Nicosia

Nicosia,[lower-alpha 1] also known as Lefkosia or Lefkoşa,[lower-alpha 2] is the capital of Cyprus. Its northern part is the de facto capital of Northern Cyprus.[1]

The city is geographically located in Asia. It is the southeasternmost capital city among European Union member states.[2]

Nicosia has been continuously inhabited for over 5,500 years and has been the capital of Cyprus since the 10th century. It is the last divided capital in Europe. Three years after Cyprus gained independence from British rule in 1960, the Bloody Christmas conflict between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots triggered island-wide intercommunal violence, and in 1964, Nicosia's Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities segregated into the south and the north of the city, respectively. A decade later, Turkey invaded Cyprus following Greece's successful attempt to take over the island. Although the leaders of the takeover later stepped down, the dividing line running through Nicosia - and the rest of the island, interrupted only briefly by British military bases - became a demilitarised zone. It remains under the control of Cyprus while heavily policed by the United Nations. Now known as the United Nations Buffer Zone in Cyprus, it separates the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus, from Northern Cyprus, which is recognised only by Turkey. The ongoing dispute between the two communities is known as the Cyprus problem.

Apart from its legislative and administrative functions, Nicosia has established itself as the island's financial capital and its main international business centre.[3] In 2018, Nicosia was the 32nd richest city in the world in relative purchasing power.[4] In the 2022 Globalisation and World Cities (GaWC) ranking, Nicosia was classified as a "Beta −" city (lit. global city).[5]

## Contents

* 1 Names
* 2 History
* 2.1 Prehistoric Nicosia
* 2.2 Ancient Nicosia
* 2.3 Medieval Nicosia
* 2.4 Ottoman rule
* 2.5 British rule
* 2.6 Independence and division
* 3 Geography
* 3.1 Climate
* 4 Cityscape
* 4.1 South of the Green Line
* 4.2 North of the Green Line
* 5 Politics and administration
* 5.1 Governance of the metropolitan area
* 5.2 Nicosia Municipality
* 5.3 Nicosia Turkish Municipality
* 5.4 Other municipalities in Greater Nicosia
* 5.5 Administrative divisions and demographics
* 6 Demographics
* 6.1 Religion
* 6.1.1 Armenian Apostolic Church
* 6.1.2 Maronite Catholic Church
* 6.1.3 Anglican Church
* 6.1.4 Greek Evangelical Church
* 6.1.5 Armenian Evangelical Church
* 6.1.6 Converted cathedral
* 6.1.7 Islam
* 7 Culture
* 8 Human resources
* 8.1 Education
* 9 Economy
* 10 Transport
* 10.1 Rapid transit
* 10.1.1 Bus transport
* 10.1.2 Train
* 10.2 Motorways
* 10.3 Airports
* 10.4 Taxis and trams
* 10.5 Cycling
* 11 Sports
* 12 Notable people
* 13 International relations
* 13.1 Twin towns – sister cities
* 13.1.1 Nicosia Municipality
* 13.1.2 Nicosia Urban Area
* 13.1.3 Nicosia Turkish Municipality
* 13.2 Friendly cities
* 13.2.1 Nicosia Municipality
* 13.2.2 Nicosia Urban Area
* 13.3 Foreign embassies and consulates
* 13.3.1 Nicosia
* 13.3.2 North Nicosia
* 14 See also
* 15 Notes
* 16 References
* 16.1 Citations
* 16.2 Bibliography
* 17 External links

## Names

The earliest mention of the city appears on a clay prism[clarification needed] of the Assyrian king Esarhaddon, dated to 672 BC, which refers to it as Lidir.[clarification needed] The local form of the name was later variously hellenised as Ledra (Ancient Greek: Λήδρα, Lḗdra), Ledrae (Λέδραι, Lédrai),[6] Ledroi (Λήδροι, Lḗdroi),[7] and Ledron (Λεδρῶν, Ledrō̂n, and Λῆδρον, Lē̂dron).[6]

By late antiquity, early Christian sources were recording the location as Leuteon (Λευτεῶν, Leuteō̂n) and as Leucon (Λευκῶν, Leukō̂n),[8] Leucotheon (Λευκοθέον, Leukothéon), Leucoi Theoi (Λευκοί Θεοί, Leukoí Theoí),[6] and Leucopolis (Λευκούπολις, Leukoúpolis),[9] incorporating forms of the Greek words for "white" (λευκός, leukós) or "poplar" (λεύκη, leúkē) and for "God" (Θεός, Theós), "god" (θεός, theós), or "goddess" (θεᾱ́, theá), with possible allusion to a supposed son of Ptolemy I Soter[6] or to the sea goddess Leucothea. During the Byzantine period, the form Leucosia (Λευκουσία, Leukousía)—usually parsed as intending "the white estate" (ἡ λευκή οὐσία, hē leukḗ ousía)—became common;[10] this developed into modern Greek Lefkosia (Λευκωσία, Lefkosía, el)[11] and Turkish Lefkoşa (tr).

The Latin and English name Nicosia appeared under the medieval Crusader Lusignan dynasty,[9][12] around the same time the Cypriot port Limassol replaced its previous initial N with an L for similarly unknown reasons.[13] Hill provides several other examples of interchanging /l/ and /n/ as far back as the Phoenician Cypriots, suggesting the exchange may have arisen from a variable native pronunciation.[13] The name is also preserved as the Armenian Nikosia (Նիկոսիա) and the Cypriot Arabic Nikusiya.[14][15][clarification needed]

The town also appears as Callinicesis (Καλλινικησις, Kallinikēsis, or Καλλινεικησις, Kallineikēsis) in some of the hagiographies concerning the saints Tryphillius and Spyridon (fl. 4th century).[16]

## History

For a chronological guide to this subject, see Timeline of Nicosia.

### Prehistoric Nicosia

Nicosia has been continuously inhabited since around 2500 BC, near the beginning of the Bronze Age, when the first inhabitants settled in the fertile plain of Mesaoria.[17]

The city-state of Ledra is similarly connected with the area of Nicosia, although the larger share of Mycenaean-era ruins in the area are at the broad hill of Ayia Paraskevi or Leondari Vounò 6 km (3.7 mi) southeast of central Nicosia.[6] Ledra is reported as one of the twelve kingdoms of ancient Cyprus built by the Achaeans after the end of the Trojan War.[18] The kingdom was quickly destroyed. The Cypriot vassal state transcribed as "Lidir" in a 672 BC Assyrian text is generally identified with the remains which have been found nearer to the modern city.[6] Its ruler Onasagoras[clarification needed] was recorded paying tribute to the Assyrian king Esarhaddon.

### Ancient Nicosia

By 330 BC, Ledra was recorded to be a small unimportant town.[19] It is thought that the settlement was economically and politically dependent on the nearby town of Chytri.[20] The main activity of the town's inhabitants was farming. During this era, Ledra did not have the huge growth that the other Cypriot coastal towns had, which was primarily based on trade.[21] Some sources record that it was restored and improved by Leucos, son of Ptolemy I Soter of Egypt around 280 BC,[22][8] although Hill considered this an early modern "fancy" based solely on pseudoetymological speculations.[6]

In the 4th century, the town was the seat of a bishopric under the name Ledron, Leuteon, or Leucotheon. Its bishop Saint Triphyllius was a student of Saint Spyridon.[23] Archaeological evidence indicates that the town regained much of its earlier significance in the early Christian period,[24] and the presence of two or three basilicas with opus sectile decorations, along with marbles decorated with high relief indicate the presence of a relatively prosperous and sophisticated Christian society.[25]

### Medieval Nicosia

After the destruction of Cyprus's capital, Salamis, by Arab raids in 647 — and the extensive damage to other coastal settlements — the economy of the island became more internalised and inland towns gained relative significance. Nicosia benefited from this and functioned as an outlet of agricultural products from its hinterland, the Mesaoria plain. It further was at an advantageous position due to its ample water supply. As such, the town developed enough for the Byzantine Empire to choose Nicosia as the capital of the island around 965, when the Byzantine navy restored full Byzantine control over the island and it was organised as a theme of the empire.[26] The Byzantines moved the island's administration seat to Nicosia primarily for security reasons as coastal towns often suffered from raids. From that point on it remained as the capital of Cyprus and was the seat of the Byzantine governor of Cyprus. The last such governor was Isaac Komnenos, who declared himself emperor on the island and ruled it from 1183 to 1191.[27] Testimony as late as 1211 indicates that Nicosia was not a walled city at that point and thus that the Byzantines did not build a city wall, thinking that the city's inland location would be sufficient for defence purposes. The Byzantines did, however, build a relatively weak fort within the city.[28] The economy under Byzantine rule consisted mostly of the trading of agricultural goods, but the town also produced luxury items and metalware due to the presence of the imperial administration.[29]

St. Sophia Cathedral, which was built during rule by the House of Lusignan and later converted into the Selimiye Mosque, exemplifies the Gothic architecture in Nicosia. Venetian walls of Nicosia

On his way to the Holy Land during the Third Crusade in 1187, Richard I of England's fleet was plagued by storms, making him stop first at Crete and then at Rhodes. Three ships continued on, one of which was carrying Joan of England, Queen of Sicily and Berengaria of Navarre, Richard's bride-to-be. Two of the ships were wrecked off Cyprus, but the ship bearing Joan and Berengaria made it safely to Limassol. Joan refused to come ashore, fearing she would be captured and held hostage by Isaac Komnenos, who hated Franks. Her ship sat at anchor for a full week before Richard arrived on 8 May. Outraged at the treatment of his sister and his future bride, Richard invaded.[30] Richard laid siege to Nicosia, met and defeated Komnenos at Tremetousia and became ruler of the island, but sold it to the Knights Templar.

Frankish rule of Cyprus started from 1192 and lasted until 1489. During this time, Nicosia was the capital of the medieval Kingdom of Cyprus, the seat of Lusignan kings, the Latin Church and the Frankish administration of the island. During Frankish rule, the walls of the city were built along with many other palaces and buildings, including the gothic Cathedral of Saint Sophia. The tombs of the Lusignan kings can be found there.

Map of Nicosia in Cyprus, created in 1597 Famagusta Gate built in 1567

In 1373/1374, Nicosia was occupied and ravaged by the Republic of Genoa and in 1426 by the Mamluk Sultanate.[31]

In 1489, when Cyprus came under the rule of the Republic of Venice, Nicosia became their administrative centre and the seat of the republic. The Venetian governors saw it as a necessity for all the cities of Cyprus to be fortified due to the Ottoman threat.[32] In 1567 Venetians built new fortifications in Nicosia —which are well-preserved to this day— demolishing the old walls built by the Franks as well as other important buildings of the Frankish era including the King's Palace, other private palaces and churches and monasteries of both Orthodox and Latin Christians.[33] The new walls took the shape of a star with eleven bastions. The design of the bastion is more suitable for artillery and a better control for the defenders. The walls have three gates, to the north Kyrenia Gate, to the west Paphos Gate and to the east Famagusta Gate.[33] The river Pedieos used to flow through the Venetian walled city. In 1567 it was diverted outside onto the newly built moat for strategic reasons, due to the expected Ottoman attack.[34]

### Ottoman rule

The Nicosia aqueduct View of Nicosia in 1878

On 1 July 1570, the city came under the rule of the Ottomans. On 22 July, Piali Pasha, having captured Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca, marched his army towards Nicosia and laid siege to the city.[35] The city lasted 40 days under siege until its fall on 9 September 1570. The story of the Cypriot martyr Arnaude de Rocas dates from the fall of Nicosia. Some 20,000 residents died during the siege and every church, public building, and palace was looted.[36] Nicosia had an estimated population of 21,000 before the Ottoman conquest, and based on the Ottoman census data of 1572, the population had been reduced to 1,100–1,200. The devastation of the city was so extensive that for a few years after the conquest, a number of villages on the island had a larger population than Nicosia.[37][38] The main Latin churches were converted into mosques, such as the conversion of the Cathedral of Saint Sophia.

