:North Nicosia

{{Main|Nicosia#History{{!}}Nicosia § History|Northern Cyprus{{!}}Northern Cyprus § History}}

File:Sarayönü old North Nicosia.jpg, 1969]]

During the Cyprus crisis of 1963–64, in the aftermath of unilateral constitutional changes by the Greek Cypriots, intercommunal violence broke out. Nicosia was divided into Greek and Turkish Cypriot quarters by the Green Line, named after the colour of the pen used by the United Nations officer to draw the line on a map of the city.{{cite web |url=http://www.nicosia.org.cy/english/lefkosia_istoria_lefkosia1963.shtm |title=Nicosia Municipality |publisher=Nicosia.org.cy |access-date=2012-03-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130417135112/http://www.nicosia.org.cy/english/lefkosia_istoria_lefkosia1963.shtm |archive-date=17 April 2013 |url-status=dead}} This resulted in the ceasing of Turkish Cypriot participation in the government, and following more intercommunal violence in 1964, a number of Turkish Cypriots moved to the Turkish quarter of Nicosia, causing serious overcrowding.{{cite web |first=Eric |last=Solsten |url=http://countrystudies.us/cyprus/13.htm |title=Intercommunal Violence |publisher=US Library of Congress |access-date=2012-06-18 |archive-date=24 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824000149/http://countrystudies.us/cyprus/13.htm |url-status=live }}

On 15 July 1974, there was an attempted coup d'état led by the Greek military junta to unite the island with Greece. The coup ousted Archbishop Makarios III as President of Cyprus, replacing him with pro-enosis nationalist Nikos Sampson.{{Cite magazine |title=CYPRUS: Big Troubles over a Small Island |date=29 July 1974 |magazine=TIME |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,911440,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307152514/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,911440,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 March 2008}} In response to the prospect of enosis, on 20 July 1974, the Turkish Army invaded the island, and from then occupied the 37% of the north part of the Republic of Cyprus.{{cite book |last1=Ker-Lindsay |first1=James |title=The Cyprus Problem: What Everyone Needs to Know |date=2011 |publisher=Oxford University Press |page=44}}{{cite book |last1=Athanasopulos |first1=Haralambos |title=Greece, Turkey and the Aegean Sea: A Case Study in International Law |date=2001 |publisher=McFarland |page=15 |isbn=9780786450039 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QnlyjuKJa8YC&pg=PA15 |access-date=25 September 2020 |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421055051/https://books.google.com/books?id=QnlyjuKJa8YC&pg=PA15 |url-status=live }}Alford, Jonathan. Adelphi papers, Issues 149–164 (1979), International Institute for Strategic Studies, [https://books.google.com/books?id=79AdAAAAMAAJ&q=%22prelude+to+Enosis,+invaded+the+island+in%22 p. 18] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421055052/https://books.google.com/books?id=79AdAAAAMAAJ&q=%22prelude+to+Enosis,+invaded+the+island+in%22 |date=21 April 2023 }}. The invasion included two phases. The second phase was performed on 14 August 1974, where the Turkish Army advanced their positions, eventually capturing a total of 37% of Cypriot territory, including the northern part of Nicosia and the cities of Kyrenia and Famagusta.

On 23 April 2003, the Ledra Palace crossing was opened through the Green Line, the first time that crossing was allowed since 1974.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2969089.stm Emotion as Cyprus border opens] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304065858/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2969089.stm |date=4 March 2016 }} (BBC News) Retrieved on 2012-06-18. This was followed by the opening of Ayios Dometios crossing point on 9 May 2003.{{Cite web |url=https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:2LSheATdp40J:www.moi.gov.cy/moi/pio/pio.nsf/All/669FE6D32B5DEEC5C2256DC3002DE05A/%24file/27%2520May%25202003.doc%3FOpenElement+10+May+2003+cyprus+ayios+dometios&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgbI-U9uhq1bVhGCx5BFUodre7oF3QwDE4rsMeeqL649lLXb28-a00aVDd7gys3GDlE3WWZLQxke9bWGMANnv9_-6fqYkKb63ExxQit6UOC274BNZV5EZ-qRxlfpbS3IthcdMkv&sig=AHIEtbRoF8A2rV3CkgSAlD2q9y0lvFX4Pw |title=Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Operation in Cyprus |access-date=18 June 2012 |archive-date=16 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516102314/https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:2LSheATdp40J:www.moi.gov.cy/moi/pio/pio.nsf/All/669FE6D32B5DEEC5C2256DC3002DE05A/%24file/27%2520May%25202003.doc%3FOpenElement+10+May+2003+cyprus+ayios+dometios&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgbI-U9uhq1bVhGCx5BFUodre7oF3QwDE4rsMeeqL649lLXb28-a00aVDd7gys3GDlE3WWZLQxke9bWGMANnv9_-6fqYkKb63ExxQit6UOC274BNZV5EZ-qRxlfpbS3IthcdMkv&sig=AHIEtbRoF8A2rV3CkgSAlD2q9y0lvFX4Pw |url-status=live }} On 3 April 2008, the Ledra Street crossing was also reopened.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7327866.stm Symbolic Cyprus crossing reopens] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120703063033/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7327866.stm |date=3 July 2012 }} (BBC News) Retrieved on 2012-06-18.

