CYPRUS: NICOSIA

Welcome to Nicosia:

The Cypriot capital, home to 310,000 souls.

Here, you'll find no skyscrapers, but plenty of authentic sights.

Wouldn't you buy apples from her?

Carpenters, ironmongers, coachbuilders, painters, shoemakers, glassmakers, and more...

Considerable craftsmen practice their art in the 'old style' within small rustic booths open to the streets

(at least back in 1996, when those photos were taken!)

How can one discuss Cyprus without mentioning the enduring conflict that has left a deep scar for over 50 years?

We are talking about The Cyprus problem, also known as the Cyprus conflict.

This is the heart of Nicosia. Indeed, the capital is divided in two by a so-called green line, much like Berlin once was.

In the south: the free zone of Cyprus where we are.

In the north, concealed within these abandoned houses: the Turkish occupying army.

And, in the middle, to prevent accidents, the blue helmets of the UN are stationed in a "United Nations Buffer Zone".

The sides of the mountains above Nicosia are in the occupied zone.

As a sign of provocation, the Turks painted their flag there on more than 500 m (1,600 feet).

Since 1974, nearly 40% of the territory has been occupied, resulting in the deportation of 200,000 civilians and thousands who disappeared in Turkish prisons.

Since Cyprus holds little significance on the international scene, nobody intervened!

On the East coast, an apocalyptic vision: Famagusta.

A famous seaside resort and the largest harbor in Cyprus before the Turkish invasion, this area is now a 'dead city'!

Time stopped in this 7 km (4 miles) 'Buffer Zone' under UN control, where Cypriot people can no longer enter.

A restaurateur from Larnaca emotionally told us about his life 'before,' a time when he was a wealthy owner in 'Famagusta'.

To conclude:

Cyprus offers many assets to its visitors: the hospitality and generosity of the Cypriot people, sun, beaches, clear waters, etc.

But also, a rich historical and mythological heritage, a true gift from the gods, allows each of us to elevate our souls

All photos of Nicosia © 1996 - 2013 by Richard Soberka