Cyprus is a divided county, its inhabitants (Greek and Turkish Cypriots) started incidents in 1963, occurred mainly because of the disagreements on political and legal issues. The situation was out of control and the coexistence of the two communities seemed impossible. To prevent any other escalation of tension, in 1974 was set a ‘green line’ that extends approximately 180 km across the island. Since then, Turkish Cypriots live in the north and Greek Cypriots in the south of the island, and the ‘green line’ serves as the border controlled by UN.
Most interesting, the fate of Nicosia (capital of Cyprus) was sealed with this line, splitting city into two parts. Ledra Street is Nicosia’s main shopping street. Not particularly picturesque or atmospheric, but it’s more notable for its history than its appearance. It’s was quite unusual to walk down the street, siping coffee and socialise in the sunshine, then showing my passport halfway down the street in order to cross to another part of the city. All that has its charms.
Greek and Turkish culture dominate, of course each in its own part of the city. This is most visible in local delicacies. Souvlaki, halloumi cheese, Greek salad for lunch in the south and for the desert baklava, halva and tea in the north. Actually in my case was sweet breakfast in the north, then lunch on the south. Sweets have always been my priority.
I hope you like this little photo diary I put together to share my time adventuring around Nicosia. Let me know if you have visited Cyprus and how did you like it. If anyone has any feedback I’d be so appreciative to receive your comments and questions below.
♥︎ Unta
Unta 
What an amazing set of photos! I had no idea that Cyprus was a divided country like Berlin was so long ago. I am glad that they dont have a strict wall though because like you I would also go chasing the sweets of each culture depending on the time of day
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Thank you. :)
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Great Photos Unta. Do you live there or traveler?
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Just traveling. :)
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Great photos, Unta. The street life looks very humane . . .
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Thanks! Yeah, normal daily life like the rest of the Europe but with border.
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It’s a shame about the border, but the fusion of Greek and Turkish culture must be very special. Take care!
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Talk about coincidence… I’ve just finished the most amazing book set in Nicosia, and it has made me curious about Cyprus in general. Now I want to go! Btw, if you like to read you would love The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak. Her story about the turmoil of Nicosia in the 70s is great!
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Cool, thanks for the recommendation! I would love to read that book. :)
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You are most welcome. It was a fantastic book and I think especially since you have been to Cyprus it will mean even more to you!
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