File:Lefkoşa Türk Belediyesi.JPG

As the capital, North Nicosia is Northern Cyprus's political, economic and cultural centre. North Nicosia hosts the ministries of Northern Cyprus. The city is governed by the Nicosia Turkish Municipality, which is recognised by the constitution of the Republic of Cyprus.{{Cite web |url=http://www.cyprus.gov.cy/portal/portal.nsf/0/f7eb7480579b1a50c2256fdb0040a003?OpenDocument&ExpandSection=5#_Section5 |title=The Constitution – Appendix D: Part 12 – Miscellaneous Provisions |access-date=31 December 2010 |archive-date=10 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310152027/http://www.cyprus.gov.cy/portal/portal.nsf/0/f7eb7480579b1a50c2256fdb0040a003?OpenDocument&ExpandSection=5#_Section5 |url-status=dead}}

The Nicosia Turkish Municipality is headed by the mayor, Mehmet Harmancı from the Communal Democracy Party (TDP).{{cite web |title=Belediye Başkanı |url=http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/kurumsal/baskan |publisher=Nicosia Turkish Municipality |access-date=7 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103071610/http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/kurumsal/baskan |archive-date=3 January 2015 |df=dmy-all}} He came to power in the local elections in 2014 with 38% of the popular vote, defeating the candidates of two major parties who were considered to be candidates with the highest chances by the Turkish Cypriot media in a feat that was seen as a major surprise victory.{{cite web |title=Lefkoşa'da sol ittifak: Bu daha başlangıç! |url=http://www.birgun.net/news/view/lefkosada-sol-ittifak-bu-daha-baslangic/1317 |publisher=Birgün |access-date=7 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107031741/http://www.birgun.net/news/view/lefkosada-sol-ittifak-bu-daha-baslangic/1317 |archive-date=7 January 2015 |url-status=dead}} The organisation of the municipality features a 22-member City Council, composed of 8 councillors from the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), 6 from the National Unity Party (UBP), 6 from the Communal Democracy Party, 1 from the Democratic Party (DP-UG) and 1 from the New Cyprus Party (YKP).{{cite web |title=Belediye Meclisi |url=http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/kurumsal/belediye-meclisi |publisher=Nicosia Turkish Municipality |access-date=7 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103075856/http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/kurumsal/belediye-meclisi |archive-date=3 January 2015 |url-status=dead}}

Below is a list of mayors of the Nicosia Turkish Municipality since its establishment in 1958:{{cite web |title=Belediyemizin Tarihçesi |url=http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/kurumsal/tarihce |publisher=Nicosia Turkish Municipality |access-date=6 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103075942/http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/kurumsal/tarihce |archive-date=3 January 2015 |df=dmy-all}}

• Tahsin Gözmen: 1958–1962
• Cevdet Mirata: 1962–1962
• Fuat Celalettin: 1962–1968
• Ziver Kemal: 1969–1976
• Mustafa Akıncı: 1976–1990
• Burhan Yetkili: 1990–1994
• Şemi Bora: 1994–2002
• Kutlay Erk: 2002–2006
• Cemal Metin Bulutoğluları: 2006–2013
• Kadri Fellahoğlu: 2013–2014
• Mehmet Harmancı: 2014–present

Nicosia is divided into several administrative divisions known as mahalleler (singular: mahalle) or quarters. Each of these quarters are headed by a muhtar, who is elected by the residents in local elections. There are 25 quarters within the jurisdiction of the Nicosia Turkish Municipality, of which 12 are in the walled city and 13 are outside,{{cite web |last1=Bağışkan |first1=Tuncer |title=Lefkoşa'nın Mahalleleri |date=20 January 2014 |url=http://www.yeniduzen.com/Ekler/adres-kibris/141/lefkosa-mahalleleri/1069 |publisher=Yeni Düzen |access-date=6 January 2015 |archive-date=6 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106162808/http://www.yeniduzen.com/Ekler/adres-kibris/141/lefkosa-mahalleleri/1069 |url-status=live }} and below is list of them sorted according to population according to the 2011 census:{{cite web |title=Tablo 3. İlçe, Bucak, Belediye, Mahalle ve Cinsiyete göre sürekli ikamet eden nüfus, 2011 |url=http://www.devplan.org/Frame-tr.html |publisher=TRNC State Planning Organization |access-date=6 January 2015 |archive-date=7 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207085841/http://devplan.org/Frame-tr.html |url-status=dead}}