Nicosia was the seat of the pasha, the Greek archbishop, the dragoman and the qadi. The Palazzo del Governo of Venetian times became the seat of the pasha, the governor of Cyprus, and the building was renamed as the konak or seraglio (saray). The square outside was known as Seraglio Square or Sarayonu (literally front of the Saray), as it is known to the present day. The saray was demolished in 1904 and the present block of government offices built on the site.[39]

When the newly settled Turkish population arrived, they generally lived in the north of the old riverbed. Greek Cypriots remained concentrated in the south, where the Archbishopric of the Orthodox Church was built. Other ethnic minority groups such as the Armenians and Latins came to be settled near the western entry into the city at Paphos Gate.[40]

The names of the 12 quarters into which Nicosia was originally divided at the time of the Ottoman Conquest are said to be derived from the 12 generals in command of divisions of the Ottoman army at the time. Each general being posted to a quarter, that quarter (with two exceptions) was known by his name as follows:

1. General Ibrahim Pasha.
2. General Mahmoud Pasha.
3. General Ak Kavuk Pasha (a nickname meaning "white cap").
4. General Koukoud Effendi.
5. General Arab Ahmed Pasha.
6. General Abdi Pasha, known as Chavush (Sergeant) from which rank he was probably promoted.
7. General Haydar Pasha.
8. General Karamanzade (son of a Caramanian, other names not given).
9. General Yahya Pasha (now known as the Phaneromeni Quarter).
10. General Daniel Pasha (name of quarter changed subsequently to Omerie in honour of the Caliph Omar who stayed there for a night when in Cyprus).
11. Tophane (Artillery Barracks)
12. Nebetkhane, meaning police station or quarters of the patrol.[39]

The names of the generals in command of the last two-quarters are not known:

Later the number of neighbourhoods was increased to 24. Each neighbourhood was organised around a mosque or a church, where mainly the respective Muslim and Christian communities lived.[41]

### British rule

Hoisting the British flag in Nicosia Historical population

Year| Pop.| ±%
1881 | 11,536| —
1891| 12,515| +8.5%
1901| 14,481| +15.7%
1911| 16,052| +10.8%
1921| 11,831| −26.3%
1931| 23,324| +97.1%
1946| 34,485| +47.9%
1960| 45,629| +32.3%
Source for 1881–1960.[42]
View of Nicosia in 1914

Nicosia came under British rule on 5 July 1878 in consequence of the Cyprus Convention,[43] in exchange for the British supporting the Ottoman Empire at the Congress of Berlin.

The old Ottoman administrative headquarters (the saray) was replaced in 1904 by a new building containing law courts, the land registry, and the forestry, customs, and Nicosia commissioner's offices.[39] Adjacent was the Nicosia Police headquarters, while opposite were the general post office and the telegraph office.[44] A Venetian column, previously in a fenced courtyard near the saray,[45] was restored on a new site in the summer of 1915 in the middle of Saray Square. The Nicosia column was presumably erected in compliment to the reigning Doge Francesco Donato around 1550.[39]

Just after the British occupation a municipal council was constituted in Nicosia in 1882 for the general administration of public affairs within the city and for an area outside the walls, under the presidency of a mayor.[39] The first municipal offices were in Municipality Square (now the Central Municipal Market), but in 1944 the offices were transferred temporarily to the d'Avila bastion and in 1952 this was made permanent with a decision to renovate the building.[46]

Extensions to the Nicosia municipal area

In 1923 the municipal limits were extended further, and this new area was divided among several of the existing intramural neighbourhoods.[47] In 1938 the boundary was extended to the present limits in the west and to the boundaries of Ayii Omoloyites, Palouriotissa, Kaimakli and Omorfita.[48] In 1944 the village authority of Ayii Omoloyites was absorbed, then, Palouriotissa, Kaimakli and Omorfita were annexed to the city in 1968.[49]

Nicosia International Airport was opened in 1947. It remained the location for the air station until its abandonment in 1974.

In 1955 an armed struggle against British rule began aiming to unite the island with Greece, (enosis). The struggle was led by EOKA, a Greek Cypriot nationalist military resistance organisation,[50] and supported by the vast majority of Greek Cypriots. The unification with Greece failed and instead the independence of Cyprus was declared in 1960. During the period of the struggle, Nicosia was the scene of violent protests against British rule.[51][52]

### Independence and division

Scheme for new pedestrianised streets in old Nicosia implemented after 2004 Street in Nicosia close to the buffer zone

In 1960, Nicosia became the capital of the Republic of Cyprus, a state established by the Greek and Turkish Cypriots. In 1963, the Greek Cypriot side proposed amendments to the constitution, which were rejected by the Turkish Cypriot community.[53] During the aftermath of this crisis, on 21 December 1963, intercommunal violence broke out between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Nicosia was divided into Greek and Turkish Cypriot quarters with the Green Line, named after the colour of the pen used by the United Nations officer to draw the line on a map of the city.[54] This resulted in Turkish Cypriots withdrawing from the government, and following more intercommunal violence in 1964, a number of Turkish Cypriots moved to the Turkish quarter of Nicosia, causing serious overcrowding.[55]

On 15 July 1974, there was a coup d'état led by the Greek military junta to unite the island with Greece. The coup ousted president Makarios III and replaced him with pro-enosis nationalist Nikos Sampson.[56]

The coup d'état precipitated the invasion of the island by the Turkish army, on 20 July 1974.[57] The operation included two phases. The second phase of the Turkish invasion was performed on 14 August 1974, where the Turkish army advanced their positions, eventually capturing 37% of Cypriot territory including the northern part of Nicosia. The fighting left the island with a massive refugee problem on both sides.[58]

On 13 February 1975, the Turkish Cypriot community declared the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus in the area occupied by Turkish forces.[59] On 15 November 1983, Turkish Cypriots proclaimed their independence as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognised only by Turkey and seen by the international community as a part of the Republic of Cyprus but not under its effective control.

On 23 April 2003, the Ledra Palace crossing was opened through the Green Line, the first time that crossing was allowed since 1974.[60] This was followed by the opening of Ayios Dometios/Metehan crossing point on 9 May 2003.[61] On 3 April 2008, the Ledra Street crossing was also reopened.[62]

On 30 October 2016, Nicosia became the only capital city in the world with two time zones, after the parliament of the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus abolished standard time and decided that Northern Cyprus remains at 00 year-round, following Turkey's example.[63][64] The following year, due to criticism from the Turkish Cypriot public in the north, the Turkish Cypriot government decided to go back to standard time, following the rest of Europe.

## Geography

### Climate

Being in the rain shadow of the Troodos Mountains, Nicosia has a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification BSh) due to its low annual precipitation totals and average annual temperature.[65] The city experiences long, hot to sweltering, dry summers, and mild winters, with most of the rainfall occurring in winter. Winter precipitation is occasionally accompanied by sleet and rarely by snow. The accumulation of snow is particularly rare (last events occurred in 1950, 1974, 1997, 2015 and 2022). There is occasionally light frost during the winter nights. On 4 September 2020, Nicosia recorded a temperature of 46.2 °C (115.2 °F), which is the highest temperature to have ever been recorded in Cyprus.[66] On 25 February 2025, Nicosia recorded −3.7 °C (25.3 °F) which is the lowest temperature in the city since 1983 when records began for the Athalassa meteorological station.[67]

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## Cityscape

As of 2023[update], Nicosia is the European capital city with the fewest green spaces, with only three per cent of the city covered by trees.[69]

### South of the Green Line

View of Nicosia from Shacolas Tower Ledra Street Buffer zone in Nicosia Street close to the Nicosia border

Ledra Street is in the middle of the walled city. The street has historically been the busiest shopping street of the capital and adjacent streets lead to the most lively part of the old city with narrow streets, boutiques, bars and art-cafés. The street today is a historic monument on its own. It is about 1 km (0.6 mi) in length and connects the north and south parts of the old city. During the EOKA struggle that ran from 1955 to 1959, the street acquired the informal nickname The Murder Mile in reference to the frequent targeting of the British colonialists by nationalist fighters along its course.[70][71] In 1963, during the outbreak of hostilities between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities, following the announcement of amendments to the Cypriot Constitution, Turkish Cypriots withdrew to the northern part of Nicosia which became one of the many Turkish Cypriot enclaves which existed throughout the island. Various streets which ran between the northern and southern part of the city, including Ledra Street, were blockaded. During the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, Turkish troops occupied northern Nicosia (as well as the northern part of Cyprus). A buffer zone was established across the island along the ceasefire line to separate the northern Turkish controlled part of the island, and the south. The buffer zone runs through Ledra Street. After many failed attempts on reaching agreement between the two communities, Ledra Street was reopened on 3 April 2008.

St. John's Cathedral

To the east of Ledra Street, Faneromeni Square was the centre of Nicosia before 1974. It hosts a number of historical buildings and monuments including Faneromeni Church, Faneromeni School, Faneromeni Library and the Marble Mausoleum. Faneromeni Church, is a church built in 1872 in the stead of another church located at the same site, constructed with the remains of La Cava castle and a convent. There rest the archbishop and the other bishops who were executed by the Ottomans in the Saray Square during the 1821 revolt. The Palace of the Archbishop can be found at Archbishop Kyprianos Square. Although it seems very old, it is a wonderful imitation of typical Venetian style, built in 1956. Next to the palace is the late Gothic St. John's Cathedral (1665) with picturesque frescos. The square leads to Onasagorou Street, another busy shopping street in the historical centre.

The walls surrounding the old city have three gates. The Kyrenia Gate which was responsible for transport to the north, and especially Kyrenia, the Famagusta Gate which was responsible for transport from Famagusta, Larnaca and Limassol and Karpasia, and the Paphos Gate for transport to the west, especially Paphos. All three gates are well-preserved,[72] with the Famagusta Gate functioning as a venue for art exhibitions and concerts.[73] The historic centre is clearly present inside the walls, but the modern city has grown beyond.

Presently, the main square of the city is Eleftheria Square, with the city hall, the post office and the library. The square, which has been redesigned by Zaha Hadid Architects and was delivered to the public in 2021,[74] connects the old city with the new city where one can find the main shopping streets such as Stasikratous Street, Themistokli Dervi Avenue and Makariou Avenue.

Archbishop's Palace

The Archbishop's Palace contains a Byzantine museum containing the largest collection of religious icons on the island. Leventis Municipal Museum is the only historical museum of Nicosia and revives the old ways of life in the capital from ancient times up to our days. Other museums include the Cyprus Ethnological Museum.

Nicosia also hosts an Armenian archbishopric, a small Buddhist temple, a Maronite archbishopric, and a Roman Catholic church.

