15 ReviewsThis is a special church in Nicosia. There is a miracle attached to the church which is interesting reading. For an explanation go to the web site mentioned here, (so I am not accused of cutting and...
8 ReviewsNicosia is the last divided capital of Europe and the Green Line is the line that divides the island it between the north (theTurkish Cypriot part) and the south (its Greek Cypriot counterpart). There...
14 ReviewsThis ancient church is the chief mosque in the northern state of Cyprus, and the great festivals of Bayram and other Moslem gatherings are conducted here. It was formerly the cathedral of St. Sophia...
8 ReviewsThe capital city is surrounded by sturdy 16th century stone walls built by the Venetians to replace the inadequate medieval walls they inherited. Despite being considered a great example of military...
6 ReviewsBuyuk Han dates from 1572...one of the earliest Ottoman public buildings. It is a magnificent example of a 'han'; a travellers' innn, with accommodation and stabling.
Guest rooms were on the second...
3 ReviewsThe Belediye Pazari is the covered municipal market of North Nicosia. it is also known as "Bandabulya". This market was the main marketplace of the city during the Ottoman period; today it is still a...
3 ReviewsNo ordinary Archbishop lived here, but Archbishop Makarios III himself. His giant black statue overshadows the square in front of the faux Venetian palace he once occupied. Archbishop Makarios was the...
3 ReviewsIn the centre of the square stands the Venetian Column, which was crowned by the lion of St. Mark until toppled by the victorious Turks in 1570. This granite column, traditionally believed to be have...
Built in the Byzantine era near the end of the 12th century the Bedestan or St. Nicolas Church is now in seriously bad condition due its destruction during Cyprus' civil war. However, through a partnership between the EU and the UNDP it is now being reconstructed. This will be an important step in rejuevinating the downtown of the Turkish side of Nicosia and will eventually be the jewel in the crown for attracting tourists to Nicosia and Northern Cyprus. Across the street from the cathedral you will find many shops along the street much like a bazaar. Also, you will find fresh fruits and vegetables in the municipal market. On the otherside of the church is a square where you will find a good Italian-Spanish fusion restaurant called El Sabor Latino. It is a good place to sit outside in the summertime and enjoy the mosque all lit-up at night.
buyuk khan cultural centre
by MrBill
The Buyuk Han or alternatively Bueyuek Khan Cultural Centre is located in the Old Town of Nicosia in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus or N. Cyprus for short. Originally built in 1570 it is an example of Ottoman-Turkish architecture. Essentially, it is a massive stone fort built for protection against the many invaders to have swept through Kypros over the millenia. The name Buyuk Han means The Great or Big Inn. This was its original purpose in the middle ages. However, it was also used as Lefkosia Central Prison by the British. Now it is an arts & crafts center, with a cafe in the courtyard and some museums on the upper floors.
bueyuek khan cultural centre
by MrBill
Inside the fort in the courtyard you will find a café and restaurant, as well as shops and art & crafts along the outer walls. On the upper floors are some museum exhibitions. It is located centrally in old town Nicosia and easy walking distance from town square, Famagusta gate, St. Nicolas, the Bedestan and the municipal market. In between you will find narrow streets crammed with merchants selling clothing and other wares. You will definately feel that you are in Turkey or the middle east rather than only a few hundred meters away from Greek Cyprus.
antiques, collectibles & junk
by MrBill
Just walking around doing the tourist thing we saw a lot of antique stores with some really neat stuff. I am not sure whether everything is a genuine antique and as I was not really in the mood for shopping, I did not want to stop and haggle over prices and then end up not buying anything anyway. However, next time when it is a little warmer and I have my car nearby, I will definately go back and check-out the deals. There appeared to lots of old tools, farm implements, copper and tin pots & pans, antique mirrors and other odds & ends. The goods were generally placed along the street and in front of the shops. Inside the shops was more stuff and likely the better things. If you like flea markets and shopping for bargains, I am sure you will find something useful here. Whether or not you can get it home with you is another story. However, happy hunting just the same.
the old municipal market
by MrBill
This unauspcious entrance way hides a treasure behind its walls. The municipal market built in 1932 is full of sights and smells which will delight you. Basically, it is built like many indoor markets which were essentially large, unheated structures just to keep the wind and the rain off the shoppers and stall-holders. It reminds me very much of the large farmer's market in Kiev. Here is where the locals do their weekly shopping. Mostly fruits, vegetables, fresh meat, household items and some apparel items. However, for more clothing items, you will find them also along the narrow streets outside where many vendors sell reasonably priced knock-off clothing items. Unless you are hungry, the municipal market is mostly an experience to see and to feel.
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