File:Samanbahçe in North Nicosia.jpg

File:Night at Yenişehir, Nicosia.jpg quarter]]

File:Nicosia 01-2017 img32 AtatuerkSquare.jpg

File:Großer Khan Nikosia.JPG

File:Former UN tower, North Nicosia, Cyprus.jpg

The walled city of Nicosia is very rich in history, culture and architecture. The northern part is richer in historical buildings and cultural works, with its Selimiye quarter retaining its complete historical character and atmosphere.{{cite web |title=6.12: Kentsel Koruma |url=http://www.spd.gov.ct.tr/Portals/103/6.12%20Kentsel%20Koruma%20PDF.pdf |publisher=TRNC Department of City Planning |access-date=12 August 2015 |language=tr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924104316/http://www.spd.gov.ct.tr/Portals/103/6.12%20Kentsel%20Koruma%20PDF.pdf |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead}} The walled city overall has been declared a protected area by the Turkish Cypriot Department of Antiquities, and 672 buildings and places of historical value have been registered in it.{{cite web |title=Lefkoşa Kentsel Sit Alanı |url=http://spd.gov.ct.tr/Portals/103/%C4%B0LANED%C4%B0LM%C4%B0%C5%9E%20ESK%C4%B0%20ESER%20ALANLARI/LEFKO%C5%9EA%20KENTSEL%20S%C4%B0T%20ALANI.pdf |publisher=TRNC Department of City Planning |access-date=12 August 2015 |language=tr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307000232/http://spd.gov.ct.tr/Portals/103/%C4%B0LANED%C4%B0LM%C4%B0%C5%9E%20ESK%C4%B0%20ESER%20ALANLARI/LEFKO%C5%9EA%20KENTSEL%20S%C4%B0T%20ALANI.pdf |archive-date=7 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}

At the centre of the walled city lies the Atatürk Square, widely known as Sarayönü. The square has been dubbed as "the heart of Nicosia" and historically has been the cultural center of the Turkish Cypriot community, with the visiting Turkish prime ministers having delivered speeches before and during the conflict in Cyprus. It still hosts mass rallies during political campaigns and the headquarters of the National Unity Party.{{cite web |title=İki paradan bir milyona... Saraçoğlu'ndan Ecevit'e... |url=http://www.kibris.net/basin/yazarlarimiz/serbest/hasanhasturer/arsiv/2004/kasim_2004/14_kasim_2004.htm |publisher=kibris.net |access-date=3 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304034324/http://www.kibris.net/basin/yazarlarimiz/serbest/hasanhasturer/arsiv/2004/kasim_2004/14_kasim_2004.htm |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=UBP Sarayönü Genel Merkez binasında heyecanlı bekleyiş sürüyor |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/111216 |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=3 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023911/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/111216 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead}} In the middle of the square stands the Venetian Column, known simply as "the Obelisk" ("Dikiltaş") to the locals and symbolic of the country's government. The column was brought from the ancient city of Salamis by the Venetians in 1550. The coats of arms of six Italian noble families still remains at the bottom of the column, even though the statue of the lion on it has been replaced with a copper ball.{{cite web |title=Venedik Sütunu |url=http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/lefkosa/turistikyerler/10-genel/58-venediksutunu |publisher=Nicosia Turkish Municipality |access-date=3 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103051925/http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/lefkosa/turistikyerler/10-genel/58-venediksutunu |archive-date=3 January 2015 |df=dmy-all}} The square used to be the seat of a Lusignan palace, which was replaced with the present-day law courts by the British government.{{cite web |last1=Dizdarlı |first1=Bülent |title=Orta çağ taş müzesi ve bir turistin düşündürdükleri… |date=23 May 2012 |url=http://haberkibris.com/orta-cag--tas-muzesi-ve-bir-turistin-dusundurdukleri-2012-05-23.html |publisher=Haber Kıbrıs |access-date=3 January 2015 |archive-date=3 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103043026/http://haberkibris.com/orta-cag--tas-muzesi-ve-bir-turistin-dusundurdukleri-2012-05-23.html |url-status=live }}

The Girne Avenue connects Sarayönü to the Kyrenia Gate and the İnönü Square in front of it. The avenue has been described as "the symbol of the walled city", and is filled with numerous shops and restaurants.{{cite web |title=Girne Caddesi'nin dokusu değişecek |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/87/news/139612/PageName/LEFKOSA |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=3 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304050823/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/87/news/139612/PageName/LEFKOSA |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead}} A project is underway {{As of|2015|lc=y}} to redesign the area with a better infrastructure, visual quality and accessibility.{{cite web |title=Başkent Lefkoşa'ya yeni çehre |url=http://www.kibrisgenctv.com/k%C4%B1br%C4%B1s/baskent-lefkosa-ya-yeni-cehre.html |publisher=Genç TV |access-date=3 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102105951/http://www.kibrisgenctv.com/k%C4%B1br%C4%B1s/baskent-lefkosa-ya-yeni-cehre.html |url-status=live }}

