Nicosia became the capital of Cyprus in 1960 after independence. However, in 1963 ethnic tensions led to skirmishes between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, dividing the city along a Green Line. Today, the old walled city contains neighborhoods like Laiki Geitonia that have been restored to their traditional style, while the modern city has grown outside the walls. A major shopping street, Ledra Street, was once divided by a barricade but this has since been removed, now connecting the southern and northern parts of the divided capital.

1. MATHS AND SCIENCE ADVENTURE
My town Nicosia
Town Hall
of Nicosia

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Occupied Nicosia …

9. The modern city

10. The modern city