Cyprus is famous for its beautiful beaches and comfortable conditions for recreation. The island is even more interesting for its rich history and many preserved sights. The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia, founded in the eighth century BC. e., in ancient times it was an independent state, then turned into a village. In the tenth century, the city began to regain its former power, in order to become the political center of the kingdom two centuries later.
The capital of Cyprus is the white city
This city is the only major settlement located not on the coast, but in the central part of the island. The capital has several names: the official - Nicosia, but the Greeks prefer to call it Lefkosia ("White City"), and the Turks living in its northern part - Lefkosa. The very first name of the city was Ledra, but after its almost complete destruction, it was rebuilt and became Lefkon, from which Lefkosia later came.
The island has gone through many eras and rulers, including the Venetians, Turks,British. Only in the sixtieth year of the last century, he received the long-awaited independence. The culture of Cyprus and its capital was influenced by Christianity, Catholicism and Islam.
The most memorable architectural monument of Nicosia are the Venetian walls surrounding the central part of the city. Built in the 16th century with a defensive purpose, they are perfectly preserved and have replenished the numerous sights of Cyprus left over from earlier times. Gates were built in the walls, the most famous of which today is Famagusta. They are located in the capital, and not in the city of the same name, now located on the territory of the Turkish community.
One of the modern monuments on the territory of Nicosia is the residence of Archbishop Makarios III, a man who took an honorary position at a fairly early age and became the first president of an independent republic. For visitors, this place is interesting for the Art Gallery located in the palace.
Those who are fond of the history of the development of technology will be interested in visiting the motorcycle museum.
Nicosia, which is natural for the capital, is the cultural and economic center of the city, it has a lot of restaurants, shops, museums and galleries. A characteristic feature of the city is that it belongs to two states: the Independent Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The capital of Cyprus and the military conflict with Turkey
Unfortunately, military conflicts did not bypass Cyprus, and the most recent of them is still fresh in memory, and hiscannot be considered fully completed.
In 1974, under the pretext of resolving the conflict between the communities, Turkey launched a series of airstrikes, sent troops to the island and occupied its northern part. The Greeks were evacuated from the territory occupied by the enemy. The capital of Cyprus was divided in two by a green line, indicating a ceasefire and becoming the border between the territories. Today, the northern part of the island is the partially recognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Since both sides are interested in the influx of tourists, tourists can easily cross the green line, which ran along the main street of the city, but a passport is required. Since prices in the northern part of Cyprus are significantly lower than in the southern part, the export of goods from there is limited.
The Turkish part of the island, despite external circumstances, attracts travelers. The natural conditions of this territory are considered even more attractive than the Greek one. Tours to northern Cyprus until recently seemed like entertainment for extreme recreation lovers who want to see the fenced territory of Varosha - the Famagusta region, which was the center of tourism of the island until 1974, and is now called the "Dead City", which conflicting communities cannot share for almost forty years.
Today, when the parties are gradually opening the borders, the possibility of a holiday in the Turkish part of the island no longer seems like something incredible. Resort towns such as Kyrenia and Famagusta, with their beautiful beaches and new hotels, are not toospoiled by the attention of tourists, they warmly welcome guests. From a cognitive point of view, northern Cyprus is no less interesting than southern.