### North of the Green Line

The historical Samanbahçe neighbourhood Sarayönü Square A view from the Yenişehir quarter Pedieos river walking route

At the centre of the walled city lies the Sarayönü Square. The square has been dubbed as "the heart of Nicosia" and historically has been the cultural centre of the Turkish Cypriot community.[75] In the middle of the square stands the Venetian Column, known simply as "the Obelisk" ("Dikiltaş") to the locals and symbolic of the country's government.[75] The column was brought from the ancient city of Salamis by the Venetians in 1550.[76] The Girne Avenue connects Sarayönü to the Kyrenia Gate and the İnönü Square in front of it. The avenue has been described as "the symbol of the walled city", and is filled with numerous shops and restaurants.[77]

Next to the Ledra Street checkpoint is the Arasta area. The area was pedestrianised in 2013 and is home to a network of historic shopping streets, reflecting an eastern shopping tradition with food and traditional items.[78] Nearby Büyük Han, the largest caravanserai on the island, was built in 1572 by the Ottomans and functions as a cultural centre.[79][80] To the west of the Girne Avenue lies the Samanbahçe neighbourhood, built in the 19th century by the government, considered to be the first example of social housing in the island. Still a residential area.[81] Another central point in the walled city is the Selimiye Mosque, originally built as the Cathedral of Saint Sophia. The mosque is the chief religious centre in Northern Cyprus. It was built between 1209 and 1228 by the Latin Church of Cyprus, in a Gothic style resembling French cathedrals.[82] Next to the mosque is the Bedesten, a large Greek church in the Byzantine and Gothic styles, built in the 14th century. It was used as a marketplace in the Ottoman era. Today, it is used as a cultural centre where various cultural activities such as concerts and festivals take place.[83][84]

The quarters of Nicosia outside the walled city are more spacious than the walled city, with wider roads and junctions. These areas are characterised by multi-floor concrete buildings. In the outskirts of the city, a number large and imposing villas have been built that belong to the middle and upper-classes.[85] Dereboyu Avenue serves as the modern heart of the northern part and is its centre of entertainment.

## Politics and administration

### Governance of the metropolitan area

Greater Nicosia

Greater Nicosia is administered by several municipalities. In the centre is the city municipality of Nicosia itself. Other municipalities are Strovolos, Lakatamia, Latsia, Aglandjia, Engomi, Ayios Dhometios and, as of 2011 Geri and Tseri.

The population of the urban area is 300,000 (2011 census, plus Turkish Cypriot administered census of 2006) of which 100,000 live within the Nicosia municipal area. Because Nicosia municipality has separate communal municipal administrations, the population of Strovolos (67,904 (2011 Census)) is actually the largest of all the local authorities in Greater Nicosia.

Within Nicosia municipality, most of the population resides in the more recently annexed outlying areas of Kaimakli, Pallouriotissa, Omorfita and Ayii Omoloyites.

There is no metropolitan authority for Greater Nicosia and various roles, responsibilities and functions for the wider area are undertaken by the Nicosia District administration, bodies such as the Nicosia Water Board and, to some extent, Nicosia municipality.

The Nicosia Water Board supplies water to the following municipalities: Nicosia, Strovolos, Aglandjia, Engomi, Ayios Dhometios, Latsia, Geri and Tseri. The board consists of three persons nominated by the council of each municipality, plus three members appointed by the government, who are usually the District Officer of Nicosia District, who chairs the board, the Accountant General and the Director of the Water Department. The board also supply Anthoupolis and Ergates, for whom the government provide representatives. Thus the board is in the majority controlled by the municipalities of Greater Nicosia.[86]

The Nicosia Sewerage Board, is likewise majority controlled by the municipalities of Greater Nicosia. It is chaired ex officio by the Mayor of Nicosia and consists of members chosen by the municipalities of Nicosia (6 members), Strovolos (5 members), Aglandjia (2 members), Lakatamia (2 members), Ayios Dhometios (2 members), Engomi (2 members), Latsia (1 member). The sewage treatment plant is in Haspolat. The Nicosia Sewerage System serves a population of approximately 140,000 and an area of 20 km2 (8 sq mi). Approximately 30% of the influent is contributed by the Turkish Cypriot side.[87]

Public transport is not controlled by the local authorities, but comes under the Nicosia District administration, which is an arm of the Ministry of the Interior. Transport services (primarily bus and taxi) are provided by private operators such as OSEL.[88] In late 2019 the contract for providing transport services in the district of Nicosia was awarded via tender to a private consortium which was expected to take over the system on 5 July 2020.[89][90]

### Nicosia Municipality

The old building of the Nicosia Municipality at Eleftheria Square

Nicosia Municipality is responsible for all the municipal duties within the walled city and the immediately adjacent areas. The constitution states that various main government buildings and headquarters must be situated within the Nicosia municipal boundaries.[91] However separate municipalities are prescribed by the constitution for the five largest towns, including Nicosia,[92] and in the case of Nicosia the separate administration was established in 1958. The Turkish Municipal Committees (Temporary Provisions) Law, 1959[93] established a municipal authority run by a "Turkish Municipal Committee", defined as "the body of persons set up on or after the first day of July, 1958, in the towns of Nicosia, Limassol, Famagusta, Larnaca and Paphos by the Turkish inhabitants thereof for the purpose of performing municipal functions within the municipal limits of such towns". The Nicosia Turkish Municipality, founded in 1958, carries out municipal duties in the northern and north-western part of city.[94] The remaining areas, in the south and east of the city, are administered by Nicosia Municipality.

### Nicosia Turkish Municipality

Nicosia Turkish Municipal building

The first attempt to establish a Nicosia Turkish Municipality was made in 1958. In October 1959, the British Colonial Administration passed the Turkish Municipality Committees law. In 1960 with the declaration of independence of Cyprus, the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus gave Turkish Cypriots the right to establish their own municipality.[95][96][97] As negotiations between the two sides to establish separate municipalities failed in 1962, implementing legislation was never passed.[98][99] Since the complete division of Nicosia following the Turkish Invasion in 1974, the Nicosia Turkish Municipality has become the de facto local authority of northern Nicosia. The Nicosia Turkish Municipality is a member of the Union of Cyprus Turkish Municipalities.[100] The mayor is Mehmet Harmancı from the Communal Democracy Party.

### Other municipalities in Greater Nicosia

Until 1986 there were no suburban municipalities. Then, following the procedures in the Municipal Law 111/1985, Strovolos, Engomi, Ayios Dhometios, Aglandjia, Latsia and Lakatamia were made into municipalities.[101] Each municipal council has the number of members described in the Municipal Law 111/1985 depending on the population figures. All members of the council are elected directly by the people for a period of 5 years.

### Administrative divisions and demographics

Administrative divisions (2011 Census)

Nicosia within the city limits is divided into 29 administrative units, according to the latest census. This unit is termed in English as quarter, neighbourhood, parish, enoria or mahalla. These units are: Ayios Andreas (formerly Tophane), Trypiotis, Nebethane, Tabakhane, Phaneromeni, Ayios Savvas, Omerie, Ayios Antonios (St. Anthony), St. John, Taht-el-kale, Chrysaliniotissa, Ayios Kassianos (Kafesli), Kaïmakli, Panayia, St Constantine & Helen, Agioi Omologites, Arab Ahmet, Yeni Jami, Omorfita, Ibrahim Pasha, Mahmut Pasha, Abu Kavouk, St. Luke, Abdi Chavush, Iplik Pazar and Korkut Effendi, Ayia Sophia, Haydar Pasha, Karamanzade,[102] and Yenişehir/Neapolis.[103]

Presidential Palace in Strovolos area.

The municipality of Strovolos, established in 1986, is the second largest municipal authority in Cyprus in terms of population after Limassol and encompasses the southern suburbs of the capital immediately adjacent to Nicosia municipality.[104] Lakatamia, Latsia, Geri and Aglandjia are other separate municipalities in the Nicosia metropolitan area.

The town of Gönyeli is now conurbated with the northern suburbs. Previously a village authority, it now functions as a municipality[105] within the same area.[106] The suburbs immediately to the north of the city have not organised into municipalities. The village authority of Hamitköy (also known as Hamid Mandres) is highly urbanised[107] and was included within the borders of Nicosia Turkish Municipality[108] as a Nicosia neighbourhood headed by a muhtar.[109] Ortakeuy Village authority[110] has similarly been redefined as a neighbourhood of Nicosia Turkish Municipality.

## Demographics

### Religion

Holy Cross Church

#### Armenian Apostolic Church

Armenian Apostolic Church in Nicosia

One of the oldest Armenian churches, known as the Benedictine Abbey of Our Lady of Tyre, was founded in the 13th century as a principal convent following the fall of Jerusalem. In 1308, the Lusignan king, Henry II of Jerusalem, repaired the church after it was destroyed by an earthquake. As many of the nuns were Armenian in origin, it came under the Armenian Church before 1504.[111] Since 1963, the church has been located in North Nicosia, under Turkish Cypriot administration. The church suffered the collapse of some parts and greatly deteriorated until 2007, when restoration work began.[112]The renovation was completed in 2013[113] and won the EU Prize For Cultural Heritage (Europa Nostra Award) in 2015.[114] With the help of the World Council of Churches, the Church of Westphalia, the Government of Cyprus and the faithful, a new church was built in Strovolos, also called "Sourp Asdvadzadzin". Its foundation stone was laid on 25 September 1976 by Archbishop Makarios III and Archbishop Nerses Pakhdigian. It was officially inaugurated on 22 November 1981 by Catholicos of Cilicia Khoren I and Coadjutor Catholicos of Cilicia Karekin II, in the presence of Archbishop Chrysostomos I, Bishop Zareh Aznavorian and Representative Antranik L. Ashdjian.

#### Maronite Catholic Church

Maronite Church in Nicosia

The Maronite community is a traditional community in Nicosia. The archeparchy extends its jurisdiction over all Maronites on Cyprus. Its arcieparchial seat is the city of Nicosia, where Our Lady of Grace Cathedral is located.

At the end of 2013 out of a population of 838,897, 10,400 had been baptised, corresponding to 1.2% of the total. The church's territory is divided into 12 parishes. Our Lady of Grace Cathedral is the main Maronite church of Nicosia, and is the cathedral of the Maronite Catholic Archeparchy of Cyprus.

The first cathedral was dedicated to Satin John, but during the Ottoman period it was turned into a mosque. The Lebanese Maronite community erected the church of Santa Croce, later entrusted to the Franciscans, and the current Our Lady of Grace Cathedral is near the Franciscan church. In 1960, the seat of the vicarage and the surrounding buildings were built.[115] On 6 June 2010 Pope Benedict XVI, the first pope to make an apostolic trip to Cyprus, visited the cathedral of Nicosia.[116]

#### Anglican Church

Anglican Church in Nicosia

The church of St. Paul was built in 1893 when Cyprus was a protectorate of the British Empire. The influence of politics on architecture is evident by the structural elements of the building, which is reminiscent of an English parish church. The Christian church today is part of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf.

#### Greek Evangelical Church

Greek Evangelical Church of Nicosia

The Greek Evangelical Church of Nicosia uses relatively modern architecture and serves the local Protestant community. Along with special hours dedicated to services of the Greek Evangelical community, it serves as a worship centre of local Protestants of other nationalities, such as Armenian, American, Romanian, Korean, Chinese. It is located on Gladstone Street.[117]

#### Armenian Evangelical Church

Armenian Evangelical Church of Nicosia

The first Armenian Evangelicals in Cyprus came after the arrival of the British in July 1878. As they were not committed, and very few in number, they quickly became associated with the Mother Church (Armenian Apostolic Church), such as Apisoghom Utidjian, the official state documents translator and the son of Stepan Utidjian, one of the original founders of the Armenian Evangelical Church, who served as chairman of the Nicosia parish council for 30 years. With the influx of more Protestants, Armenian Evangelicals became affiliated with the Reformed Presbyterian Church as early as 1887. Although the main centres were Nicosia and Larnaca, gatherings were occasionally held in Limassol, Famagusta, and Amiantos.

There was also a small Armenian Evangelical church, located on Mahmoud Pasha Street, in the Turkish-occupied part of the walled city of Nicosia—behind the old American Academy building, near the Arab Ahmet Mosque. Prior to its erection, Armenian Evangelicals used to worship at the Reformed Presbyterian Church on Apostolos Varnavas Street, opposite the old Powerhouse and behind the building of the Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus. The church — a vision already since the early 1930s — was eventually built thanks to the initiative of pastor Yohanna Der Megerditchian, with the financial contribution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church and the Armenian Evangelical faithful; its architect was Dickran H. Davidian. Its foundation stone was laid on 28 July 1946 by pastor Yohanna Der Megerditchian, who dedicated it on 1 July 1947. On the lower part of the right wall to the side of the entrance, there is an inscription in Armenian.

