NICOSIA
NICOSIA
Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus, located in the center of the island. It has a rich history dating back to ancient times and is a melting pot of cultures and influences. Nicosia is the last divided capital of Europe, with the “Green Line” separating the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. Nicosia’s Old Town with its Venetian walls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a glimpse into the city’s past. The city also offers a wide variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options, as well as a growing startup and tech environment. Nicosia is also an education and research center with many universities and research centers. Nicosia is a city with a rich history and culture, offering a variety of opportunities for both residents and visitors.
Haydar Pasha Mosque
Haydar Pasha Mosque is a historical building located in Nicosia, Cyprus. The mosque is considered one of the best examples of Ottoman architecture on the island. The mosque has a large central dome and two smaller domes, as well as an ornate minaret. The interior of the mosque is decorated with intricate tile work and calligraphy. Haydar Pasha Mosque has a long history and was originally built in 1569 by the Ottoman Governor of Cyprus Haydar Pasha. The mosque was used as a place of worship for the local Muslim community for centuries, but was later converted into a church during the British colonial era. After Cyprus gained its independence in 1960, the mosque was returned to the Muslim community and today it serves as a mosque again. It is a must-see destination for those interested in Ottoman architecture and Cyprus history. An interesting example of the cultural exchange and syncretism that has taken place on the island over the centuries.
Great Inn
Büyük Han is one of the oldest surviving caravanserai structures. Built in 1572, shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus, it provided travelers with accommodation, communication and facilities for trade. The two floors of the Büyük Han have 70 rooms arranged around a cobblestone courtyard. In its centre, a Masjid (Islamic chapel) is placed on pillars above a fountain for ablution. The elegant simplicity of the composition makes it the perfect place to sit and relax.
The Great Inn has served as a shelter and prison for the poor throughout its history. It was painstakingly restored in 2003 and has become a popular Nicosia old town venue with a mix of workshops, cafes and shops.
Selimiye Mosque
Selimiye Mosque, originally the Roman Catholic cathedral of Hagia Sophia, is one of the oldest and most beautiful examples of Gothic art in Cyprus, the work of the French masons who accompanied the Crusades. The monumental main door and the carved stone window on it are particularly interesting. Its construction began in 1209 during the reign of Lusignan King Henry I and lasted for 150 years. There is evidence that it was built on the ruins of a much older Byzantine church called Hagia Sophia. When the Ottomans took the city in 1570, they demolished the interior floors, cut the pulpit and benches as fuel, and used the tombstones as flooring. Unfortunately, the more interesting tombstones are no longer visible, as the floor is covered with a large carpet. The church was named Hagia Sophia Mosque as a mosque and kept this name until it was changed to Selimiye Mosque in 1954.
Great Bath
The historical Great Nicosia Bath belonging to the Cyprus Foundations Administration was built by the Ottomans, using the ruins of the building, which served as the palace church (St. George de Poulains) during the Lusignan Period, when it was damaged during the construction in 1994. New fortifications and wars of conquest under the Venetians. UNDP-ACT was restored and put into service as a result of the works carried out between 2008-2010 with the financing of the United Nations Development Program-Cooperation and Trust Action in Cyprus and a financing of approximately 500.000 Euros. The Great Bath has a larger and more functional structure than the Ömerge (Ömeriye) Bath, which is located in the Greek part of Nicosia and also belongs to the Cyprus Foundations Administration.
