Pentadactylos

The Pentadactylos mountains comprise the western half of the Kyrenia mountain range, a long, narrow chain which runs 160 km (100 mi) along the northern coast of Cyprus. The name Pentadactylos is also sometimes used synonymously with Kyrenia to refer to the entire range. The name means "five fingers" in Greek and derives from a mountain near the north coastal city of Kyrenia which has five finger-like projections. The Turkish name for these mountains is Besparmak (Beşparmak : "five fingers").

Pentadactylos (Besparmaklar ), North Cyprus. Photo: Atak Kara

A devastating fire in July 1995 burned large portions of these mountains, resulting in the loss of significant forested lands and natural habitat.

These mountains have many historical castles and monasteries, and have many tourist destinations.

View of Pentadactylos from Nicosia

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