#### Converted cathedral

Selimiye Mosque, converted from a cathedral as the right of conquest

Perhaps the most iconic religious architecture of Nicosia is the Selimiye Mosque. Originally constructed as the Cathedral of Saint Sophia, it was also known as the Agia Sophia of Nicosia and was constructed in 1326 as a Catholic church. It was converted into a mosque in 1570 and it is located in North Nicosia. It has historically been the main mosque of the city and is housed in the largest and oldest surviving Gothic church in Cyprus (interior dimensions: 66 m × 21 m or 217 by 69 feet) possibly constructed on the site of an earlier Byzantine church.[118] During the 50-day Ottoman siege of the city in 1570, the cathedral provided refuge for a great number of people. When the city fell on 9 September, Francesco Contarini, the Bishop of Paphos, delivered the last Christian sermon in the building, in which he asked for divine help and exhorted the people. The cathedral was stormed by Ottoman soldiers, who broke the door and killed the bishop among others. They smashed or threw out Christian items, such as furniture and ornaments in the cathedral[119] and destroyed the choir as well as the nave.[120] Then, they washed the interior of the mosque to make it ready for the first Friday prayer that it would host on 15 September, which was attended by the commander Lala Mustafa Pasha and saw the official conversion of the cathedral into a mosque.[119] During the same year, the two minarets were added, as well as Islamic features such as the mihrab (prayer niche) and the minbar (sermon pulpit).[121]

The first imam of the mosque was Moravizade Ahmet Efendi, who hailed from the Morea province of the Ottoman Empire.[122] All imams maintained the tradition of climbing the stairs to the minbar before Friday sermons while leaning on a sword used during the conquest of Nicosia to signify that Nicosia was captured by conquest.[123]

Following its conversion, the mosque became the property of the Sultan Selim Foundation, which was responsible for maintaining it. Other donors formed a number of foundations to help with the maintenance.[124] Okçuzade Mehmed Paşa, a governor of Cyprus in the 16th century, donated a shop to provide income for the Sultan Selim Foundation; other donations include estates in the countryside and other shops. The foundation employed trustees (mütevelli) to look after the funds and transferred 40,000 akçe annually to Medina in late 16th century.[125] During the Ottoman period, it was the largest mosque on the island, and was used weekly by the Ottoman governor, administrators and elite for Friday prayers. In the late 18th century, a large procession that consisted of the leading officials in the front on horseback, followed by lower-ranking officials on foot, came to the mosque every Friday.[124]

#### Islam

Omeriye Mosque in Nicosia

Historically Nicosia (both north and south) hosts over 15 mosques, either originally constructed as such or converted from a church. The Ömeriye Mosque, formerly known as the Augustinian Church of Saint Mary is a mosque in the walled city of Nicosia, currently located in the south section of Nicosia.[126] Following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the mosque gained significance as one of the most important sites of Muslim worship in the non-Muslim section of the island and the city.[126] Currently, the mosque is functioning and open for both worshippers and visitors.[127][128]

Formerly, the site of the mosque was occupied by the Augustinian Church of Saint Mary, which dated back to the 14th century. During the Ottoman-Venetian War of 1570–1573, the church was first heavily damaged during the siege of Nicosia in 1570, and was eventually levelled after the war.[127]

After the Turkish conquest of Cyprus, Lala Mustafa Pasha, the Ottoman commander, ordered a mosque to be built on the site of the former church,[127] based on a popular belief that Umar, second caliph of Islam, was buried at this site in 7th century.[128]

According to Turkish Cypriot folklore, the Ömeriye Mosque is the first mosque where Turks prayed on the island following its conquest in 1571.[129]

## Culture

Cypriot Archeological Museum The World of Cyprus, an acrylic painting with a total length of 17.5 meters by Adamantios Diamantis in Leventis Gallery

The Cyprus Museum is the largest and oldest archaeological museum in Cyprus. In old Nicosia, the Ethnological Museum (Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios Mansion) is the most important example of surviving urban architecture of the late Ottoman rule. Today, the mansion which was awarded the Europa Nostra prize for its exemplary renovation work, functions as a museum where a collection of artifacts from the Byzantine, Medieval and Ottoman periods are displayed. Other museums in Nicosia include the Cyprus Museum of Natural History and the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia and Von World Pens Hall in the south. In the north, the Dervish Pasha Mansion, similar in architecture to the Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios Mansion, serves as an ethnological museum, displaying Ottoman and archaeological artifacts.[130] Other museums include the Lusignan House,[131] the Mevlevi Tekke Museum, associated with the sect of the Whirling Dervishes,[132] and the Lapidary Museum.[133]

Art galleries in Nicosia include the Leventis Gallery, which hosts over 800 paintings from Cypriot, Greek or European artists.

Nicosia offers a wide variety of musical and theatrical events, organised either by the municipality or independent organisations. Halls and theatres used for this purpose include:

* The Cyprus National Theater, which contains two performance spaces:[134]
* the 550-seat Lyric Theater with a bold exterior but an intimate theatrical environment. Its design minimises the distance from actor to audience;
* the 150-seat New Theater, which is an open-ended workshop space, with simple galleries around the room. The stage can be set in the centre, at the ends, or to one side of the room, and the space can be opened to the private garden beyond.
* The Pallas Cinema-Theater which was renovated from a near derelict state in 2008.[135]
* Theatro Ena[136]
* Maskarini Theater[137][138]
* Dionysos Theater[139][140]
* Melina Mercouri Hall[141]
* Theatro Dentro

Nicosia's universities also boast an array of facilities, and many churches and outdoor spaces are used to host cultural events. The Near East University hosts the Atatürk Cultural and Conference centre, with 700 seats.[142]

Nicosia hosted the Miss Universe 2000 pageant.[143]

In June 2011, Nicosia launched a failed campaign to become the European Capital of Culture for 2017.[144]

## Human resources

### Education

Section of the modern buildings of the University of Cyprus (UCY) An entrance to the Melkonian Educational Institute

Nicosia has a large student community as it is the seat of five universities, the University of Cyprus (UCY), the University of Nicosia, the European University Cyprus, the Open University of Cyprus and Frederick University. In addition, the city is home to the oldest still-operational high-school in Cyprus, Pancyprian Gymnasium.

Nicosia is also home to one of the largest historic Armenian schools, the Melkonian Educational Institute established in 1926 and operated until 2005. The Melkonian Institution was created as an orphanage in the aftermath of the Armenian genocide of 1915–1923.

## Economy

| Parts of this place (those related to section) need to be updated. Please update this place to reflect recent events or newly available information. (October 2017)

|

Central Bank of Cyprus View of Nicosia Financial Quarter

Nicosia is the financial and business heart of Cyprus. The city hosts the headquarters of all Cypriot banks, namely the former Cyprus Popular Bank (also known as Laiki Bank), Bank of Cyprus, and the Hellenic Bank and the Central Bank of Cyprus. A number of international businesses base their Cypriot headquarters in Nicosia, such as the big four accounting firms PWC, Deloitte, KPMG and Ernst & Young. International technology companies such as NCR and TSYS have their regional headquarters in Nicosia. The city is also home to local financial newspapers such as the Financial Mirror and Stockwatch. Cyprus Airways had its head offices in the entrance of Makariou Avenue.[145] The largest mall in Cyprus, Nicosia Mall, is located in the city. According to a UBS survey in August 2011, Nicosia is the wealthiest per capita city of the Eastern Mediterranean and the tenth richest city in the world by purchasing power in 2011.[146]

## Transport

### Rapid transit

#### Bus transport

Public buses run by OSEL, in Solomos Square

Public transport within the district is served by Nicosia Public Transport, a subsidiary of Cyprus Public Transport.[147] Bus service used to be operated by OSEL (Nicosia District Transport Organisation) until 2020, but the company ceased to operate after fraud claims.[148][149]

In the northern part, LETTAŞ provides this service.[150]

#### Train

There is no operating train network in Cyprus. Plans for the creation of an intercity railway have been made, but none has materialised. The first railway line on the island was the Cyprus Government Railway which operated from 1905 to 1951. It was closed down due to financial reasons.[151] It used to stop in the city.

### Motorways

Nicosia is linked with other major cities in Cyprus via a modern motorway network. The A1 motorway to the south, connects Nicosia with Limassol, which continues onto the A6 going from Limassol to Paphos. The A2 to the southeast, links Nicosia with Larnaca, continuing onto the A3 going from Larnaca to Ayia Napa. The A9 to the west, connects Nicosia to the western Nicosia district villages and the Troodos mountains. The A22 Ring Road is currently under construction, which is planned to bypass the city.

### Airports

The capital is linked, via road, to the 2 international airports under the Republic's administration, Larnaca International Airport (located Template:Approx. 50 km (31 mi) south-east from the city) and Paphos International Airport (Template:Approx. 100 km (62 mi) south-west).

Nicosia International Airport interior, 2010

The island's largest airport in the past, Nicosia International Airport, ceased commercial operations in 1974, after the Turkish invasion. It is located within the Green Line buffer zone, and is used as the headquarters of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.

Ercan International Airport is 13 km (8.1 mi) away from Nicosia. Flights to the airport are banned internationally due to the ongoing Cyprus dispute. Non-stop flights only take place from Turkey, and all planes that fly to Northern Cyprus from other countries have to stop over in Turkey.[152] The Government of the Republic of Cyprus considers the use of Ercan Airport to enter or exit the island illegal,[153] and could result in facing criminal charges when entering (or exiting) the Republic of Cyprus.

### Taxis and trams

In 2010, as part of the Nicosia Integrated Mobility Plan, a pre-feasibility study for a proposed tram network has taken place and sponsored by the Ministry of Communications and Works. The study compared two scenarios, with and without the operation of a tramway in terms of emitted polluting loads.[154]

Many taxi companies operate in Nicosia. Fares are regulated by law and taxi drivers are obliged to use a taximeter.

### Cycling

In 2011, the Nicosia Municipality introduced the Bike in Action scheme, a bicycle sharing system which covers the Greater Nicosia area. The scheme is run by the Inter-Municipal Bicycle Company of Nicosia.[155]

## Sports

Start of Quantum Nicosia Marathon 2010 at the Famagusta Gate Field club tennis courts

Football is the most popular sport in Cyprus, and Nicosia is home of three major teams of the island; APOEL, Omonia and Olympiakos. APOEL and Omonia are dominant in Cypriot football. There are also many other football clubs in Nicosia and the suburbs. The city also hosts Çetinkaya, Yenicami, Küçük Kaymaklı and Gönyeli, four of the major Turkish Cypriot clubs. Nicosia is also home to AGBU Ararat Nicosia FC, the island's only Armenian FC.

Nicosia is also the home for many clubs for basketball, handball and other sports. APOEL and Omonia have basketball and volleyball sections and Keravnos is one of the major basketball teams on the island. The Gymnastic Club Pancypria (GSP), the owner of the Neo GSP Stadium, is one of the major athletics clubs on the island. Also, all teams in the Futsal First Division are from Nicosia. In addition, two handball teams, European University and SPE Strovolou, are located in Nicosia.

Nicosia has some of the biggest venues on the island; the Neo GSP Stadium, with a capacity of 23,400, is the home for the national team, APOEL, Olympiakos and Omonia. Makario Stadium has a capacity of 16,000. In the north, the Nicosia Atatürk Stadium has a capacity of 28,000.[156] The Eleftheria Indoor Hall is the biggest basketball stadium in Cyprus, with a capacity of 6,500 seats, and is the home for the national team, APOEL and Omonia. The Lefkotheo indoor arena is the volleyball stadium for APOEL and Omonia.

