CYPRUS – NICOSIA – TURK SIDE

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

We ventured over to the north, Turkish side, of Nicosia one afternoon. We had to produce our passports leaving the Greek side, then again on the Turk side. Nothing was stamped, as we were still in Cyprus, just different parts.

It was like walking through the Twilight Zone. The modern buildings and hustle and bustle were suddenly gone! The buildings were old, yet charming.

The atmosphere and vibe were relaxing and inviting. I liked it! If I had known this side of Nicosia was like this, I would have opted to stay here!

We saw Sarayönü Square, across from the court house, where a Venetian column stands. It is believed to have been acquired from the temple of Zeus at Salamis and brought to Nicosia from Salamis in 1550. This the centre of the Turkish part of the city and used to be the administrative center of the island for centuries.

Further along we came to the Kumarcilar Han (Gambler’s Inn). It was a caravanserai (roadside inn) for travelers and thought to be built in the 17th century. The entrance leads to an open-air courtyard, which is surrounded by a two-storey building, originally containing 56 rooms. Those on the upper story were used by the travelers, while those on the ground floor were used for their animals and belongings. It now houses shops and cafes.

Buyuk Han (Great Inn) was also a caravanserai and the largest on the island. It was built in 1572, the year after the Turks seized Cyprus from the Venetians. In the centre of the open courtyard is a mosque with a fountain for pre-prayer ablutions. It became the first city prison under British administration. It is now a thriving arts centre, consisting of several galleries and workshops, with several cafes and souvenir shops.

Old Hagia Nikola Church is located directly beside the Selimiye Mosque. This former church is believed to have been built in the 6th century. It was converted to a market and now serves as a cultural centre.

Selimiye Mosque was built in 1326 as a Christian Cathedral. It was the coronation church of the kings of Cyprus. It was converted into a mosque that can hold 2500 worshippers. It was undergoing repairs and closed.

As quaint and beautiful the old Turkish quarter was, it was only for show.

The next day we had to catch a plane from Ercan Airport, on the Turkish side, to Istanbul. The route took us through the real, and modern Turkish side of Cyprus. the buildings were very modern

The mosques went from antiquated to modern.

The airport was also very modern, but eerily empty.

We were off to Istanbul….