Nicosia (Lefkosa)
The divided city of Nicosia is the administrative capital of both the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC) and the Republic of Cyprus. It can be reached by car in around 30 minutes from Cyprop’s Begonvillia Court development at Iskele and in about 25 minutes from the centre of Kyrenia.
There are two foot crossings and one vehicle crossing between the north and south in Nicosia, the most recent foot crossing opened in April 2008 at Ledra Street as a direct result of the reunification talks.
In the centre of Nicosia is the old walled city where you can safely wander around a maze of streets and alleys. Here, you will find an array of shops and stalls, where you will be able to buy clothes and shoes at knock-down prices, local produce, jewellery, Turkish Delight and all kinds of knick-knacks. The air is filled with the smell of kebab shops and exotic spices.
A brief history of Nicosia
The earliest recorded mention of Nicosia was from the Assyrians in the 7th century BC when it was named Ledra. In around 300 BC, Lefkos, the son of the Egyptian King Ptolemy Soter I, rebuilt the city and his name was immortalised in the modern name of Lefkosa. The name Nicosia is the Frankish name from the 12th century, during the time of Lusignan rule.
When the Venetians conquered Cyprus in 1489, most of the Lusignan palaces, churches and monuments were destroyed and the stones used to fortify the city against any foreign attack. In 1567, just before the conquest of Cyprus by the Ottomans, the Venetians started to build a new wall around the city. The resulting fortification was 3 miles in circumference, had 11 castle-like bastions and three gates. The only remaining gate today is Kyrenia gate in the north part of the old wall.
Despite the new wall, Nicosia fell to the Ottomans in 1570, after which the city regained new vigour with the creation of new administrative buildings, markets, hammams and mosques. Ottoman rule continued until 1878 when the island was sold to the British in return for military assistance against the Russians in what is now modern Turkey.
Are you interested in buying or investing in property in beautiful North Cyprus? Cyprop has a selection of villas and apartments for sale in Northern Cyprus. We can also offer you a complimentary accomodation-paid inspection trip. Contact us now for more details.