MATHS AND SCIENCE ADVENTURE

My town NicosiaTown Hall

of Nicosia

The Capital Town-Nicosia In 1960 Nicosia became the capital of

the Republic of Cyprus, whose constitution is based on co-operation of the island’s two communities, Greek and Turkish. Greek Cypriots make up about 80% of the island’s population and Turkish Cypriots 18%. The remaining 2% are Latins, Armenians and Maronites who at the time of independence opted to belong to the Greek Cypriot community.

Statue of Liberty

A divided city

In December 1963 in the aftermath of the constitutional crisis , skirmishes broke out between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots. Nicosia was divided into Turkish and Greek quarters. The dividing line that cuts through the city became known as the Green Line because the pen used by the UN officer to draw the line on a city map was green.

The Venetian Walls

The Venetian Walls encircle the old city. There were three gates to the city. One of these gates, the Porta Giuliana called Famagusta Gate, has been restored and is now the Nicosia Municipal Cultural Centre. It is used for exhibitions, conferences, lectures and various performances.

Inside the walls

The historical centre is clearly present inside the walls, but the modern city has grown beyond.

Laiki Geitonia Laiki Geitonia is a traditional neighbourhood inside the city walls. Houses have been

restored to remind the traditional, old Nicosia. It is a pedestrianised area with buildings that

date from the 18th century and a combination of residential houses, art shops and tavernas.

Ledra Street

Ledras is a major shopping street in central Nicosia.

It is the site of the former Ledra Street barricade. The barricade symbolised the division

of Nicosia between the Greek south and occupied north. It was removed in April 2008

and Ledra Street became the sixth crossing between the southern and northern parts of

Cyprus. Ledra Street runs parallel to Onasagorou Street.

Occupied Nicosia …

The modern city