Kyrenia

Kyrenia is a coastal city located in Cyprus. It is considered the administrative center of the Kyrenia District of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the Kyrenia District of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which de facto constitutes a part of it. Kyrenia and its surrounding areas are considered the tourism capital of Northern Cyprus. Prior to the Turkish Peace Operation in Cyprus in 1974, Greek Cypriots constituted the majority of the city's population, but as a result of the operation, the Greeks in Kyrenia became refugees. The city has experienced rapid population growth and urban expansion, especially since the early 2000s. According to the 2011 census, the population of the city center, consisting of Lower and Upper Kyrenia, was 20,851, while the population of the Kyrenia municipality was 33,207. The Kyrenia Mountains are located to the south of the city, while the Mediterranean Sea borders it to the north. The old harbor is located in the heart of the city, right next to Kyrenia Castle, and along the harbor are numerous restaurants, bars, and open-air cafes frequented by locals and tourists alike. The city also houses universities such as Cyprus Science University, Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design, American University of Kyrenia, and University of Kyrenia.