Nicosia Northern Cyprus
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Nicosia (Lefkose) is a capital city of Northern Cyprus. Nicosia is the only divided capital in the world, with the northern Turkish and southern Greek portions divided by a “Green Line”; a demilitarized zone maintained by UN organization.
The city had been known as a Ledra or Ledrae. This name was changed to Lefkosion after a while. The city served as a seat of the kings of Cyprus from 1192.
Cyprus was taken over by Turks in 1571.
During the Ottomans era the city saw prosperity which is still visible by Gothic architecture of Selemiye Mosque, the Bedestan, the Arab Ahmat Mosque, and the Great Han Inn to name just a few.
Nowadays the capital is divided as a result of Turkish invasion, caused by rebellion against the government of Cyprus.
Selemiye Mosque:
The Cathedral is the largest and finest temple, and the most important Gothic structure in Cyprus. The construction was started by the Latin Archbishop Eustorge de Montaigu in 1208. It was consecrated in 1326 and opened to religious service. As it was the most important church of Cyprus the coronation ceremonies of the Lusignan kings were held here. The cathedral was restored by the Genoese in 1373, and by the Mamluks in 1426; it was damaged in several earthquakes. The eastern section of the cathedral was destroyed in eathquakes in 1491 and as it was being restored by the Venetians, the grave of an old Lusignan king (Hugh II) was uncovered. The corpse was well preserved with a crown on its head, and items made of gold and documents on it. The cathedral was constructed by French architects and craftsmen and it is a beautiful eaxample of medieval French architecture. The cathedral has a monumental entrance. The carved windows above the entrance are examples of unequalled Gothic art. The Ottomans have built minarets over the two unfinished belfries on either side of the entrance. The inside of the cathedral comprises three aisles, six side sections and little chapels. The chapel to the north was dedicated to St. Nicholas, the ones to the south to virgin Mary and St. Thomas Aquinas. The part of the mosque reserved for women used to be the treasury. Many Lusignan nobilities and kings are buried inside the cathedral. The marble grave stones of these graves still constitute part of the floor tiles. The inscriptions and drawings on these have been well preserved since they are covered with rush mats, and people are not allowed in with their shoes on.
The National Struggle Museum:
Is situated in Mucahitler Sitesi near to the Kyrenia Gate, this museum gives you idea about a Tukish Cypriot people struggle for independence. Weapons used during between 1962- 1974 period and those captured from the Greeks can be seen there.
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