Where To Go In Nicosia?
Nicosia, the capital of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, is a pioneer in many areas for its country. At the beginning of these areas comes tourism. It gives unforgettable moments to all its visitors with its natural and historical beauties, comfortable accommodation facilities and entertainment venues. In your planned trip here, you can explore the atmosphere more closely by visiting the important points of the region.
Barbarism Museum
In fact, this building, which is the home of a major on duty, was expropriated after the raid of the gangs and brought to the status of a museum. During the raid, the major's family was shot and killed. Details and images of this massacre are included in the museum. Bullet tracks still remain outside the house. You can see this event, which is a human tragedy, during the visiting hours of this museum.
Selimiye Mosque
This mosque, one of the most spectacular places of worship in Cyprus, is also known as Hagia Sophia Cathedral. Nicosia has an important place among historical places. It has been transformed due to the prevalence of states belonging to various religions. When it was first built, it was used as St.Sophia Cathedral during the Lusignan period, later it was converted into a mosque with the conquest of the Ottoman Empire. This building, which has a gothic architecture with cemeteries inside, gives its visitors a visual feast with its interior and exterior design.
Yigitler Burcu Park (Roccas Bastion)
This area, which is used today as a park, was originally the eleventh bastion on the walls of Nicosia. It has a view of Taksim football field, which has hosted important matches in the history of football for Cyprus. At the same time, another feature of this park is that it makes the Greek side behind the wire fences visible. Therefore, this park is the concrete answer to the question of What kind of place is Nicosia? You can also add this place to your travel plan to see it on the spot.
Dervish Pasha Ethnography Museum
Standing out with the most beautiful reflection of Ottoman architectural culture, this mansion welcomes its visitors as an ethnography museum today. Formerly in this mansion, the editor of the first Turkish newspaper in Cyprus, The Merchant Ahmet Dervish Efendi and his family lived. It takes its name from here. It reflects the lifestyle of the region and its period. Historical clothing, various tools and swords from the Ottoman period are also exhibited in the museum.
Great Inn
Formerly an important commercial center, this inn is one of the oldest Turkish buildings in Nicosia. It was also used as a prison and detention area during the British colonial period. Built in 1572, this building is one of the favorite attractions in Nicosia. Today, there are shops where local crafts and antique pieces are sold. It is one of the places to visit to witness the history and get acquainted with the culture of the region.
Church Of St. Nicholas – Bedesten
This historical building, also known as St. Nicolas Church and one of the frequent destinations of this touristic area, is a church built by the Byzantines in the 14th century. It surprises those who see it with its size. It was used as a bazaar and warehouse during the Ottoman rule. In the same period, the church was transformed into a bedesten in 1573, as the covered bazaars were located next to a large mosque. This building was also located next to the Selimiye Mosque, the largest mosque in Nicosia. It is currently used in cultural and artistic activities thanks to the restoration works.
Arab Ahmet Mosque
The answer to the question of what is Nicosia famous for in the context of historical buildings can be given as mosques evolved from churches. This structure was also created by converting an old church into a mosque. It takes its name from the Ottoman pasha, the Arab Ahmet Pasha, who took part in the conquest of Cyprus. The most striking features in this architectural structure are the marbles and stone structures left from the civilizations before the Ottoman Empire. This building, which has been preserved to this day, is of great interest to those who are interested in the architectural field of stones.