Legends of Love of Northern Cyprus

A short collection of love legends tied to specific locations in Northern Cyprus: Famagusta and Kyrenia, as well as the general mythological narrative of Aphrodite on the island of Cyprus.

• What the legends are and where they are “located” on the map
• Aphrodite and love wishes
• Othello Castle in Famagusta
• “Black Girl Bay” in Kyrenia
• A short 1-day route inspired by the legends
• Frequently Asked Questions

What the legends are and where they are “located” on the map

The text features three storylines: the myth of Aphrodite (the island of Cyprus as a geographical context), the legend of the “Othello Castle” in Famagusta, and the story of “Black Girl Bay” in Kyrenia Harbor. If you want to “check the legends on site,” the most convenient approach is to plan two points in Northern Cyprus — Famagusta and Kyrenia — in one day or over two separate trips.

Aphrodite and love wishes

On February 14th, Valentine’s Day, let’s recall the love legends of the island of Cyprus. After all, this is an ancient island where many fascinating stories took place, some of which have been immortalized by classical literature and sculpture.

The goddess of love, Aphrodite, according to ancient Greek myths, was born from sea foam and emerged from the water off the coast of Cyprus. Aphrodite in Ancient Greece, and Venus in Ancient Rome, was one of the most revered inhabitants of Olympus. People from all social strata — from aristocrats to plebeians — worshipped the goddess, and lovers from the farthest corners of the empire came to the island. They believed that Cyprus would grant them the fulfillment of their love wishes. Sculptures of Aphrodite can be seen in the world’s most famous museums.

On the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, the ruins of a destroyed temple of Aphrodite have been preserved, and there are still orange groves where, according to legends, the goddess walked. Wishes for love can also be made there.

Othello Castle in Famagusta

The fortress of Famagusta, or Othello Castle, carries the mark of tragedy. It is believed that William Shakespeare studied historical chronicles, and the plot of the play “Othello” is based on events that took place in the castle of Famagusta. According to legend, the Venetian commander of Cyprus strangled his wife here out of jealousy. This legend may be based on real events from the life of Governor Christopher Moro, who ruled the island from 1505–1508.

As sad as the story is, it inspired Shakespeare, who encourages trusting those you love.

“Black Girl Bay” in Kyrenia

According to legend, Kyrenia Harbor is also called “Black Girl Bay.” Near the harbor was the harem of the Ottoman Sultan, and one of his concubines, a dark-skinned beauty, fell in love with an ordinary young man. They even met in secret. But the girl wanted very much to change her skin color to a lighter shade to please her beloved even more. According to legend, the gods appeared to her in a dream and advised her to bathe at midnight in the bay — then her skin would change color.

The girl followed the advice and transformed from a black woman into a Cypriot: her skin became olive-toned. However, in this changed form, the young man lost interest in her and found another — an African woman. The heroine of the legend could not bear the betrayal and drowned in the harbor. The story is sad, but, like every legend, it carries a hint of meaning.

A short 1-day route inspired by the legends

If you want to connect the legends to real locations in Northern Cyprus, you can create a simple route without complex logistics.

How to do it

1. Plan the first stop in Famagusta: visit the fortress and the site known as “Othello Castle.”
2. In the afternoon, travel to Kyrenia: walk along the harbor and promenade, where the story of “Black Girl Bay” is told.
3. If you are gathering the “mythological context” of Aphrodite, add reading or a museum exhibit on ancient themes, without mixing it with the Northern Cyprus route points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the “Othello Castle” from the legend?

In the text, it is associated with the fortress of Famagusta in Northern Cyprus.

Where is “Black Girl Bay” located?

The legend is tied to Kyrenia Harbor in Northern Cyprus.

Is it possible to visit Famagusta and Kyrenia in one day?

Yes, these are two separate trips across Northern Cyprus, which can be combined into one day with an early start and limiting the itinerary to key points (the fortress in Famagusta and the harbor in Kyrenia).

Do these legends have “exact locations” to look for?

The text provides landmarks: the fortress of Famagusta (as “Othello Castle”) and Kyrenia Harbor (as the site of the “Black Girl Bay” story). Other details relate to the legendary narrative.

Why does the text mention the Republic of Cyprus?

Because the plot about Aphrodite and the mention of the temple/orange groves are connected to the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, whereas Famagusta and Kyrenia belong to Northern Cyprus.