Lefkosa – Northern Cyprus
Lefkosa (Nicosia) is the capital and the largest city of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which has a population of around 73,000. Home to the main government headquarters and foreign representatives, it is also the seat for the United Nations and the European Commission offices.
Lefkosa is the last remaining divided capital city in the world, with the northern (Turkish) and southern (Greek) parts divided by the "green line" boundary. However, since 2003, there have been no restrictions on border crossings for EU citizens in Cyprus, who are free to cross and spend as much time as they wish on either side of the border by producing their ID cards or passports at crossing points which are open 24 hours a day.
At present, there are five crossing points where pedestrians can cross, Ledra Palace and Ledra Street (Lokmaci) border gates in Lefkosa are most commonly used.
The city’s ramparts were built by the Venetians in 1570 and encircle the city with 11 towers. Inside the city walls are beautiful examples of Gothic and Ottoman architectural forms, among which are the Selimiye Mosque (St. Sophia Cathedral), Bedesten (covered bazaar - St. George Cathedral), the Buyuk Han (Grand Inn), the Kumarcilar Han (Gamblers' Inn), the Sufi (Mevlana) Museum, and countless other monuments. Like the other towns of Cyprus which remained under Ottoman rule for more than 300 years, Lefkosa too is typically Turkish in character but with the richness of its multicultural heritage and Ottoman principles of religious and cultural tolerance.
The old walled city of Nicosia is unique and definitely the place to head for first. The central part is dotted with museums, ancient churches and medieval buildings preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of years past. To walk through the old city is to step backwards in time. Narrow streets and old houses with ornate balconies jut from weather beaten sandstone walls, smell of jasmine flowers in those long summer evenings, and craftsmen in small workshops practice trades unchanged for centuries.
The heart of the city is enclosed by the 16th-century wall built by the Venetians to protect the city from the Ottomans. The 4.5 metres thick wall used to have three gates. The Kyrenia Gate in now used as a Tourist Information Centre.
Nowadays the medieval walls represent a border dividing the city into the historical centre and the modern areas which has been built beyond. The centre of the city is the liveliest part of the city crossed by narrow streets, shops, cafes and restaurants.
The walls also reveal a splendid gallery of historical places. Selimiye Mosque representing an outstanding example of Gothic architecture dated by the 14th century, The Great Inn (Büyük Han) dated by the 16th century, looking marvellous especially at the night time.
The Selimiye Mosque (former Cathedral of St. Sophia built between 1209 and 1228 A.D.) is the chief mosque in Nicosia hosting big religious festivals such as Bairam. Other famous mosques of the city are Haydarpasha Mosque, and Arabahmet Mosque. Taken from Lefkosa.com
Don’t Miss: Bedesten Belediye Pazari (Municipal Market) Büyük Han (Grand Inn) City Walls Dervis Pasa Mansion Kumarcilar Han (Gambler’s Inn) Lusignan House Museum of Mevlevi Tekke Selmiye Mosque
