Despite these and other Holy men, history tells us that then known world, centre on Roma and the Middle East, was in turmoil at the time of Christ"s miracle birth; the Roman regime was brutal, any from of threat to the supremacy of the Emperor was met with a stinging riposte, although they permitted their local Governors and appointed titular local rulers some autonomy, even to the point where King Herod of Judeo, having heard of Christ"s birth ordered him to be slain, hence Joseph and Mary"s escape to Egypt, where they remained until Herod"s death.
Although essentially a Muslim country, Christmas is enthusiastically celebrated in the TRNC, with Turkish Cypriots and the expatriate community joining together to mark Christ"s birth on the traditional date of 25th December. Happily this date is close to the Muslim Eid Al-Adha Bayram on 20th December, so there is a mood of celebration across all communities during the latter days of December; and then there"s the New Year at the end of the month, proving yet another fine opportunity for inter-communal merriment.
Reports reaching Reality North Cyprus Magazine indicate that top hotels in the Kyrenia area like Hotel Sempati at Lapta and Alsancak"s Merit Crystal Cove are all fully booked for their Christmas "packages". Similarly, most restaurants, many owner and operated by Turkish Cypriots families, are reporting that there special Christmas Lunch afternoons are being snapped up; so if you want a traditional Roast Turkey tuck-in with all the usual accoutrements, pick up the phone and book today.Readers who wish to celebrate Christ"s coming to deliver His Messianic promise for the whole of mankind by attending church services, will find details of the Christian Services in the local daily or weekly newspapers. Look for announcements fot The Church of St George the Nestorian in Famagusta, St Andrews Church in central Kyernia, the Roman Catholic Church to the rear of the Rocks Hotel and the magnificent Maronite Church at Korucam.
Of course Christmas is a special time for the children; their excitement during the build up to Father Christmas, arriving on Christmas Eve, is always a pleasure and delight for us grown ups. In North Cyprus all the shops and stores are lit up with seasonal lights and glitter, with images of Father Christmas everywhere; even the staff catch the mood by wearing tinsel and red bobble hats with white fur trimming.Yes, North Cyprus is a great to be during the Christmas season; for Muslims, Christians, Jews, atheists and agnostics alike, unlike many parts of Britain where the polically correct interferers want to suppress the festival in case it offends religious minorities. Most odd!On New Years Eve in the Kyrenia area, many will congregate at the "square! At the top of the town, near the Municipality Offices, to join the festivities and enjoy a spectacular firework display put on by Mayor Sumer Ayg?n; this always proves to be a special occasion, when revelers from all communities in the TRNC join hands and hug each other to welcome in the New Year and offer good wishes for the months ahead.