Myrtou
| Myrtou | |
|---|---|
| Μύρτου (Greek) Çamlıbel (Turkish) | |
 Myrtou
|
|
| Coordinates: 35°18′32″N 33°4′26″E / 35.30889°N 33.07389°ECoordinates: 35°18′32″N 33°4′26″E / 35.30889°N 33.07389°E | |
| Country |
 Cyprus
|
| • District | Kyrenia District |
| Country (controlled by) |
 Northern Cyprus
|
| • District | Girne District |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 4,279 |
| Time zone | EET (UTC+2) |
| • Summer (DST) | EEST (UTC+3) |
Myrtou (Greek: Μύρτου, Turkish: Çamlıbel) is a town in the Kyrenia District of Cyprus, north of the city of Morphou. It is under the de facto control of Northern Cyprus.
There are several traditions as to how the village got its name. One of them says that the name comes from the plant Myrtos or Myrtia – myrtle. On the western side of the village there is a whole area full of myrtle as well as other plants and bushes.
This particular area is known as Mersinia. According to the writing of ancient writers myrtle was a plant dedicated to Goddess Aphrodite and God Apollo. There is a probability that in this area was a sanctuary dedicated to Apollo and even a small village with the name Myrtos. Myrtou area was inhabited prehistorically.
The present Turkish name Çamlıbel means "area with pines", and the village is currently on the edge of the Akdeniz National park with its pine forests and woodland walks.
Archaeological excavations in two areas of the village Stephanie and Pegades brought to light valuable findings. Oxford Ashmalian museum and a mission from Sydney Australia University carried out the excavations.
The finding proved the religious political and trading connection of Cyprus with other islands of Greece and especially Crete.
Myrtou village is located southwest of Kyrenia at a height of 270 metres above sea level. It is on the south side of the Pentadaktylos mountains and because of its position was considered to be the administrative centre of the area before 1974.
From the village there is easy access to Nicosia through Asomatos and to Kyrenia through Panagra. It was also connected with Morphou through Diorios.
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Wikipedia