Near the entrance of the walled city, to the west of the Girne Avenue, lies the Samanbahçe neighbourhood, built in the 19th century by the government, considered to be the first example of social housing in the island. The houses are uniform and contiguous, and in the center of the neighbourhood is a historic fountain. Still a residential area, the neighbourhood is considered to be one of the best representations of the Cypriot culture.{{cite web |title=Samanbahçe Evleri |url=http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/lefkosa/turistikyerler/10-genel/54-samanbahceevleri |publisher=Nicosia Turkish Municipality |access-date=4 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104051014/http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/lefkosa/turistikyerler/10-genel/54-samanbahceevleri |archive-date=4 January 2015 |df=dmy-all}}

Further south, next to the Ledra Street checkpoint, is the Arasta area. The area was pedestrianised in 2013 and is home to a network of historic shopping streets, reflecting an eastern shopping tradition with food and traditional items. The area is frequented by tourists.{{cite web |title=Arasta |url=http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/lefkosa/turistikyerler/10-genel/44-arasta |publisher=LTB |access-date=4 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104050409/http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/lefkosa/turistikyerler/10-genel/44-arasta |archive-date=4 January 2015 |df=dmy-all}}{{cite web |title=Asmaaltı ve Arasta'ya Çöp Bidonları |url=http://www.kibristime.com/kibris/asmaalti-ve-arastaya-cop-bidonlari-h37078.html |publisher=Kıbrıs Time |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104035552/http://www.kibristime.com/kibris/asmaalti-ve-arastaya-cop-bidonlari-h37078.html |url-status=live }}

Nearby Büyük Han, the largest caravanserai in the island and considered to be one of the finest buildings in Cyprus, was built in 1572 by the Ottomans. The building has 68 rooms and a small mosque in the middle, and currently functions as a tourist-frequented cultural centre, with souvenir and handicraft shops, cafés with traditional food and cultural activities such as small-scale opera concerts.{{cite web |title=Arasta boş, Büyük Han kaynıyor! |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/131989/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304045857/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/131989/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Büyük Han |url=http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/lefkosa/turistikyerler/10-genel/57-butukhan |publisher=LTB |access-date=4 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104050529/http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/lefkosa/turistikyerler/10-genel/57-butukhan |archive-date=4 January 2015 |df=dmy-all}}{{cite web |title=Büyük Han'da opera sürprizi |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/143053/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025341/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/143053/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead}} Just across from the road is the Kumarcılar Hanı (Gamblers' Inn), built in the 17th century as a typical example of Ottoman trading inns.{{cite web |title=Kumarcılar Hanı |url=http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/lefkosa/turistikyerler/10-genel/60-kumarcilarhani |publisher=LTB |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104050421/http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/lefkosa/turistikyerler/10-genel/60-kumarcilarhani |archive-date=4 January 2015 |url-status=dead}}

Another central point in the walled city is the Selimiye Mosque, originally built as the St. Sophia Cathedral. The mosque is the chief religious centre in Northern Cyprus. It was built between 1209 and 1228 by the Latin Church of Cyprus, in a Gothic style resembling French cathedrals. Its columns are older, from the Roman era, indicating the possible presence of a Byzantine church before its construction. It used to be the place of coronation of Lusignan kings, and was converted to the largest mosque in the island by the Ottomans in 1571. It remains as a chief landmark of the city. Next to the mosque is the Bedesten, a large Greek church in the Byzantine and Gothic styles, built in the 6th and 14th centuries. It was used as a marketplace in the Ottoman era. Today, it is used as a cultural centre where various cultural activities such as concerts and festivals take place.{{cite web |title=Selimiye Cami |url=http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/lefkosa/turistikyerler/10-genel/48-sekimiyecami |publisher=LTB |access-date=4 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104051005/http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/lefkosa/turistikyerler/10-genel/48-sekimiyecami |archive-date=4 January 2015 |df=dmy-all}}{{cite web |title=Trio Arion oda müziği konserler dizisi yarın başlıyor |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/134861/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725014926/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/134861/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |archive-date=25 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |last1=Dreghorn |first1=William |title=The Antiquities of Turkish Nicosia |url=http://www.stwing.upenn.edu/~durduran/drnic1.html#selim |publisher=stwing.upenn.edu |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=23 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131123164505/http://www.stwing.upenn.edu/~durduran/drnic1.html#selim |url-status=live }} The two buildings overlook a square, named the Selimiye Square, which also hosts cultural activity and occasional dance shows.{{cite web |title=Earthdance Nicosia'da dans ve müzik barış için buluştu |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/49/news/39466/PageName/KULTUR_SANAT |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725014141/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/49/news/39466/PageName/KULTUR_SANAT |archive-date=25 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Festival coşkusu sürüyor |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/49/news/29116/PageName/KULTUR_SANAT |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725013424/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/49/news/29116/PageName/KULTUR_SANAT |archive-date=25 July 2015 |url-status=dead}} The Library of Sultan Mahmud II, which hosts manuscripts in Turkish, Arabic and Persian that are over 500 years old and considered fine examples of calligraphy, is also located in the Selimiye Square.{{cite web |title=Sultan 2. Mahmut Kütüphane |url=http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/lefkosa/turistikyerler/10-genel/55-sultankutuphanesi |publisher=LTB |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104050725/http://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/tr/index.php/lefkosa/turistikyerler/10-genel/55-sultankutuphanesi |archive-date=4 January 2015 |url-status=dead}}

