Miniature Park 'Miniakıbrıs' in Turkish Cyprus delves into the island's history

The miniature open-air park "Miniakıbrıs," which puts the miniature models of a total of 15 historic buildings belonging to the Ottoman, Byzantine and Roman periods on display in the Turkish Cyprus, takes its visitors to a journey through time. The Miniakıbrıs, whose project was prepared by Tatlısu Municipality Mayor Ahmet Hayri Orçan, is a first in Turkish Cyprus.

The miniature models of the historic buildings such as Kyrenia Castle, the Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia, Hala Sultan Dervish Lodge in Larnaca, Derviş Pahsa Mansion and Apostolos Andreas Monastery are being exhibited around the Church of Panagia Kanakaria, which was built during the Byzantine period and has a history spanning a thousand years.

The miniature buildings, which are created by sculptors Uğur and Necmiye Özşengül from Çorum attract the interest of both local and international tourists in Turkish Cyprus. Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Tatlısu Municipality Mayor Orçan said that he was inspired to realize the Miniakıbrıs project after he visited Miniatürk in Istanbul.

Orçan said that the region is a tourist attraction and the Miniakıbrıs project was initiated in order to boost the tourism potential of the region. He said that their main aim was to make miniature models of the historic buildings in Turkish Cyprus. "As you all know, Cyprus is an island which has hosted various civilizations throughout history. Hence, we want Miniakıbrıs to feature a building representing each civilization that settled in this island. We were very careful while selecting the historic buildings and we are receiving positive feedback about the museum."

Orçun said that demand is increasing the number of miniature models of the historic buildings and they will soon add more models of Ottoman, Byzantine and Roman buildings.Erhan Dike, who came to visit Miniakıbrıs with his family, said that Tatlısu Municipality's project - Miniakıbrıs - is very successful. Dike underlined that the tourists visiting Turkish Cyprus from Turkey should visit Miniakıbrıs and said, "It is a very successful project. The visitors are very pleased. We are here for vocation and came to visit the museum. I congratulate all who contributed to the project."