Tourist Police started working in Kyrenia and Nicosia

On 22 September 2025, the tourist police officially began operations in the cities of Kyrenia (Girne) and Nicosia (North Nicosia). The new unit was presented by Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu, and Deputy Chief of Kyrenia Police Metin Düzenler.

In Kyrenia, the tourist police office is located next to the old police department building. Officers will mainly patrol the Old Harbor area — one of the most visited tourist spots. Their duties include responding to criminal and traffic incidents.

In Nicosia, the tourist police will operate in the Old City (Surlar içi), with its office near the Mahmudpasha Library, close to the Selimiye Mosque.

This is already the second zone where the new format has been launched: previously, on 18 August, the unit began operating in the Iskele area.

Prime Minister Üstel emphasized that the government aims not to leave projects unfinished, reminding that many initiatives for improving the Old Harbor were not implemented in the past. He stated that the harbor has been transformed into an open and comfortable area and has become one of the region's highlights.

Üstel also noted that his government places special emphasis on strengthening the police structure, and the creation of the tourist police was one step in this direction.

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism Fikri Ataoğlu said that the tourist police complement the work of both the police and the municipality, and will contribute not only to responding to incidents but also to preventing them.

Deputy Chief of Kyrenia Police Metin Düzenler reported that in the first stage, nine tourist police officers will work in this city. They will patrol in pairs, especially on weekends and during peak tourist hours. When incidents are detected, officers will promptly relay information to the relevant departments — criminal or traffic.

The Prime Minister also added that in the future, if necessary, the tourist police practice could be extended to other regions — Famagusta, Güzelyurt, and Lefke.