The Oldest Fig Tree in Cyprus
This venerable tree is located in Northern Cyprus, in the very heart of Famagusta, a city filled with landmarks. And the fig tree is one of them.
The Oldest Fig Tree in Cyprus
In the center of Famagusta, opposite the entrance to the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, grows an ancient tree of colossal size. According to botanists, it was planted when the construction of St. Nicholas Cathedral (which was converted into a mosque, as we see today) began, making it over 720 years old, and one of the oldest living trees on the island.
This tree has many names, but it is most commonly known in the scientific world as Ficus sycomorus, or sycamore. It is also referred to as the biblical fig tree—believed to be mentioned in the Bible. Locals call it "kumbes" and it is also known as fig-mulberry tree.
The sycamore is native to Africa, specifically Egypt, and is found in many places across the continent, as well as in the southern Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East.
The main trunk of the tree is surrounded by smaller trunks that have grown into the main one, providing additional support from the massive root system. According to local folklore, seven trunks surround the main one, each representing a century of its past.
What to See Nearby
First and foremost—just a few meters from the tree is the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the former St. Nicholas Cathedral. This is the largest medieval building in the city and a must-visit architectural and cultural landmark of Famagusta.
Other attractions near the fig tree include the Othello Castle, associated with the famous Shakespeare character, the Martinengo Bastion, which offers a glimpse into the island's military past, and the Canbulat Museum in the old walls surrounding Famagusta.
If you can venture a little further from the city, be sure to visit iconic attractions like the well-preserved ancient city of Salamis and the Monastery of St. Barnabas with the icon museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other old trees are there in Northern Cyprus?
Once a large forest of ancient olive trees was located near the village of Kalkanlı, around Güzelyurt. The oldest olive trees in Northern Cyprus are up to 800 years old and are believed to have been planted in the 11th century during the Lusignan era. Forest fires that spread through this area on May 17, 2020, destroyed about 90 percent of the 2,000 monumental olive trees. Here is an article about this amazing place.
What else in Northern Cyprus holds a record?
Speaking specifically about the northern part of the island, it is home to the deepest cave on the entire island of Cyprus—a place worth visiting.
Does the tree have special status?
It is listed in the national heritage list of the Department of Culture and is protected by the Famagusta Forest Department.
How much does it cost to visit the fig tree?
You can see it for free: the area around the mosque, like the mosque itself, is open to visitors.
When can you see the tree?
If you are not interested in the mosque, you can visit the oldest fig tree even at night—the area around the mosque is not fenced off.
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Author
Born and raised in Yekaterinburg, visited more than 40 countries, lived in the USA for some time, and in 2022, moved to Northern Cyprus. Education: Ural State University (now Ural Federal University), Faculty of Political Science and Sociology. Professional Experience: Since 2008, worked in the…
