Lefkoşa (Nicosia)
|
Gazimagusa (Famagusta)
|
Girne (Kyrenia)
|
Güzelyurt|
Iskele / Karpaz
Lefkoşa (Nicosia) Region
Let curiosity be your guide in this unhurried city of great
character
Lefkoşa 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.
Open
Borders
Lefkoşa 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 Lefkoşa are most commonly used.
Impressive Ancient Architecture
The
citys 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, Lefkoşa
too is typically Turkish in character but with the richness
of its multicultural heritage and Ottoman principles of
religious and cultural tolerance.
Dont Miss:
 |
Bedesten
Constructed in the 12th century,
this Byzantine church (St. Nicholas Church)
more >>>
|
|
Belediye Pazari (Municipal Market)
Lefkosa Belediye Pazari,
known locally as the Bandabuliya
more >>>
|
|
Büyük Han (Grand Inn)
Dating back to the 16th century,
this Ottoman building situated in Asmalti Street
more >>> |
|
City Walls
In 1567, just before the conquest of Cyprus by the
Ottomans,
the Venetians started
more >>> |
|
Derviş Paşa Mansion
The owner of this two-storey 19th
century mansion was Derviş Paşa
more
>>> |
|
Kumarcilar Han (Gamblers Inn)
This small building, asymmetrical in plan, of hewn stone
more >>> |
|
Lusignan House
The
mansion from the 15th century, which is situated within
the Lefkosa moat
more >>> |
|
Museum of Mevlevi Tekke
South of the Kyrenia Gate, you
will find the
Mevlana Museum
more >>> |
|
Selimiye Mosque
The Selimiye Mosque is one of the
most important mosques in North Cyprus
more >>>
|