The Oldest Ficus Tree in Northern Cyprus: Where to Find the Kumbez Tree in Famagusta

The oldest ficus in Northern Cyprus is located in the Old Town of Famagusta, at the entrance to the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. According to Northern Cyprus tourism sources, the Kumbez tree is considered one of the oldest living trees on the island: specialized descriptions indicate a planting date around 1220, so in 2026, its age is estimated at approximately 800 years. Viewing the tree is free, the square in front of the mosque is open, and a visit is easily combined with a walk through the Old Town.

• The Oldest Ficus in Famagusta
• What to See Nearby
• Useful Services for Your Trip
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Oldest Ficus in Famagusta

The Kumbez tree grows in the center of Famagusta, at the entrance to the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, formerly the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas. In Northern Cyprus tourism materials, this tree is described as the oldest living tree on the island or one of the oldest living trees. The most common dating is around 1220, when the construction of the cathedral began, so the tree's age is currently estimated at about 800 years.

In botany, the tree is known as Ficus sycomorus — the sycamore fig, or sycamore. It is a species of fig widespread in Africa and the Middle East. In various texts, it is also referred to as the "biblical sycamore" or "mulberry fig," while the local name for the tree is Kumbez.

The main trunk is surrounded by several smaller trunks that have fused with the main part of the tree over time, forming a natural support. This is why the ficus looks like a large multi-stemmed composition. Local folklore mentions a version of seven trunks, each symbolizing a hundred years of the tree's history.

The tree is included in the national heritage list of the Department of Culture and is under the protection of the Famagusta Forestry Department. For tourists, it is one of the most accessible attractions in the Old Town: there are no entrance fees, and no separate permit is required.

What is Important to Know Before Visiting

How to Do It

1. Arrive at the Old Town of Famagusta at the square in front of the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque.
2. View the tree from the outside for free: it is located right at the entrance and does not require a separate ticket.
3. Afterward, if you wish, enter the mosque, following the dress code and aiming for visiting hours outside of prayer times.
4. Combine the visit with a walk to other attractions in the Old Town of Famagusta.

When is the Best Time to Come

If the goal is to see the tree and take photos, almost any time of day is suitable, as the square in front of the mosque remains accessible. If you also want to explore the interior of the mosque, it is more convenient to come during daylight hours and avoid planning a visit on Friday during collective prayer.

What to See Nearby

The main neighboring attraction is the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the largest medieval building in Famagusta and one of the most recognizable monuments in Northern Cyprus. Usually, the ficus and the mosque are viewed as part of a single walk through the Old Town.

Within walking distance are also Othello Castle, the Martinengo Bastion, and the Canbulat Museum. These sites are easy to combine into a single 2–3 hour route.

If you have the opportunity to drive a short distance from the city, you can visit the ancient city of Salamis and the Monastery of Saint Barnabas with its icon museum on the same day. Both sites are located outside the Old Town, so they are more conveniently included in a route by car.

One-Day Itinerary

A practical option looks like this: first, a walk through the Old Town and a viewing of the Kumbez tree, then the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, followed by Othello Castle and the city walls. In the afternoon, you can head out to Salamis or the Monastery of Saint Barnabas.

Useful Services for Your Trip

• Car Rental — suitable if you plan to go to Salamis, St. Barnabas Monastery, or other places in Northern Cyprus after Famagusta.
• eSIM for Internet — convenient for navigating the Old Town, finding parking, and staying connected during the trip.
• Accommodation and Tour Bookings — can be used for planning an overnight stay in Famagusta or a trip across Northern Cyprus.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the old ficus in Famagusta?

According to the most common version, the tree was planted around 1220. In 2026, its age is estimated at approximately 800 years.

Is it really the oldest ficus in Northern Cyprus?

In Northern Cyprus tourism materials, the Kumbez is called the oldest living tree on the island or one of the oldest. In practice, it is usually presented as the most famous ancient ficus in Northern Cyprus.

How much does it cost to visit the Kumbez tree?

Viewing the tree is free. No additional ticket is required for this site.

Can the tree be seen in the evening or at night?

If you are only interested in the tree from the outside, it is usually possible even outside the operating hours of internal sites, as it is located in an open square in front of the mosque.

Does the tree have protected status?

Yes. The tree is included in the national heritage list and is under the protection of the relevant services in Famagusta.

What other old trees are there in Northern Cyprus?

Among the most famous natural objects of this type, the old olive trees in the Kalkanlı area are often mentioned. Also, among the natural record-holders of Northern Cyprus, the largest cave in Northern Cyprus is frequently cited.