Nicosia
| Lefkosia: The thousand-year-old capital |
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 Lefkosia, the capital of Cyprus is better known to foreigners by its mediaeval name, Nicosia. It lies just to the north of the geographical centre of the island at an elevation of 160 metres and is being traversed by the seasonal stream of Pediaios. The city has a population of about 230.000, by far the biggest on the island. Lefkosia hosts the seat of government, the House of Representatives, the Supreme Court, the Archbishopric of the Greek Orthodox Church, government services and foreign embassies, high commissions and consulates.The city's origins go back in history as the earliest human settlements found in the vicinity of the modern city date back to the 3rd millennium BC. The first inhabitants were attracted by what was then a rich river. Today's dried up stony riverbed is a far cry of its former bygone glory. It was only about 1000 years ago that Lefkosia became the capital of Cyprus at a time when the island's rulers were forced to withdraw inland in order to protect themselves from the raiding Saracens, who were marauding the coastal towns. Ever since it has remained the capital sharing the country's fate through the centuries. Around the time when Lefkosia became capital, Richard the Lionheart of England claimed Cyprus from the Byzantines on the way to the Holy Land. It was then sold to the Knights Templar and later sovereignty was transferred to the Lusignans. Under the reign of the Frankish dynasty Lefkosia remained the feudal capital with a cosmopolitan array of contemporary buildings, palaces and churches. Among them the Gothic cathedral of Saint Sophia, modelled on the Notre Dame of Paris, later transformed by the Ottomans into a mosque, remains to this day a prominent landmark in the walled city. Towards the end of the 15th century the island passed on to the Venetians, who built the fortifications around the city. In the process they had to destroy several buildings. The circular walls are 4.5 km long, contain 11 bastions each bearing the name of an aristocratic family, together with three Gates: Pafos Gate on the South West edge of the walls, Keryneia Gate to the North West and Famagusta Gate to the South. The latter has been renovated and serves as the capital's major cultural centre hosting art exhibitions, conferences, lectures, concerts and other cultural activities. The ditch running along the ramparts has been transformed into park space, parking lots, open markets and an open-air theatre decorated with modern sculptures. In 1570 the Ottoman Turks conquered Lefkosia after a bloody siege, which was followed by extensive massacres and destruction. The period was marked by the public hanging of Archbishop Kyprianos, three Bishops and other priests and Greek Cypriot dignitaries, for their alleged support for the 1821 National Uprising in Greece and for inciting their people to rise against Ottoman rule. The Ottomans built a number of mosques in the city while they converted several Greek Orthodox or Roman Catholic churches into mosques. Economic and cultural activities were maintained at lower levels during Ottoman rule.  The British, who took over from the Ottomans in 1878 and remained on the island as colonial masters until 1960, also left their mark on the face of the city. Many of today's government buildings, including the Presidential Palace, many of the ministries, the Supreme Court, government buildings, police stations, the Archaeological Museum and schools date back to this period. Lefkosia started expanding rapidly after the end of WW II and its population reached 100,000 in the early 60s. It's suburbs expanded rapidly during that period (1946-1965) and joined up with the city proper. Later Kaimakli and Pallouriotissa were accommodated within the city limits, while Strovolos, Aglandjia, Agios Dometios and Engomi were upgraded to municipalities.Today Lefkosia is a thriving commercial centre. Many offshore banks and businesses operate from the Cyprus capital while the local bank, insurance and service sectors in general are especially strong. The city has been a centre of trading activity for centuries and is well known for the hustle and bustle of its commercial streets. Whether in the narrow alleys of the wall city with its bazaar like atmosphere or in the modern quarter shopping precinct with its modern shopping malls, the shopper can find anything from Lefkara lace to silver, gold and diamond jewellery, from traditional craft to the latest Paris fashion. Explore jewellery and handicraft shops, dine in charming taverns, marvel at churches centuries old. Those engrossed in history and art will make their way directly to the Cyprus Museum, which holds the island's priceless treasures from the first stirrings of the Neolithic Age through the Roman period. At the Byzantine Museum, encounter a dazzling collection of early-Christian icons from the Mediterranean's Golden Age. The State Collection of Contemporary Art takes a newer perspective, focusing on Cyprus' modern artists, some of who have gained note on the international market. Come full circle in time and visit the Cyprus Handicraft Centre workshops, where traditional arts are practiced today much the same way they were in ages past. Relax and enjoy a splendid Cypriot meal, accented by one of the island's famous wines. The city has many first rate restaurants ranging from traditional Greek tavernas serving meze and souvlaki or fish to more cosmopolitan spots serving French, Italian, Lebanese, Indian, Chinese and Japanese delicacies. Lefkosia offers a lot in entertainment for both locals and visitors with its many cinemas, theatres, nightclubs, discos, cafes, pubs and hotel lounges. During summer its many open-air swimming pools offer some relief from the heat of the day. Sports activities also abound ranging from football matches (soccer) on weekend afternoons from October to May, horse racing throughout the year, basketball and volleyball matches during weekdays and the occasional tennis fixtures. |
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| Last Updated ( Saturday, 05 April 2008 ) |
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