Girne Municipality

Girne Municipality (Turkish: Girne Belediyesi) is the municipal authority responsible for the city of Girne (Kyrenia) in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. It operates as a public entity delivering essential urban services such as water billing, property tax collection, traffic fine payments, business permits, and waste management. The municipality also runs cultural and social programs, including a youth council, cultural center, and various community events. Its official website serves as a digital portal for residents to access online payment systems, report complaints, view tender announcements, and stay informed about local news and announcements. The municipality actively promotes Girne as a tourist destination, leveraging its coastal location, historical sites, and natural beauty. It maintains international relationships through town twinning agreements with several Greek municipalities, despite the political complexities surrounding Northern Cyprus. The official motto 'Biz Birlikte Girneyiz!' (We are Girne together!) reflects its community-oriented approach.

The municipality of Girne (Kyrenia) has its roots in the broader history of the Kyrenia district. The original Greek Cypriot municipality of Kyrenia was founded in 1878 during the British colonial period. It served as the administrative center of the Kyrenia district, and the British built a road connecting it to Nicosia and developed the town's harbor. The municipality initiated modernization efforts, constructing a hospital, a new school, houses, inns, and the first hotel. In the 1920s, the first modern hotels were built near the sea, attracting foreign visitors. The combination of sea, mountain, harbor, antiquities, and rich natural landscape made Kyrenia a popular tourist destination, leading to the town's development. After Cyprus's independence in 1960, a new town hall was built and a folklore museum was founded. Cultural and sports activities increased. During the Turkish invasion of 1974, the Greek Cypriot inhabitants of the Kyrenia municipality fled to the southern part of Cyprus. Many were killed, while others were arrested and expelled. Kyrenia was looted by ground forces and the Turkish air force. The inhabitants settled in areas in southern Cyprus and abroad. Although the Kyrenia municipality is not based within its administrative area, it continues to operate maintaining its legal status, like other municipalities and community councils of areas not controlled by the Republic of Cyprus. The Greek Cypriot inhabitants and their descendants exercise their voting rights, electing a mayor and municipal council. The municipality holds events to maintain the unity of its citizens and keep alive local traditions, customs, and habits that existed before 1974. Its town hall is near the Ledra Palace crossing, within the municipal boundaries of Nicosia. After the Turkish invasion and the declaration of the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus', the 'Girne Municipality' was created on the territory of the Kyrenia municipality, belonging to the homonymous district of the unrecognized state. This Girne Municipality is the entity that operates the official website and provides services to current residents of the area.

• 2002

  Twinning with Pylaia-Chortiatis, Greece (November 9)

• 2001

  Twinning with Kifissia, Greece (June 7)

• 1999

  Twinning with Aigialeia, Greece (October 10) and Skopelos, Greece (October 10)

• 1994

  Twinning with Chios, Greece (May 20) and Samos, Greece (August 4)

• 1989

  Twinning with Kyrenia of Achaea, Greece (March 29)

• 1974

  Turkish invasion; Greek Cypriot inhabitants flee; Girne Municipality later established on the territory

• 1960

  New town hall built and folklore museum founded after Cyprus independence

• 1878

  Original Kyrenia municipality founded during British colonial period

Local government authority focused on community services and tourism promotion

Product categories. Municipal services · Water billing · Property tax collection · Business permits · Waste management · Cultural events

1. 1Girne Belediyesi – Biz Birlikte Girneyiz!girnebelediyesi.com
2. 2Girne Municipality - Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3Δήμος Κερύνειας - Wikipediael.wikipedia.org