Orka (Greek: Όρκα, Turkish: Kayalar) is a small village in Kyrenia District located on the northern coast of Cyprus, approximately 3 km north of Kormakitis. It is under the de facto control of Northern Cyprus.

Orka
village
Όρκα (Greek) Kayalar (Turkish)
Orka is located in Cyprus
Orka
Orka
Location in Cyprus
Coordinates: 35°21′32″N 33°1′53″E / 35.35889°N 33.03139°E / 35.35889; 33.03139
Country (de jure) Cyprus
 • DistrictKyrenia District
Country (de facto) Northern Cyprus[1]
 • DistrictGirne District
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)

Before the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, Orka was an entirely Greek Cypriot village. The 1960 census put the population at 139 Greek Cypriots, while in 1973 the population consisted of 98 Greek Cypriots and 17 other nationals. The Greek Cypriots fled as the Turkish army advanced in 1974. The village was repopulated in 1975 by Turkish settlers, who now make up the majority of the population. Orka was a popular destination for British nationals before 1974 and these nationals have kept their properties to this day. Some Turkish Cypriots and Europeans have also bought property and settled in the village in the 2000s.[2]

References

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  1. ^ In 1983, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus unilaterally declared independence from the Republic of Cyprus. The de facto state is not recognised by any UN state except Turkey.
  2. ^ "Orga". PRIO Cyprus Displacement Center. Retrieved 18 June 2015.