Among the quarters of the old city are Yenicami and Arabahmet. Yenicami hosts the Haydar Pasha Mosque that used to be the second largest church in the city before its conversion by the Ottomans, and with its Gothic architecture, it is home to richly carved doorways. The Arabahmet neighbourhood hosts the Arabahmet Mosque, which was built in 1845.

File:Kyrenia Gate Inonu Square panorama North Nicosia.jpg and the İnönü Square, at the entrance of the walled city]]

File:North Nicosia classical 1950s house Koskluciftlik.jpg

Outside the walled city, North Nicosia has expanded to become a large city, with an urban area that has absorbed the neighbouring town of Gönyeli and the former village of Hamitköy that is part of the Nicosia Turkish Municipality. The larger North Nicosia metropolitan area by definition includes the Haspolat region which is also considered to be a part of the city proper as it is within the Nicosia Turkish Municipality jurisdiction, the municipality of Alayköy and the village of Kanlıköy under the jurisdiction of Gönyeli, where North Nicosia is projected to grow. The metropolitan area has an area of 165.2 square kilometres.{{cite web |title=Başlangıç |url=http://www.spd.gov.ct.tr/Portals/103/1.0%20Plan%20Alan%C4%B1.pdf |publisher=TRNC Department of City Planning |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306021956/http://www.spd.gov.ct.tr/Portals/103/1.0%20Plan%20Alan%C4%B1.pdf |archive-date=6 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}

The quarters of Nicosia outside the walled city are more spacious than the walled city, with wider roads and junctions. These areas are characterised by multi-floor concrete buildings. In the outskirts of the city, a number large and imposing villas have been built that belong to the middle and upper-classes.{{cite web |title=Urbanization in Cyprus |url=http://e-dergi.atauni.edu.tr/index.php/dogucografya/article/view/6916/6345 |publisher=Eastern Geography Review |access-date=6 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818005743/http://e-dergi.atauni.edu.tr/index.php/dogucografya/article/view/6916/6345 |archive-date=18 August 2012 |url-status=dead}} Upper and middle class Turkish Cypriots have left the walled city to settle in areas such as Küçük Kaymaklı and Hamitköy, which have seen a corresponding boom in economic and commercial activity.{{cite web |title=Omorfita |url=http://www.prio-cyprus-displacement.net/default.asp?id=339 |publisher=PRIO Displacement Center |access-date=6 January 2015 |archive-date=10 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210185943/http://www.prio-cyprus-displacement.net/default.asp?id=339 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Hamid Mandres |url=http://www.prio-cyprus-displacement.net/default.asp?id=301 |publisher=PRIO Displacement Centre |access-date=6 January 2015 |archive-date=12 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012172632/http://www.prio-cyprus-displacement.net/default.asp?id=301 |url-status=live }} As the city started to expand out of the walled city in the first half of the city, large and imposing houses were built in the Köşklüçiftlik and Çağlayan areas, which characterise these central quarters today. The Yenişehir quarter was planned by the British administration in the 1940s in an optimal design to minimise distances and allow healthy social interaction, and the quarter is still considered as a masterpiece of city planning in Cyprus.{{cite web |title=Lefkoşa'nın ilk planlı varoşu: Yenişehir |url=http://www.havadiskibris.com/Ekler/poli/151/lefkosa-nin-ilk-planli-varosu-yenisehir/936 |publisher=Havadis |access-date=6 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106175244/http://www.havadiskibris.com/Ekler/poli/151/lefkosa-nin-ilk-planli-varosu-yenisehir/936 |archive-date=6 January 2015 |df=dmy-all}}

