|
The Capital of Cyprus is the city of Nicosia located almost at the center of the island. Nicosia is in the Mesaoria Plain and is bordered by the Kyrenia Mountains on the north. The Pedieos River flows along the capital city of Cyprus, Nicosia. The name Nicosia is derived from Lefkosia coming from the word 'lefke', the local name for the poplar trees growing besides the Pedieos River.
The history of Nicosia dates back to the Bronze Age, when it was known as Ledra or Ledrae. The city assumed a position of importance during the reign of the Lusignan dynasty. The city of Nicosia served as the residence of the kings from 1192. The Venetians captured Nicosia in 1489. The Venetians constructed a wall encircling the city in 1570.
Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus since the 7th century, became a part of the Turkish territory in 1571. With the achievement of independence in 1960, Nicosia became the capital of the Republic of Cyprus. The Turkish Invasion of Cyprus in 1974 resulted in the dissection of Nicosia into two parts. The northern part belonging to the buffer zone under the United Nations.
Recent times has witnessed the rapid development of the capital of Cyprus as a center of economy and culture. Being the largest city of the island, Nicosia has a population of approximately 207,000. It also forms an unit in the administration of Cyprus. Besides being a trade center for agriculture, Nicosia also specializes in the production of pottery, textile, leather, plastics, etc.
|