The Nicosia Marathon took place in 2010 and 2012, organised by Athanasios Ktorides Foundation, and attracted more than 7,000 participants.[157][158]

Nicosia hosted the 2000 ISSF World Cup Final shotgun shooting events. Also, the city hosted two basketball events; the European Saporta Cup in 1997 and the 2005 FIBA Europe All-Star Game in the Eleftheria Indoor Hall. Another event that was hosted in Nicosia was the Games of the Small States of Europe in 1989 and 2009.

## Notable people

Christopher A. Pissarides, Nobel Prize winner in Economics

* Peter I of Cyprus (1328–1369), King of Cyprus
* Kıbrıslı Mehmed Kamil Pasha (1833–1913), Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire
* Fazıl Küçük (1906–1984), former Vice President of the Republic of Cyprus (1960–1963)
* Glafkos Klerides (1919–2013), former President of the Republic of Cyprus (1993–2003)
* Tassos Papadopoulos (1934–2008), former President of the Republic of Cyprus (2003–2008)
* Marios Garoyian, former President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus (2008–2011)
* Benon Sevan, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations (1992–2005) and the Head of the Oil for Food program (1996–2005)
* Nicos Tornaritis, politician and jurist, member of the House of Representatives and Consultant of the Republic of Cyprus
* Neoklis Kyriazis (1877–1956), historian and member of the National Council of Cyprus
* Alparslan Türkeş (1917–1997), Turkish nationalist politician, founder of the Nationalist Movement Party in Turkey
* Kutlu Adalı (1935–1996), journalist, poet and socio-political researcher and peace advocate
* Christopher A. Pissarides, Nobel Prize winner in Economics
* Mustafa Djamgoz, professor of cancer biology at Imperial College London
* Manoug Parikian (1920–1987), violinist and violin professor in the UK
* Suat Günsel (born 1952), businessman and founder of the Near East University
* Nicolas Economou (1953–1993), concert pianist, composer, arranger, conductor and organiser of music festivals
* Mick Karn (1958–2011), musician
* Sevgül Uludağ (born 1958), journalist, activist
* Alkinoos Ioannidis (born 1969), singer
* Michalis Hatzigiannis (born 1978), singer
* Michael Bisping (born 1979), mixed martial artist
* Diam's (born 1980), French rap singer
* Stephanie Solomonides (born 1982), first Cypriot to reach North and South Poles
* Giorgos Papadopoulos (born 1985), composer, singer
* Hovig (born 1989), singer, represented Cyprus at the Eurovision Song Contest 2017
* Hazar Ergüçlü (born 1992), actress on the Turkish drama Medcezir
* Aleksandar Vezenkov (born 1995), basketball player
* Vladimiros Tziortzis (born 1997), racing driver

## International relations

### Twin towns – sister cities

#### Nicosia Municipality

Nicosia is twinned with:[159]

* Athens, Greece (since 1988)
* Bucharest, Romania (since 2004)
* Doha, Qatar
* Odesa, Ukraine (since 1996)
* Shiraz, Iran since (1999)

#### Nicosia Urban Area

#### Nicosia Turkish Municipality

North Nicosia is twinned with:

* Ankara, Turkey[160][161]
* Bursa, Turkey (since 1990)[162]
* Comrat, Moldova (since 2006)
* Gaziantep, Turkey (since 2009)[163]
* Istanbul, Turkey[164]
* İzmir, Turkey
* Karbinci, North Macedonia (since 2001)
* Aračinovo, North Macedonia (since 2002)

### Friendly cities

#### Nicosia Municipality

Nicosia also cooperates with:[159]

* Schwerin, Germany (1974)
* Shanghai, China (1999)

#### Nicosia Urban Area

### Foreign embassies and consulates

#### Nicosia

At present, Nicosia hosts 42 embassies and 3 high commissions (in bold), 12 consulate generals, 44 consulates and 2 vice consulates (in italics), and 1 representation office.[165][166]

* Australia[lower-alpha 3]
* Austria
* Belize
* Brazil
* Bulgaria (consulate)
* Bulgaria (embassy)
* Burundi
* Cameroon
* Canada
* Central African Republic
* China
* Republic of the Congo
* Croatia
* Cuba
* Czechia (consulate)
* Czechia (embassy)
* Denmark (consulate general)
* Dominica
* Dominican Republic
* Egypt
* Estonia (vice consulate)
* Estonia (consulate general)
* EU (representative office)
* Finland (consulate)
* Finland (consulate general)
* Finland (embassy)
* France
* Gabon
* Georgia (consulate)
* Georgia (embassy)
* Germany
* Greece
* Guatemala
* Guyana
* Holy See (apostolic nunciature)
* Hungary (consulate general)
* Hungary[167] (embassy office)
* Iceland (consulate general)
* India[lower-alpha 3]
* Indonesia
* Iran
* Ireland
* Israel
* Italy
* Jamaica
* Japan (consulate)
* Japan (embassy)
* Jordan
* Kenya
* South Korea (consulate general)
* Kuwait
* Lebanon
* Libya
* Lithuania (consulate general)
* Luxembourg
* Malaysia
* Mali
* Mexico
* Monaco
* Mongolia
* Morocco (vice consulate)
* Myanmar
* Namibia (consulate general)
* Nepal
* Netherlands
* New Zealand
* Nicaragua
* Norway (consulate general)
* Oman (consulate)
* Oman (embassy)
* Palestine
* Panama (consulate)
* Panama (consulate general)
* Papua New Guinea
* Paraguay
* Peru
* Philippines
* Poland
* Portugal
* Qatar
* Romania
* Russia
* Rwanda
* Saudi Arabia
* Serbia  (consulate)
* Serbia (embassy)
* Seychelles (consulate general)
* Slovakia
* South Africa
* Template:Country data Sovereign Military Order of Malta
* Spain (consulate general)
* Spain (embassy)
* Sweden
* Switzerland
* Syria
* Thailand
* Ukraine (consulate)
* Ukraine (embassy)
* United Arab Emirates
* United Kingdom[lower-alpha 3]
* United States
* Uruguay
* Uzbekistan

#### North Nicosia

The de facto unrecognised state of Northern Cyprus hosts a limited diplomatic community in its capital in the de facto northern part of Nicosia. Foreign missions located in North Nicosia are:[168]

* Australia (High Commission Office)[169]
* EU (Programme Support Office)[170]
* France (Cultural Office)[171]
* Germany (Embassy Office)[172]
* Italy (Embassy Office)
* Russia (Embassy Office)
* Turkey (Embassy)[173]
* United Kingdom (High Commission Office)[174]
* United States (Ambassadorship Office)[175]

## See also

* List of divided cities
* List of shopping malls in Cyprus
* Nicosia Music Society
* United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus

## Notes

1. ↑ /ˌnɪkəˈsiːə/ NIK-ə-see-ə.
2. ↑ Greek: Λευκωσία, romanised: Lefkosía, el; Turkish: Lefkoşa, tr.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Member-state of the Commonwealth of Nations. As such, their embassies to other commonwealth members are formally termed as "high commissions".