North Nicosia is mainly inhabited by Turkish Cypriots and Turkish settlers (including migrant workers). Turkish settlers make up the majority of the population in the walled city, while Turkish Cypriots predominantly inhabit the areas of the city outside the walls. Turkish Cypriots follow a more secularised lifestyle than the more conservative settlers, leading to tension between the communities.{{cite journal |last1=Hatay |first1=Mete |title=The Problem of Pigeons: Orientalism, Xenophobia and a Rhetoric of the "Local" in Northern Cyprus |journal=The Cyprus Review |date=2008 |volume=20 |issue=2 |url=https://www.prio.org/Global/upload/Cyprus/Publications/6_M_HATAY.pdf |access-date=28 December 2015 |archive-date=25 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725072042/https://www.prio.org/Global/upload/Cyprus/Publications/6_M_HATAY.pdf |url-status=dead}} However, in the 2010s, a significant number of settled workers in the walled city left Northern Cyprus.{{cite web |title=Surlariçi boşalıyor mu? |url=http://haberkibris.com/surlarici-bosaliyor-mu-2012-02-29.html |publisher=Haber Kıbrıs |access-date=28 December 2015 |language=tr |date=29 February 2012 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304073624/http://haberkibris.com/surlarici-bosaliyor-mu-2012-02-29.html |url-status=live }}

Historically, Turkish Cypriots had concentrated to the north of the riverbed and Greek Cypriots to the south.{{citation |last1=Bryant |first1=Rebecca |last2=Papadakis |first2=Yiannis |year=2012 |title=Cyprus and the Politics of Memory: History, Community and Conflict |publisher=I.B.Tauris |isbn=978-1780761077 |page=168}} The Green Line was drawn to separate the Turkish quarters of the city from the Greek quarters,{{cite book |last1=Borowiec |first1=Andrew |title=Cyprus: A Troubled Island |date=2000 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |page=87 |isbn=9780275965334 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hzEDg6-d80MC&pg=PA87 |access-date=25 September 2020 |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421055052/https://books.google.com/books?id=hzEDg6-d80MC&pg=PA87 |url-status=live }} and 7000 Turkish Cypriots, around 30% of the Turkish population of Greater Nicosia, were displaced from quarters of the walled city and some suburbs such as Küçük Kaymaklı/Omorphita. North Nicosia also received a great number of displaced Turkish Cypriots from surrounding villages.{{cite web |title=Nicosia / Lefkosa |url=http://www.prio-cyprus-displacement.net/default.asp?id=336 |publisher=Prio Cyprus Displacement Center |access-date=28 December 2015 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226114306/http://www.prio-cyprus-displacement.net/default.asp?id=336%20 |url-status=live }} The Göçmenköy quarter (literally meaning "village of the displaced") was founded to resettle these displaced people.{{cite web |last1=Uludağ |first1=Sevgül |title=Lefkoşa'nın belleğine yolculuk: Hüseyin Çakmak... |url=http://www.stwing.upenn.edu/~durduran/hamambocu/authors/svg/svg11_30_2005.html |publisher=stwing.upenn.edu |access-date=18 January 2015 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924111306/http://www.stwing.upenn.edu/~durduran/hamambocu/authors/svg/svg11_30_2005.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Hastürer |first1=Hasan |title=Göçmenlik... Göçmen evleri... Göçmenköy... |url=http://www.kibrisgazetesi.com/?p=524891 |publisher=Kıbrıs |access-date=18 January 2015 |archive-date=19 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119003902/http://www.kibrisgazetesi.com/?p=524891 |url-status=live }} The Arab Ahmet quarter had had an Armenian Cypriot presence since the Ottoman conquest; having been a minority until the 1920s, they constituted the overwhelming majority of the area by the 1950s. 200 Armenians from Arab Ahmet, Köşklüçiftlik and Kumsal fled the quarter during the inter-communal violence of 1963.Coexistence in the Disappeared Mixed Neighbourhoods of Nicosia by Ahmet An (Paper read at the conference: Nicosia: The Last Divided Capital in Europe, organized by the London Metropolitan University on 20 June 2011){{cite book |last1=Gürkan |first1=Haşmet Muzaffer |title=Dünkü ve Bugünkü Lefkoşa |year=2006 |publisher=Galeri Kültür |isbn=9963660037 |pages=117–8 |edition=3rd |language=tr}} Greek Cypriots fled from the Ayluka/Ayios Loukas quarter in 1963, and from the Trachones/Kızılbaş and Küçük Kaymaklı/Omorphita quarters in 1974. The number of Greek Cypriots displaced from these quarters in 1974 was around 4700.

