Morphou

Morphou (Greek: Μόρφου, Turkish: Güzelyurt). Morphou was founded by the Spartans. They are the ones who brought with them the worship of Aphrodite ( The Goddess Venus). It said that in the Middle Ages, the city was referred to as Morphou but also Theomorphou.[1] The Morphou area grew more than half of Cyprus citrus fruits. In 16th and 17th centuries, during Ottoman period, Morphou was famous for it's export of linen [2]. With a population of 12,000 people, the town is famous for its apples, vegetables, grapefruit and melons for which a large proportion of the citrus fruits are exported and the remainder are turned into fruit juice and canned for local consumption and export. Morphou is not a typical tourist destination, but it is interesting to those who want to see a part of Cyprus not in the least affected by tourism. In spring, the light breezes scatter the white orange blossoms, and you can smell the fragrance from all around, while in other seasons the golden oranges and lemons shine on the trees. Morphou is also famous for its annual Orange Festival, which is a major event and lasts for two weeks every June. It also hosts a culture and arts festival annually in May.[5]

Guzelyurt Bazaar and downtown of Morphou

(By Hassan Arsal where I bought two t-shirt at his shop. He is a refugee from Limassol and I have a task to take pictures of his place when I get to Limassol)

By Hassan Arsal

St. Mamas Monastery

Morphou contains one of the many churches in the country dedicated to St. Mamas, popularly believed to have lived as a hermit in a cave near Morphou. His memory is celebrated on 2nd September. His parents Theodotos and Roufina lived in Gaggra of Paflagonia during the reign of emperor Aurilianos who exercised a systematic campaign against the Christians (270 - 275 AD). Because of their Christian beliefs, Theodotos and Roufina (who was pregnant at the time), were arrested and imprisoned. While in prison she gave birth to Mamas but her husband died before he could see the newborn baby and soon after she died also. Mamas, who was raised by a lady called Ammia Matrona, turned towards the teaching of Christianity during his teenage years. As a result he was arrested at the age of 15, he was tortured and finally killed because of his refusal to abandon Christianity. According to local legend, he was a hermit living in very poor circumstances and when the authorities tried to tax him, he evaded them. Soldiers were sent out and captured him but on the way back to town, he saw a lion attacking a lamb, escaped the soldiers, saved the lamb, jumped on the lion's back and in that way came to town. His bravery earned him exemption from tax, hence his traditional attribute [3] [4]. The version the Museum gives to Tourists is that St. Mamas is holding the lamp (Cyprus) and that the Lion represents the Roman Empire which seems angry but nevertheless tamed.

St. Mamas Monastery is the third most important place of worship for the Greek Orthodox in the Northern parts of Cyprus after St. Barnabas tomb at Famagusta (Αμμόχωστος) and Apostolos Andreas Monastery at Karpasia (Rizokarpaso / Ριζοκάρπασο). Most of the compound dates from the 18th century but specially its Iconostasis is made of wood which was carved artfully in the 16th century. The crystal chandelier that you see in the gallery is magificent and visible through the side entrances. His Eminence Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou opens the Church of St. Mamas to celebrate his memory on the 2nd of September of every year. The Metropolis of Morphou or Bishopric of Morphou is under the jurisdiction of the Church of Cyprus. The Metropolis Morphou office is located temporary in the village of Eyrychou.

Achaeology Museum

Nature Museum

Fatih Mosque

Outskirts of Morphou

I left the beautiful Morphou heading to Toumba tou Skourou and Kapouti & Ancient Olive Trees filled with beautiful images from the Town of Morphou and enjoyed its beauty again on the outskirts.