## References

### Citations

1. ↑ (in Turkish) KUZEY KIBRIS TÜRK CUMHURİYETİ ANAYASASI. 5 May 1985. pp. 7.
2. ↑ "Islands | European Youth Portal" (in en). 2022-11-21. https://youth.europa.eu/node/33135_en.
3. ↑ Kempen, Ronald van; Vermeulen, Marcel; Baan, Ad (2005). Urban Issues and Urban Policies in the New EU Countries. Ashgate. p. 207. ISBN 978-0-7546-4511-5. https://books.google.com/books?id=FHou6czhjqwC&pg=PA207.
4. ↑ "World's richest cities by purchasing power". UBS. 2018. https://www.ubs.com/microsites/prices-earnings/en/cities/nicosia/?year=2018.
5. ↑ "The World According to GaWC 2022". Globalization and World Cities. https://x.com/GaWC/status/1697034411714158980.
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 Hill (1939), p. 379.
7. ↑ Michaelides & al. (2012).
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Sternberg, C. (2006), North Cyprus Pocket Guide, Rüstem Bookshop, p. 29, ISBN 9789944968034 .
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Hill (1939), p. 380.
10. ↑ Papacostas (2012), pp. 87–88.
11. ↑ Hill (1939), pp. 380–381.
12. ↑ Muir, Diana Jean (2019). Templars: Who Were They? Where Did They Go?. 2. LULU COM. pp. 404. ISBN 978-0-359-38286-6. OCLC 1098320808.
13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Hill (1939), pp. 376–377.
14. ↑ Dumper, Michael; Stanley, Bruce E. (2007). Cities of the Middle East and North Africa: A Historical Encyclopedia. ABC CLIO. pp. 275. ISBN 978-1-57607-919-5. OCLC 912609090.
15. ↑ Borg, Alexander; Kaye, Alan S.; Daniels, Peter T. (1997). Phonologies of Asia and Africa.... Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns. pp. 228. ISBN 978-1-57506-507-6. OCLC 605125544.
16. ↑ Hill (1939), pp. 379–380.
17. ↑ "Nicosia Municipality". Nicosia.org.cy. http://www.nicosia.org.cy/english/lefkosia_istoria_arxaia_lefkosia.shtm.
18. ↑ "Nicosia | Cyprus, Map, History, & Population | Britannica" (in en). 2024-06-10. https://www.britannica.com/place/Nicosia.
19. ↑ World and its Peoples: Greece and the Eastern Balkans. Marshall Cavendish, 2010.
20. ↑ Michaelides & al. (2012), p. 52.
21. ↑ "Nicosia Municipality". Nicosia.org.cy. http://www.nicosia.org.cy/english/lefkosia_istoria_lidras.shtm.
22. ↑ Hugh Chisholm, ed. (1911), "Nicosia", Encyclopaedia Britannica (11th ed.), New York: Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc. .
23. ↑ "Saint Tryphillius". Saintsoftheday108.blogspot.com. http://saintsoftheday108.blogspot.com/2011/06/june-13-saint-tryphillius-trifillios-of.html.
24. ↑ Michaelides, Demetrios; Pilides, Despina (2012). "Nicosia from the Beginnings to the Roman Ledroi". in Michaelides, D.. Historic Nicosia. Nicosia: Rimal Publications. pp. 4–8.
25. ↑ Demetrios and Pallides, p. 59.
26. ↑ Papacostas 2012, p. 103.
27. ↑ "Nicosia Municipality". Nicosia.org.cy. http://www.nicosia.org.cy/english/lefkosia_istoria_mexri_simera.shtm.
28. ↑ Papacostas 2012, pp. 83–84.
29. ↑ Papacostas 2012, pp. 99–100.
30. ↑ "The Crusades – home page". Boisestate.edu. http://www.boisestate.edu/courses/crusades/3rd/07.shtml.
31. ↑ "Nicosia". 15 December 2023. https://www.britannica.com/place/Nicosia.
32. ↑ "Nicosia Municipality". Nicosia.org.cy. http://www.nicosia.org.cy/english/lefkosia_istoria_dikoisi_veneton.shtm.
33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 "Nicosia Municipality". Nicosia.org.cy. http://www.nicosia.org.cy/english/lefkosia_istoria_nea_tixi_tzoulio.shtm.
34. ↑ "Nicosia". http://liminalzones.kein.org/sites/liminalzones.kein.org/files/Nicosia, River-Bridge, GlobMedJourn.pdf.
35. ↑ "Nicosia Municipality". Nicosia.org.cy. http://www.nicosia.org.cy/english/lefkosia_istoria_poliorkia_lefkosias.shtm.
36. ↑ "Cyprus – Historical Setting – Ottoman Rule". Historymedren.about.com. 17 June 2010. http://historymedren.about.com/library/text/bltxtcyprus5.htm.
37. ↑ Theocharides & al. (2012), p. 237.
38. ↑ Jennings, Ronald C. (1993). Christians and Muslims in Ottoman Cyprus and the Mediterranean World, 1571–1640. New York, London: New York University Press. p. 256.
39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 39.3 39.4 A description of the historic monuments of Cyprus. Studies in the archaeology and architecture of the island, by George Jeffery, Architect, 1918
40. ↑ "Nicosia". Conflictincities.org. http://www.conflictincities.org/nicosia.html.
41. ↑ "Coexistence in the Disappeared Mixed Neighbourhoods of Nicosia", by Ahmet An (Paper read at the conference, "Nicosia: The Last Divided Capital in Europe", organised by the London Metropolitan University on 20 June 2011)
42. ↑ "PRIO". PRIO Internal Displacement In Cyprus. http://www.prio-cyprus-displacement.net/default.asp?id=336.
43. ↑ "Nicosia Municipality". Nicosia.org.cy. http://www.nicosia.org.cy/english/lefkosia_istoria_aglliki_katoxi.shtm.
44. ↑ See map drawn in 1952 published in "Romantic Cyprus", by Kevork Keshishian, 1958 edition
45. ↑ "Levkosia, the capital of Cyprus" by Archduke Louis Salvator, 1881
46. ↑ Municipality web site, section on Municipal Building retrieved August 2013
47. ↑ Order No. 397 published in Cyprus Gazette No. 1597, 4 August 1923
48. ↑ Cyprus Gazette No. 2676. 23 September 1938, Supplement No.3:The Municipal Corporations Laws, 1930 to 1938 – Limits of the Municipal Corporation of Nicosia
49. ↑ Nicosia Capital of Cyprus by Kevork Keshishian, pub 1978
50. ↑ "War and Politics – Cyprus". http://www.britains-smallwars.com/cyprus/war.html.
51. ↑ Bahceli, Simon (28 November 2011). "Fed up with separation Cypriot youths seek change". Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cyprus-movement-occupation/fed-up-with-separation-cypriot-youths-seek-change-idUSTRE7AR1L520111128. "Camped on a tiny sliver of land that forms part of a United Nations-controlled buffer zone in the heart of Nicosia, these 18-year-olds and their friends are calling for a return to a way of life they have never known, one in which their communities can mix freely... It is fitting that the youths’ movement is on Ledra Street, a bustling thoroughfare where the first seeds of Cyprus's separation were sown in the 1950s."
52. ↑ "30. British Cyprus (1914–1960)". https://uca.edu/politicalscience/dadm-project/europerussiacentral-asia-region/british-cyprus-1914-1960/. "The EOKA rebelled against the British colonial government on April 1, 1955. EOKA insurgents attacked police stations in Nicosia and Kyrenia on June 19, 1955. One individual was killed and fourteen individuals were injured in an explosion near the Central Police Station in Nicosia on June 21, 1955... Turkish Cypriots demonstrated against the British colonial government in Nicosia on January 27–29, 1958. Seven Turkish Cypriots were killed in clashes with British soldiers in Nicosia on January 27, 1958."
53. ↑ Solsten, Eric. "The Republic of Cyprus". US Library of Congress. http://countrystudies.us/cyprus/12.htm.
54. ↑ "Nicosia Municipality". Nicosia.org.cy. http://www.nicosia.org.cy/english/lefkosia_istoria_lefkosia1963.shtm.
55. ↑ Solsten, Eric. "Intercommunal Violence". US Library of Congress. http://countrystudies.us/cyprus/13.htm.
56. ↑ "CYPRUS: Big Troubles over a Small Island". TIME. 29 July 1974. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,911440,00.html.
57. ↑ "Nicosia Municipality". Nicosia.org.cy. http://www.nicosia.org.cy/english/lefkosia_istoria_1974.shtm.
58. ↑ O'Malley, Brendan; Craig, Ian (25 August 2001). The Cyprus Conspiracy: America, Espionage and the Turkish Invasion. By Brendan O'Malley, Ian Craig. Bloomsbury Academic. ISBN 9781860647376. https://books.google.com/books?id=4dotrHSZLGUC&q=turkish+invasion+of+cyprus+number+of+people+killed&pg=PA221. Retrieved 10 March 2012.
59. ↑ Malcolm Nathan Shaw, International Law, Cambridge University Press, 2003, ISBN 978-0-521-82473-6, p. 212.
60. ↑ "Emotion as Cyprus border opens". BBC News. 23 April 2003. https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2969089.stm.
61. ↑ "Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Operation in Cyprus". https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:2LSheATdp40J:www.moi.gov.cy/moi/pio/pio.nsf/All/669FE6D32B5DEEC5C2256DC3002DE05A/$file/27%20May%202003.doc?OpenElement+10+May+2003+cyprus+ayios+dometios&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgbI-U9uhq1bVhGCx5BFUodre7oF3QwDE4rsMeeqL649lLXb28-a00aVDd7gys3GDlE3WWZLQxke9bWGMANnv9_-6fqYkKb63ExxQit6UOC274BNZV5EZ-qRxlfpbS3IthcdMkv&sig=AHIEtbRoF8A2rV3CkgSAlD2q9y0lvFX4Pw.
62. ↑ "Symbolic Cyprus crossing reopens". BBC News. 3 April 2008. https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7327866.stm.
63. ↑ "Cyprus to have two time zones, north to follow Turkey in refusing to turn clocks back". Cyprus Mail. 8 September 2016. http://cyprus-mail.com/2016/09/08/two-time-zones-cyprus-turkey-will-not-turn-clocks-back-next-month/.
64. ↑ "Clocks going back tonight". Cyprus Mail. 29 October 2016. http://cyprus-mail.com/2016/10/29/clocks-going-back-tonight/.
65. ↑ Map
66. ↑ "Ιστορική θερμοκρασιακή καταγραφή - Καταρρίφθηκε το παγκύπριο ρεκόρ των 45.6 βαθμών Κελσίου". 7 September 2020. https://www.kitasweather.com/forecasts/istoriki-thermokrasiaki-katagrafi-katarrifthike-to-pagkiprio-rekor/.
67. ↑ "Athalassa -3.7C". https://www.dom.org.cy/AWS/ALL_STATIONS_average.html. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
68. ↑ "Athalassa Radiosonde Climate Normals 1991-2020" (in en-us). NOAA. https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/1.1/data/0-data/Region-6-WMO-Normals-9120/Cyprus/CSV/.
69. ↑ "Searching for shade and trees in Nicosia" (in en-GB). Cyprus Mail. 24 September 2023. https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/09/24/searching-for-shade-and-trees-in-nicosia/.
70. ↑ "The First Move". Time Magazine. 27 August 1956. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,864100-1,00.html.
71. ↑ "War and Politics-Cyprus". Britains-smallwars.com. http://www.britains-smallwars.com/cyprus/war.html.
72. ↑ Keshishian, Kevork K. (1978). Nicosia: Capital of Cyprus Then and Now, pp. 78–83, The Mouflon Book and Art Centre.
73. ↑ Christos. "Famagusta Gate (Pyli Ammochostou)" (in en-GB). https://www.visitcyprus.com/index.php/en/discovercyprus/culture/sites-monuments/202-famagusta-gate-pyli-ammochostou.
74. ↑ "Eleftheria Square / Zaha Hadid Architects" (in en-US). 2021-12-14. https://www.archdaily.com/973570/eleftheria-square-zaha-hadid-architects.
75. ↑ 75.0 75.1 "İki paradan bir milyona... Saraçoğlu'ndan Ecevit'e...". kibris.net. http://www.kibris.net/basin/yazarlarimiz/serbest/hasanhasturer/arsiv/2004/kasim_2004/14_kasim_2004.htm.
76. ↑ "Venedik Sütunu". Nicosia Turkish Municipality. http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/lefkosa/turistikyerler/10-genel/58-venediksutunu.
77. ↑ "Girne Caddesi'nin dokusu değişecek". Kıbrıs Postası. http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/87/news/139612/PageName/LEFKOSA.
78. ↑ "Arasta". LTB. http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/lefkosa/turistikyerler/10-genel/44-arasta.
79. ↑ "Arasta boş, Büyük Han kaynıyor!". Kıbrıs Postası. http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/131989/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI.
80. ↑ "Büyük Han". LTB. http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/lefkosa/turistikyerler/10-genel/57-butukhan.
81. ↑ "Samanbahçe Evleri". Nicosia Turkish Municipality. http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/lefkosa/turistikyerler/10-genel/54-samanbahceevleri.
82. ↑ "Selimiye Cami". LTB. http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/lefkosa/turistikyerler/10-genel/48-sekimiyecami.
83. ↑ "Trio Arion oda müziği konserler dizisi yarın başlıyor". Kıbrıs Postası. http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/134861/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI.
84. ↑ Dreghorn, William. "The Antiquities of Turkish Nicosia". stwing.upenn.edu. http://www.stwing.upenn.edu/~durduran/drnic1.html#selim.
85. ↑ "Urbanization in Cyprus". Eastern Geography Review. http://e-dergi.atauni.edu.tr/index.php/dogucografya/article/view/6916/6345.
86. ↑ Official web site of the Nicosia Water Board (extract 20 May 2013)
87. ↑ Official web site of the Nicosia Sewerage Board (extract 20 May 2013)
88. ↑ "Official web site of Organization for Communications of Nicosia District". http://www.osel.com.cy/.
89. ↑ "Nicosia bus services in the hands of Kapnos consortium". https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/nicosia-bus-services-in-the-hands-of-kapnos-consortium/.
