.