Sights in North Nicosia
Beyond the Green Line lies another world. The streets have Turkish names, the call to prayer sounds from the mosques, Turkish cuisine is served in the Lokantası, and the currency is the Turkish Lira (Euros are accepted almost everywhere).
★★★ Büyük Han (Great Caravanserai)
The most beautiful Ottoman caravanserai in Cyprus (1572), built shortly after the Ottoman conquest. A square courtyard with a small mosque pavilion in the middle, surrounded by two floors with arcaded galleries. Once a hostel for traders and travelers, today a cultural center with craft workshops, galleries, a café in the courtyard, and a small restaurant on the roof. One of the most atmospheric places in Nicosia.
Asmaaltı Sok., North Nicosia. Free. Mon–Fri 8:00–20:00, Sat–Sun 10:00–18:00. 30–60 Min.
★★★ Selimiye Mosque (St. Sophia Cathedral)
This building is the perfect symbol of Cyprus's layered history: a Gothic cathedral converted into a mosque. The St. Sophia Cathedral was built between 1209 and 1326 in the style of French Gothic — the Frankish Lusignan kings of Cyprus were crowned here. After the Ottoman conquest in 1570, two minarets were added, and the cathedral was converted into a mosque. The interior: Gothic pointed arches and ribbed vaults, but without pews, covered with prayer rugs. Breathtaking.
Selimiye Meydanı, North Nicosia. Free (as an active mosque — shoes off, appropriate clothing). Visit outside prayer times.
★★ Bandabulya (Belediye Pazarı)
The covered market from the British colonial era has been extensively restored and is now a mix of market hall and food court. Fresh fruit, spices, Turkish sweets, kebab stands, and small cafés. Cheaper than in the south and very atmospheric.
Next to the Selimiye Mosque. Mon–Sat 7:00–18:00.
★★ Bedesten
Former Greek Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas (14th century), repurposed by the Ottomans as a covered market (Bedesten). Today, changing exhibitions in the atmospheric Gothic-Ottoman space. Located right next to the Selimiye Mosque.
★ Kumarcilar Han (Gamblers' Inn)
Smaller caravanserai from the 17th century, less touristy than the Büyük Han. Today houses the tourism office and occasional exhibitions. The shady courtyard with a fountain is a quiet retreat.
