It was announced that entry to “Cyprus Herbarium and Natural History Museum, which embraces 11 thousand different kinds of plant species, living samples, fossil and more than 20 thousand materials related to Cyprus geology, all gathered during 18 years of scientific studies in various units of the Near East University, is free of charge until the end of August.

According to the press release issued by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations of Near East University, Cyprus Herbarium and the Museum of Natural History will be open to visitors, especially middle and high school students on weekdays from July 20 until the end of August between 09.00-16.00.

To visit the Herbarium and Natural History Museum, a museum comprising 11 thousand different kinds of plant samples, mushroom varieties, insect species, various reptile species, sea creatures and Cyprus geology materials of 1500-1600 plant species available in Cyprus, please dial +90 392 680 20 00 for appointments and information via extension number 5135.

The museum, which is located in the building of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Near East University, includes 140 different plants, 19 different types of plants growing in the Beşparmak Mountains of Northern Cyprus, 106 different mushroom groups belonging to 3 different groups, 250 algae, 23 reptile species. There are also insect collections belonging to different taxonomic teams.

Samples Dating Back 220 Million Years are in the Museum
There are examples of Cyprus Geology, which date back 92 million years ago with submarine lava, and 250 million years old limestones and 220 million fossilized trees of Beşparmak mountain range.

It has a Role in Education and Research
The museum takes an active role in making lessons more enjoyable for primary, middle and high school students, and it appeals to all researchers, students and scientists who will work on this subject in terms of education and research. In fact, the museum serves all nature and Cyprus enthusiasts. Cyprus Herbarium and Natural History Museum is currently carrying out many scientific research projects related to the joint natural sciences with the Vienna Natural History Museum, Wales Natural History Museum, Italy Palermo University, Eskişehir University, and Ege University. Additionally, through the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey and museums, many scientific studies are carried out in cooperation with the European Union and TUBITAK.

Özge Özden Fuller: “We have the mission of transferring information to future generations regarding the natural history and botanical values of the island of Cyprus”
Assistant Director of Cyprus Herbarium and Natural History Museum, Assoc. Dr. Özge Özden Fuller, expressed that the Cyprus Herbarium and Natural History museum does not only create a collection of Cyprus Fauna and Flora or of fossils and natural stones. Moreover, Assoc. Dr. Özge Özden Fuller also said that the museum has the mission of conveying information to the next generations regarding the natural history and botanical values of the island of Cyprus.

In addition to the above, Assoc. Dr. Özge Özden Fuller stressed that the Museum aims to explore the biology and ecology of the creatures on the island by carrying out international scientific projects in many areas related to the Nature of Cyprus. Assoc. Dr. Özge Özden Fuller said:
“Our museum, which makes learning enjoyable and permanent especially for young people and children, is often frequently visited by students during the school period. Apart from students, our museum appeals tourists, who come to our country for holidays, and locals and we would like to announce that the Museum will be open to visitors on weekdays free of charge until the end of August.”