90. ↑ "Λεωφορεία Λευκωσίας: Υπογράφηκε η σύμβαση". 24 January 2020. https://politis.com.cy/politis-news/kypros/leoforeia-leykosias-ypografike-i-symvasi/.
91. ↑ e.g. Constitution of Cyprus Article 153, s2 – "The seat of the High Court shall be in the capital of the Republic."
92. ↑ Constitution of Cyprus Article 173 – "Separate municipalities shall be created in the five largest towns of the Republic, that is to say, Nicosia, Limassol, Famagusta, Larnaca and Paphos by the Turkish inhabitants thereof"
93. ↑ Law 1959 c3
94. ↑ Phoebe Koundouri, Water Resources Allocation: Policy and Socioeconomic Issues in Cyprus, p. 70.
95. ↑ Phoebe Koundouri, Water Resources Allocation: Policy and Socioeconomic Issues in Cyprus, Springer, 2010, p. 70.
96. ↑ The Middle East: a survey and directory of the countries of the Middle East, Europa Publications., 1966, p. 171.
97. ↑ "The Constitution – Appendix D: Part 12 – Miscellaneous Provisions" (in el). Cyprus.gov.cy. http://www.cyprus.gov.cy/portal/portal.nsf/0/f7eb7480579b1a50c2256fdb0040a003?OpenDocument&ExpandSection=5#_Section5.
98. ↑ "The Issue of Separate Municipalities and the Birth of the New Republic: Cyprus 1957–1963 (University of Minnesota Press, 2000)". Cyprus-conflict.net. http://www.cyprus-conflict.net/municipalities pt 2.html.
99. ↑ "The Library of Congress – Country Studies: Cyprus – Ch. 4 – 1960 Constitution". Lcweb2.loc.gov. 27 July 2010. http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/cytoc.html.
100. ↑ Reddick, Christopher G. (2010-08-19). Comparative E-Government. Springer. ISBN 978-1-4419-6535-6. https://books.google.com/books?id=EZEeqAdvwDgC&q=TRNC+Local+Government+Units+and+their+unions&pg=PA420.
101. ↑ "Official web site of Engomi municipality, history section (Greek version)". http://www.engomi.org.cy/.
102. ↑ Census of Cyprus (available from Statistical Service, Nicosia). Document: Population – Place of Residence, 2011, Table C. Municipality/Community, Quarter and Street Index published by Ministry of Information (CILIS_streets_022011)
103. ↑ Official Gazette of the Republic No. 4341 and dated 25.01.2010
104. ↑ "Αρχική Σελίδα". https://www.strovolos.org.cy/.
105. ↑ Gonyeli Municipal web site August 2013
106. ↑ The authority has the population, economic viability and consent of the (original) inhabitants prescribed in the Municipalities Law (see Law 11/1985), without having been formally recognised as a municipality under that law. See also www.prio-cyprus-displacement.net/default_print.asp?id=300 retrieved August 2013
107. ↑ "PRIO". PRIO Internal Displacement In Cyprus. http://www.prio-cyprus-displacement.net/default.asp?id=301.
108. ↑ "Cleaning Campaign from NTM in Hamitköy...". 2008-08-21. http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/english/news/cln_hamitkoy.htm.
109. ↑ "Muhtarlarımız". http://www.lefkosaturkbelediyesi.org/turkce/muhtarlar.htm.
110. ↑ "Ortakeuy". PRIO Internal Displacement In Cyprus. http://www.prio-cyprus-displacement.net/default.asp?id=342.
111. ↑ Hadjilyra, Alexander-Michael (May 2009). "The Armenians of Cyprus (Booklet)". Kalaydjian Foundation. https://www.scribd.com/doc/19540738/The-Armenians-of-Cyprus-booklet.
112. ↑ Vitti, Paolo. "The Armenian Church and Monastery Restoration Project". UNDP. http://www.cy.undp.org/content/dam/cyprus/docs/ACT Publications/ACM-Book-PRINT-FINAL.pdf.
113. ↑ "Reconciliation through Preservation: Celebrating Restoration of Unique Part of Cyprus' Cultural Heritage". Nicosia, Cyprus - Embassy of the United States. March 19, 2014. http://cyprus.usembassy.gov/pr-usaid_amb_acm_mar14.html.
114. ↑ "Armenian Church and Monastery in Nicosia". Europa Nostra. http://www.europanostra.org/awards/153/.
115. ↑ "Cathedral Church of Our Lady of Graces (within the walls) Nicosia". 2012-06-03. http://www.cyprushighlights.com/en/index.php/2012/06/03/cathedral-church-of-our-lady-of-graces/.
116. ↑ "Apostolic Journey to Cyprus - Visit at the Cathedral of the Maronite Church of Cyprus (Nicosia, 6 June 2010) | BENEDICT XVI". https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/speeches/2010/june/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20100606_catt-maronita.html.
117. ↑ "Greek Evangelical Church in Nicosia". 12 November 2012. https://www.cyprushighlights.com/en/2012/11/12/greek-evangelical-church-in-nicosia/.
118. ↑ "St. Paul's Anglican Church". https://www.visitcyprus.com/index.php/en/discovercyprus/culture-religion/sites-monuments/item/207-st-paul-s-anglican-church.
119. ↑ 119.0 119.1 Keshishian, Kevork K. (1978). Nicosia: Capital of Cyprus Then and Now, p. 104, The Mouflon Book and Art Centre.
120. ↑ Gürkan, Haşmet Muzaffer (2006) (in Turkish). Dünkü ve Bugünkü Lefkoşa (3rd ed.). Galeri Kültür. pp. 117–8. ISBN 9963660037.
121. ↑ Alasya 2002, p. 363. sfn error: no target: CITEREFAlasya2002 (help)
122. ↑ Bağışkan, Tuncer (31 May 2014). "Lefkoşa Şehidaları (1)". Yeni Düzen. http://www.yeniduzen.com/Ekler/adres-kibris/160/lefkosa-sehidalari-1/1465.
123. ↑ Fehmi, Hasan (1992). A'dan Z'ye KKTC: sosyal ve ansiklopedik bilgiler. Cem Publishing House. p. 129. https://books.google.com/books?id=cSJIAAAAMAAJ&q="çıkarken,+fetihten+kalma+bir". Retrieved 18 March 2015.
124. ↑ 124.0 124.1 Bağışkan 2013. sfn error: no target: CITEREFBağışkan2013 (help)
125. ↑ Jennings, Ronald C. (1993). Christians and Muslims in Ottoman Cyprus and the Mediterranean World, 1571-1640. New York and London: New York University Press. p. 54.
126. ↑ 126.0 126.1 Çiçek, Kemal (1997). "LEFKOŞE, published by Türk Diyanet Vakfı(Turkish Religious Affairs Association), Location: Gazimağusa, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus". İslam Ansiklopedisi (Encyclopedia of Islam) 27: 126. http://www.tdvia.org/dia/ayrmetin.php?idno=270126. Retrieved 25 September 2016.
127. ↑ 127.0 127.1 127.2 Derya Köseoğlu (11 April 2013). "Kuzey ile Güney arasında köprü: Lefkoşa". Kuzey Haber Ajansı - KKTC (Northern News Agency - TRNC). http://www.dunyabizim.com/dunyada-kultur/13034/kuzeyle-guney-arasinda-kopru-lefkosa-video-haber.
128. ↑ 128.0 128.1 Maric, Vesna (2009). Cyprus. LonelyPlanet. pp. 72–73. ISBN 9781741048032. https://books.google.com/books?id=6BKlnz-TResC&q=ömeriye+camii+kıbrıs&pg=PA72. Retrieved 24 September 2016.
129. ↑ "Kıbrıs Rum Kesimi'nde 51 Yıl sonra İlk Namaz (First Prayer in Greek Section of Cyprus After 51 Years)". Haber 7. 4 June 2014. http://www.haber7.com/kibris/haber/1165426-kibris-rum-kesiminde-51-yil-sonra-ilk-namaz.
130. ↑ "Dervish Pasha Mansion". TRNC Department of Antiquities. http://www.eemd.gov.ct.tr/en-us/dervishpashamansionethnographischesmuseum.aspx.
131. ↑ "Lusignan House". TRNC Department of Antiquities. http://www.eemd.gov.ct.tr/en-us/lusignanhouse.aspx.
132. ↑ "Mevlevi Tekke Museum". TRNC Department of Antiquities. http://www.eemd.gov.ct.tr/en-us/mevlevitekkemuseum.aspx.
133. ↑ "Lapidary Museum". TRNC Department of Antiquities. http://www.eemd.gov.ct.tr/en-us/lapidarymuseum.aspx.
134. ↑ The Cyprus National Theater at nicosia.org.cy Accessed 2 February 2017
135. ↑ Pallas Cinema-Theater at nicosia.org.cy Accessed 2 February 2017
136. ↑ Theatro Ena at nicosia.org.cy Accessed 2 February 2017
137. ↑ Maskarini Theater ay maskarini.com Accessed 2 February 2017
138. ↑ Maskarini Theater at nicosia.org.cy Accessed 2 February 2017
139. ↑ Dionysos Theater at theatrodionysos.org Accessed 2 February 2017
140. ↑ Dionysos Theater at nicosia.org.cy Accessed 2 February 2017
141. ↑ Melina Mercouri Hall at nicosia.org.cy Accessed 2 February 2017
142. ↑ "Atatürk Kültür ve Kongre Merkezi". Near East University. http://old.neu.edu.tr/tr/node/25.
143. ↑ "Cyprus to host Miss Universe in millennium". Agence France Press. 1 July 1999.
144. ↑ "Nicosia-Cyprus presents candidacy for European Cultural Capital". Citiesintransition.posterous.com. http://citiesintransition.posterous.com/nicosia-cyprus-presents-candidacy-for-europea.
145. ↑ Addresses Cyprus Airways
146. ↑ "The most expensive and richest cities in the world – A report by UBS". Citymayors.com. 18 August 2011. http://www.citymayors.com/economics/usb-purchasing-power.html.
147. ↑ "Home - Cyprus Public Transport". https://publictransport.com.cy/.
148. ↑ "Ανακοινωθέντα Άρθρο - PIO" (in el). 12 February 2024. https://www.pio.gov.cy/ανακοινωθέντα-άρθρο.html?id=14575#flat.
149. ↑ "Nicosia bus company's eight directors under investigation – Cyprus Mail" (in en-GB). https://archive.cyprus-mail.com/2015/12/09/nicosia-bus-co-investigation/.
150. ↑ "Kurban bayramı yarın başlıyor". Star Kıbrıs. 19 December 2007. http://www.starkibris.net/index.asp?haberID=7588.
151. ↑ "Study underway for Cyprus railway network". Famagusta Gazette. 12 June 2011. http://famagusta-gazette.com/study-underway-for-cyprus-railway-network-p12204-69.htm.
152. ↑ Güsten, Susanne (16 February 2014). "Students Flock to Universities in Northern Cyprus". The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/17/world/europe/students-flock-to-universities-in-northern-cyprus.html?_r=0.
153. ↑ "Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus to the Hague - Tourism". http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/Embassies/embassy_thehague.nsf/All/4254DF2F0B871664C225792E001F2A27?OpenDocument#:~:text=Travellers arriving in the Republic,(Limassol), and Pafos..
154. ↑ Script error: The function "in_lang" does not exist. THE NICOSIA INTEGRATED MOBILITY MASTER PLAN REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS – Ministry of Communications and Works
155. ↑ "Ποδηλατο Εν Δρασει / Home". Podilatoendrasi.com.cy. http://www.podilatoendrasi.com.cy/frontoffice/portal.asp?cpage=NODE&cnode=1&clang=1.
156. ↑ "World Stadiums - Stadiums in Northern Cyprus". http://www.worldstadiums.com/middle_east/countries/north_cyprus.shtml.
157. ↑ "Nicosia Marathon". http://www.nicosiamarathon.com/index.aspx?Language=ENG.
158. ↑ "SPORTS: Voyiatzis wins Nicosia marathon". 10 December 2012. https://www.financialmirror.com/2012/12/10/sports-voyiatzis-wins-nicosia-marathon/.
159. ↑ 159.0 159.1 "Twinnings". Nicosia Municipality. https://www.nicosia.org.cy/en-GB/municipality/twins/.
160. ↑ "Kardeş Kentleri Listesi ve 5 Mayıs Avrupa Günü Kutlaması [via WaybackMachine.com"] (in tr). Ankara Büyükşehir Belediyesi – Tüm Hakları Saklıdır. http://www.ankara-bel.gov.tr/AbbSayfalari/hizmet_birimleri/dis_dairesi_baskanligi/avrupa_gunu_kutlamasi.aspx.
161. ↑ "Ankara – Twin Towns". Ankara-City.sk. http://www.ankara.bel.tr/genel-sekreter-yardimcisi-balamir-gundogdu/dis-liskiler-daire-baskanligi/ankaranin-kardes-sehirleri/.
162. ↑ "Kardeş Şehirler". Bursa Büyükşehir Belediyesi Basın Koordinasyon Merkez. Tüm Hakları Saklıdır. http://www.bursa.bel.tr/kardes-sehirler/sayfa/261/.
163. ↑ "Gaziantep – Twin Towns". Gaziantep-City.sk. http://www.gaziantep.com.tr/kardes-sehirler.html.
164. ↑ "İBB, YENİ DÖNEMİN İLK "KARDEŞLİK PROTOKOLÜ"NÜ LEFKOŞA İLE İMZALADI". https://www.ibb.istanbul/News/Detail/37494.
165. ↑ "Nicosia - Embassies, high commissions and consulates". https://www.embassypages.com/city/nicosia.
166. ↑ "Diplomatic List". Protocol Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus. https://www.gov.cy/app/uploads/sites/19/2024/08/Diplomatic-List-AUGUST-2024.pdf.
167. ↑ "Hungary's Embassy in Cyprus reopens". 2 April 2024. https://dailynewshungary.com/hungarys-embassy-in-cyprus-reopens/.
168. ↑ Foreign Missions in TRNC, mfa.gov.ct.tr (without date).
169. ↑ According to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade the Australian High Commission in Nicosia has an annex in North Nicosia. Australian High Commission, Cyprus, dfat.gov.au (without date). About the Australian High Commission in Cyprus, cyprus.embassy.gov.au (without date).
170. ↑ Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, ec.europa.eu (without date).
171. ↑ There is an office of the Cyprus Turkish French Cultural Association (CTFCA) in North Nicosia. According to its homepage, it does not serve any political interests. Cyprus Turkish French Cultural Association (CTFCA), fransizkultur.org (without date).
172. ↑ There is a German Visa Office in the British compound in North Nicosia. Deutsche Vertretungen in Zypern, auswaertiges-amt.de (without date). Botschaft, nikosia.diplo.de (without date).
173. ↑ Turkish Representations, mfa.gov.tr (without date).
174. ↑ British High Commission Nicosia, gov.uk (without date).
175. ↑ "Cyprus - Consular Section Information". https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-cy/niv/information/consulate.

