Nicosia

Nicosia

Nicosia (Nicosia) is located along the Pedieos River in the central-northern part of the island, bordered by the Kyrenia Mountains stretching across the northern coast to the north, and facing the lush green Troodos Mountains to the southwest. Covering an area of 50.5 square kilometers with a population of over 230,000, it is the only inland city in the country and the capital of the Republic of Cyprus, serving as the national political, economic, and cultural center.

Since the late 10th century, Nicosia has been the capital of the island nation and boasts many medieval buildings. After the Venetians occupied the island in 1489, they built circular city walls and 11 heart-shaped bastions in the city center, which remain well-preserved to this day. The Selimiye Mosque, located at the heart within the walls, was originally a Gothic Catholic church constructed starting in 1208 and completed in 1267. After the Turkish invasion in 1570, two minarets were added, converting it into a mosque.

- The Archbishop's Palace and St. John's Church, built during the period of Eastern expansion, are typical examples of Greek Orthodox churches and have now been repurposed as cultural research institutions. In addition, there are also some Byzantine-era (330–1191) buildings. The narrow and winding streets of the inner city resemble a maze, with architecture that combines both Eastern and Western styles. Ledra Street in the old town is the most bustling center in all of Nicosia, lined with shops and offering a wide array of goods.

The Cyprus Museum houses a rich collection of artifacts from the Neolithic Age to the Roman period.

Centered around the old city protected by Venetian-era walls, the surrounding new urban areas present a different scene: advanced telecommunications, thriving markets, wide streets, crisscrossing highways, modern designs with elegant aesthetics, diverse architectural styles, and lavishly decorated hotels that attract tourists from both home and abroad.

However, after the outbreak of the intercommunal conflict on the island in July 1974, the city was artificially divided into Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot zones in the north and south. There is no free movement between the zones, and the dividing line known as the "Green Line" is guarded by United Nations forces, with military outposts of Greek and Turkish soldiers on either side. It has since become a divided city. The Green Line not only splits Nicosia but also divides the entire island of Cyprus. However, this does not mean that the areas around or near the Green Line are particularly dangerous. In fact, for a long time, there has been no conflict around the Green Line, and nearby towns are very quiet and peaceful.

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