File:North Nicosia central business district.jpg

File:2010-07-07 09-36-56 Cyprus Nicosia Nicosia.JPG

North Nicosia is the financial and economic centre of Northern Cyprus. In 2012, Lefkoşa District had 39.9% of the workplaces and 49.5% of the employees in Northern Cyprus.{{cite web |title=2012 Yılı Genel Sanayi ve İşyerleri Sayımı |url=http://www.devplan.org/Anketler/genel%20sanayi.pdf |publisher=TRNC State Planning Organization |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=5 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105010600/http://www.devplan.org/Anketler/genel%20sanayi.pdf |url-status=dead }} The Central Bank of Northern Cyprus is located on the Bedrettin Demirel Avenue.{{cite web |title=Central Bank of TRNC |url=http://www.kktcmerkezbankasi.org/ser/english/index_englishz.htm |publisher=Central Bank of TRNC |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102111250/http://www.kktcmerkezbankasi.org/ser/english/index_englishz.htm |archive-date=2 January 2015 |url-status=dead}} The city has seen great urban growth in the last decades, but the authorities have been criticised over the lack of city planning. Between 2008 and 2010, the construction rates in the North Nicosia urban area grew by 23.9%, with the largest boom observed in the construction of new industrial facilities in the city, which grew by 87.5% over two years. North Nicosia also grew in importance as a centre of commerce as the construction of offices grew by 74.2%.{{cite web |title=Ocak 2008 – Eylül 2010 Tarihleri Arasında Şehir Planlama Dairesinden Planlama Onayı Verilen Yeni İnşaat Amaçlı Tasarı Gelişmelerin Bölgelere ve Arazi Kullanımlarına Göre Dağılımları |url=http://www.spd.gov.ct.tr/Portals/103/EM%C4%B0RNAME%20B%C3%96LGELER%C4%B0%20YEN%C4%B0%20%C4%B0N%C5%9EAAT%20%C4%B0STAT%C4%B0ST%C4%B0KLER%C4%B0%20(2008-2010).pdf |publisher=TRNC Department of City Planning |access-date=5 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105031101/http://www.spd.gov.ct.tr/Portals/103/EM%C4%B0RNAME%20B%C3%96LGELER%C4%B0%20YEN%C4%B0%20%C4%B0N%C5%9EAAT%20%C4%B0STAT%C4%B0ST%C4%B0KLER%C4%B0%20(2008-2010).pdf |archive-date=5 January 2015 |url-status=dead}} Recently, programmes have been put to place to regulate the growth of the city that has expanded uncontrollably. North Nicosia has been identified as a city with a high amount of development and welfare.{{cite web |title=kibrisgazetesi.com/?p=591345 |url=http://www.kibrisgazetesi.com/?p=591345 |publisher=Kıbrıs |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104034058/http://www.kibrisgazetesi.com/?p=591345 |url-status=live }}

One aspect of North Nicosia that gives it the advantage for economical growth is its central position in Northern Cyprus, where transport links from Kyrenia, Famagusta and Morphou intersect. North Nicosia is home to the Nicosia International Fair and an Organised Industrial Area, where many businesses and manufacturers are located. Their location, along with other facilities such as the large sports complex, were chosen to be on the connection between the highways linking Morphou to Famagusta. North Nicosia hugely influences the economy of the surrounding district, as far as the Ercan International Airport, along with Dikomo in the Girne District.

The economy in the walled city has stagnated through the 2000s and 2010s, with the central Municipal Market losing its popularity,{{cite web |title=Esnaf: "Bandabulya gittik sonra ölüyor" |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/140430/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102145518/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/140430/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }} even though it has started to receive investment {{As of|2014|lc=y}} and programs have been put to place to reinvigorate the region with cultural activities being organised.{{cite web |title=Lefkoşa surlariçi canlanıyor |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/80658/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102135957/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/80658/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }} In 2014, the Arasta shopping region close to the Ledra Street crossing was pedestrianised, which increased the popularity of the area.{{cite web |title=Asmaaltı ve Arasta Esnafı Derneği, Lefkoşa Surlariçi'nin yayalaştırılmasının yerinde olduğunu belirtti |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/126687/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102145628/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/126687/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }}

Tourism is an important sector of the economy. In 2012, North Nicosia hosted more than 146,000 tourists, accounting for 13.8% of the total touristic stays in Northern Cyprus.{{cite web |title=Çıkış yapan turistlerin ilçe ve konaklama türüne göre dağılımı |url=http://www.devplan.org/Turizm/tablo-9.pdf |publisher=TRNC State Planning Organization |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=5 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105011519/http://www.devplan.org/Turizm/tablo-9.pdf |url-status=dead }} In 2008, after the opening of the Ledra Street crossing, the Arasta area saw an influx of visitors as around 2300 Greek Cypriots and tourists used the crossing to cross into the area daily.{{cite web |title=Lokmacı'daki esnafa kredi |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/13586/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102154522/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/13586/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }} The city has seen the construction of large hotels in the late 2000s and early 2010s. The constructions have changed the city's skyline, with the newly constructed Merit Hotel on the Bedrettin Demirel Avenue and the Golden Tulip Hotel in the Dereboyu region being highly visible high-rises. The country's oldest hotel, the Saray Hotel was also renovated and each of the three hotels has its own casino, with a total capacity of around 700 people.{{cite web |title=Başkente "Golden Tulip" Asaleti ! |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/27774/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102154434/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/27774/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Merit Lefkoşa kapılarını misafirlerine açıyor |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/16699/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102154341/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/16699/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Saray Otel, yenilenen yüzüyle turizme 'merhaba' demeye hazırlanıyor |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/43516/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102154610/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/43516/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }}