### Bibliography

* Hill, George (April 1939), "Two Toponymic Puzzles", Journal of the Warburg Institute, 2, The Warburg Institute, pp. 375–381, doi:10.2307/750045 .
* Michaelides, Demetrios, ed. (2012), Historic Nicosia, Nicosia: Rimal Publications .
* Michaelides, Demetrios et al. (2012), "Nicosia from the Beginnings to the Roman Ledroi", in Michaelides, Demetrios, ibid. .
* Papacostas, Tasos (2012), "Byzantine Nicosia: 650–1191", in Michaelides, Demetrios, ibid. .
* Theocharides, Ioannis et al. (2012), "Nicosia under Ottoman Rule 1570–1878: Part I", in Michaelides, Demetrios, ibid. .

## External links

* English-language website for Municipality of Nicosia (Λευκωσια)
* Nicosia travel guide from Wikivoyage
* Old maps of Nicosia, Historic Cities site
* Nicosia Tourism Board
* Lefkoşa(TR)
* Nicosia Municipality (south) website
* Nicosia Municipality (north) website
* Nicosia Municipality website – Transportation
* Cyprus Island – Nicosia
* The World of Cyprus bilingual information portal with background on folk culture and Byzantine influences

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* Berlin, Germany
* Bern, Switzerland
* Bratislava, Slovakia
* Brussels, Belgium3
* Bucharest, Romania
* Budapest, Hungary
* Chișinău, Moldova
* Copenhagen, Denmark
* Dublin, Ireland
* Helsinki, Finland
* Kyiv, Ukraine
* Lisbon, Portugal
* Ljubljana, Slovenia
* London, United Kingdom
* Luxembourg, Luxembourg
* Madrid, Spain
* Minsk, Belarus
* Monaco4
* Moscow, Russia
* Nicosia, Cyprus2
* Oslo, Norway
* Paris, France
* Podgorica, Montenegro
* Prague, Czech Republic
* Reykjavík, Iceland
* Riga, Latvia
* Rome, Italy
* San Marino, San Marino
* Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
* Skopje, North Macedonia
* Sofia, Bulgaria
* Stockholm, Sweden
* Tallinn, Estonia
* Tbilisi, Georgia2
* Tirana, Albania
* Vaduz, Liechtenstein
* Valletta, Malta
* Vatican City4
* Vienna, Austria
* Vilnius, Lithuania
* Warsaw, Poland
* Yerevan, Armenia2
* Zagreb, Croatia

States with
limited recognition|

* North Nicosia, Northern Cyprus2
* Pristina, Kosovo
* Sokhumi, Abkhazia2
* Tiraspol, Transnistria
* Tskhinvali, South Ossetia2

Dependencies|

| United Kingdom|

| Constituent countries|

* London, England
* Edinburgh, Scotland
* Cardiff, Wales
* Belfast, Northern Ireland

|

Crown Dependencies and
Overseas Territories|

* Douglas, Isle of Man
* Episkopi Cantonment, Akrotiri and Dhekelia
* Gibraltar, Gibraltar
* St Helier, Jersey
* Saint Peter Port, Guernsey

Other|

* Longyearbyen, Svalbard (Norway)
* Tórshavn, Faroe Islands (Denmark)

Federal states|

| Austria|

* Bregenz, Vorarlberg
* Eisenstadt, Burgenland
* Graz, Styria
* Innsbruck, Tyrol
* Klagenfurt, Carinthia
* Linz, Upper Austria
* Salzburg, Salzburg
* Sankt Pölten, Lower Austria
* Vienna, Vienna

|

Belgium|

| Communities|

* Brussels, Flemish Community and French Community
* Eupen, German-speaking Community

|

Regions|

* Brussels, Brussels-Capital Region and Flanders
* Namur, Wallonia

Bosnia and Herzegovina|

* Banja Luka (de facto), Republika Srpska
* Brčko, Brčko District
* Sarajevo, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Germany|

* Berlin, Berlin
* Bremen, Bremen
* Dresden, Saxony
* Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia
* Erfurt, Thuringia
* Hamburg, Hamburg
* Hanover, Lower Saxony
* Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein
* Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt
* Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate
* Munich, Bavaria
* Potsdam, Brandenburg
* Saarbrücken, Saarland
* Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
* Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg
* Wiesbaden, Hesse

Russia|

| Republics|

* Cheboksary, Chuvashia
* Cherkessk, Karachay-Cherkessia
* Elista, Kalmykia
* Grozny, Chechnya
* Izhevsk, Udmurtia
* Kazan, Tatarstan
* Magas, Ingushetia
* Makhachkala, Dagestan
* Maykop, Adygea
* Nalchik, Kabardino-Balkaria
* Petrozavodsk, Karelia
* Saransk, Mordovia
* Simferopol, Crimea (disputed)
* Syktyvkar, Komi
* Ufa, Bashkortostan
* Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia–Alania
* Yoshkar-Ola, Mari El

|

Autonomous okrugs|

* Naryan-Mar, Nenets

Krais|

* Krasnodar, Krasnodar Krai
* Perm, Perm Krai
* Stavropol, Stavropol Krai

Oblasts|

* Arkhangelsk, Arkhangelsk Oblast
* Astrakhan, Astrakhan Oblast
* Belgorod, Belgorod Oblast
* Bryansk, Bryansk Oblast
* Ivanovo, Ivanovo Oblast
* Kaliningrad, Kaliningrad Oblast
* Kaluga, Kaluga Oblast
* Kirov, Kirov Oblast
* Kostroma, Kostroma Oblast
* Krasnogorsk and Moscow, Moscow Oblast (de facto)
* Kursk, Kursk Oblast
* Lipetsk, Lipetsk Oblast
* Murmansk, Murmansk Oblast
* Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast
* Orenburg, Orenburg Oblast
* Oryol, Oryol Oblast
* Penza, Penza Oblast
* Pskov, Pskov Oblast
* Rostov-on-Don, Rostov Oblast
* Ryazan, Ryazan Oblast
* Gatchina, Leningrad Oblast
* Samara, Samara Oblast
* Saratov, Saratov Oblast
* Smolensk, Smolensk Oblast
* Tambov, Tambov Oblast
* Tula, Tula Oblast
* Tver, Tver Oblast
* Ulyanovsk, Ulyanovsk Oblast
* Veliky Novgorod, Novgorod Oblast
* Vladimir, Vladimir Oblast
* Volgograd, Volgograd Oblast
* Vologda, Vologda Oblast
* Voronezh, Voronezh Oblast
* Yaroslavl, Yaroslavl Oblast

Federal cities|

* Moscow
* Saint Petersburg
* Sevastopol (disputed)

Switzerland|

* Aarau, Aargau
* Altdorf, Uri
* Appenzell, Appenzell Innerrhoden
* Basel, Basel-Stadt
* Bellinzona, Ticino
* Chur, Grisons
* Delémont, Jura
* Frauenfeld, Thurgau
* Fribourg, Canton of Fribourg
* Geneva, Canton of Geneva
* Herisau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden
* Lausanne, Vaud
* Liestal, Basel-Landschaft
* Lucerne, Canton of Lucerne
* Neuchâtel, Canton of Neuchâtel
* Sarnen, Obwalden
* Schaffhausen, Canton of Schaffhausen
* Schwyz, Canton of Schwyz
* Sion, Valais
* Solothurn, Canton of Solothurn
* Stans, Nidwalden
* St. Gallen, Canton of St. Gallen
* Glarus, Canton of Glarus
* Zug, Canton of Zug
* Zurich, Canton of Zürich

Autonomous
entities|

| Italy|

| Autonomous regions|

* Cagliari, Sardinia
* Palermo, Sicily
* Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
* Aosta, Aosta Valley
* Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia

|

Portugal|

| Autonomous regions|

* Ponta Delgada, Angra do Heroísmo, & Horta, Azores
* Funchal, Madeira

|

Spain|

* Barcelona, Catalonia
* Las Palmas & Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
* Logroño, La Rioja
* Madrid, Community of Madrid
* Mérida, Extremadura
* Murcia, Region of Murcia
* Oviedo, Asturias
* Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands
* Pamplona, Navarre
* Santander, Cantabria
* Santiago de Compostela, Galicia
* Seville, Andalusia
* Toledo, Castilla–La Mancha (de facto)
* Valencia, Valencian Community
* Valladolid, Castile and León (de facto)
* Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country (de facto)
* Zaragoza, Aragon

Other|

* Ajaccio, Corsica Collectivité (France)
* Batumi, Adjara (Georgia)
* Comrat, Gagauzia (Moldova)
* Karyes, Mount Athos (Greece)
* Mariehamn, Åland Islands (Finland)
* Nakhchivan, Nakhchivan (Azerbaijan)
* Novi Sad, Vojvodina (Serbia)
* Simferopol, Crimea (Ukraine)

* 1 Also the capital of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
* 2 Continental placement may vary depending on geographic convention being followed
* 3 Also the seat of the European Union, see Institutional seats of the European Union and Brussels and the European Union
* 4 A city-state

* v
* t
* e

Capitals of Asia

Dependent territories and states with limited recognition are in italics

| Central Asia| South Asia| Southeast Asia| West Asia

|
|
|

* Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
* Astana, Kazakhstan
* Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
* Dushanbe, Tajikistan
* Tashkent, Uzbekistan

East Asia

* Beijing, China
* Pyongyang, North Korea
* Seoul, South Korea
* Taipei, Taiwan
* Tokyo, Japan
* Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

North Asia

* Moscow, Russia

* Camp Thunder Cove, BIOT (UK) *
* Dhaka, Bangladesh
* Islamabad, Pakistan
* Kabul, Afghanistan
* Kathmandu, Nepal
* Malé, Maldives
* New Delhi, India
* Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka
* Thimphu, Bhutan

* Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
* Bangkok, Thailand
* Dili, East Timor
* Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island (Australia)
* Hanoi, Vietnam
* Jakarta, Indonesia
* Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
* Manila, Philippines
* Naypyidaw, Myanmar
* Phnom Penh, Cambodia
* Singapore
* Vientiane, Laos
* West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Australia)

* Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
* Amman, Jordan
* Ankara, Turkey
* Baghdad, Iraq
* Baku, Azerbaijan
* Beirut, Lebanon
* Damascus, Syria
* Doha, Qatar
* Episkopi Cantonment, Akrotiri and Dhekelia (UK)
* Jerusalem, Israel *
* Kuwait City, Kuwait
* Manama, Bahrain

* Muscat, Oman
* Nicosia, Cyprus
* North Nicosia, Northern Cyprus *
* Ramallah, Palestine (de facto) *
* Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
* Sanaa, Yemen
* Sokhumi, Abkhazia *
* Tbilisi, Georgia
* Tehran, Iran
* Tskhinvali, South Ossetia *
* Yerevan, Armenia

* Disputed. See: Chagos Archipelago sovereignty dispute, Cyprus dispute, Status of Jerusalem, Abkhaz-Georgian conflict and Georgian-Ossetian conflict

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