The city saw around 117 million Turkish liras of new construction in the year 2011 alone. In this year, a large amount of construction of dwellings was observed especially in the Hamitköy area and Gönyeli, which is part of the Nicosia urban area, but also in the regions of Küçük Kaymaklı and Aydemet region, indicating a residential growth in these areas.{{cite web |title=Building Construction and Parcel Statistics |url=http://www.devplan.org/Insaat/Tur/In%C5%9Faat%20%C4%B0statistikleri%202011.pdf |publisher=TRNC State Planning Organization |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=5 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105011350/http://www.devplan.org/Insaat/Tur/In%C5%9Faat%20%C4%B0statistikleri%202011.pdf |url-status=dead }}

{{see also|Culture of Northern Cyprus}}

North Nicosia is home to cultural diversity. Students from different backgrounds in the universities celebrate their national festivals with activities, at which their national dances and traditions are performed.{{cite web |title=UKÜ'de Zambiyali öğrenciler Bağımsızlık Günü'nü kutladı |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/91/news/145466/PageName/EGITIM |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102154750/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/91/news/145466/PageName/EGITIM |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=UKÜ'de Nijerya bağımsızlık günü kutlandı |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/143175/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102154300/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/143175/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }} Different religious groups conduct cultural activities; the Alevi Cultural Association is headquartered in Nicosia.{{cite web |title=Harmancı ve ekibi seçim çalışmaları kapsamında Alevi Kültür Merkezi'i ziyaret etti |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/135304/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102154252/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/135304/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }}

File:Rock n Cyprus north nicosia 2014.jpg

The Near East University annually holds a spring fest, during which famous Turkish Cypriot, Turkish and international singers and bands perform, dance festivals, sports and board game competitions are held.{{cite web |title=Yakın Doğu Üniversitesi "Neu Spring Fest 2013" tanıtımı gerçekleştirildi |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/105532/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=1 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102044155/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/105532/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }} In 2014, the university built the Park Near East on an area of 220,000 square metres, and the concerts of Deep Purple and Turkish bands such as Yüksek Sadakat drew tens of thousands of spectators from Cyprus and Turkey. During the festival, the Moscow State Ballet also performed in the university. It also hosts the annual Rock 'n Cyprus festival, at which bands from Turkey perform,{{cite web |title=Deep Purple geliyor |url=http://www.kibrisgazetesi.com/?p=334459 |publisher=Kıbrıs gazetesi |access-date=1 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102034820/http://www.kibrisgazetesi.com/?p=334459 |url-status=live }} and organises the NEU Nicosia Carnival at the Dereboyu region of the city, at which the students display their culture and the locals crowd into the streets.{{cite web |title=YDÜ Lefkoşa Karnavalı Dereboyu'nda unutulmaz bir gün yaşattı |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/87/news/134752/PageName/LEFKOSA |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=1 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102034836/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/87/news/134752/PageName/LEFKOSA |url-status=live }}

The city has hosted other musical organisations, such as the Shark Virgin Island Festival, which is the greatest electronic music organisation in the island. The Dereboyu region has become a centre of entertainment, where street parties,{{cite web |title=Telsim'le Dereboyu Sokak Partisi'nde doyasıya eğlendiler |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/106651 |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102145450/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/106651 |url-status=live }} festivals and concerts of local bands and singers take place.{{cite web |title=Avrupa Günü bugün Dereboyu'nda festivalle kutlanacak |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/135703/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102144434/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/135703/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }} The walled city has also seen investment in the recent years, with cultural centres and bars being opened.{{cite web |title=Surlariçi'ne iki buçuk milyon TL'lik yatırım |url=http://www.havadiskibris.com/Haberler/ekonomi/surlarici-ne-iki-bucuk-milyon-tl-lik-yatirim/23361 |publisher=Havadis |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150102120703/http://www.havadiskibris.com/Haberler/ekonomi/surlarici-ne-iki-bucuk-milyon-tl-lik-yatirim/23361 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Surlariçi'nde Caravan Blue geceleri |url=http://www.kibrisgazetesi.com/?p=586948 |publisher=Kıbrıs |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102144413/http://www.kibrisgazetesi.com/?p=586948 |url-status=live }} To reinvigorate the region, monthly street parties are organised.{{cite web |title=Lefkoşa'nın geceleri canlanıyor! Çıkmaz sokak sizi bekliyor |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/121230/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102154704/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/121230/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }}

The city has fine arts institutions at university levels, with the fine arts faculties of the Near East University and Cyprus International University. The universities contribute to the artistic culture of the city by participating in exhibitions and competitions, and students are involved in creating artistic depictions of Nicosia.{{cite web |title=Genç Sanatçılar Resim Yarışması'na YDÜ Güzel Sanatlar ve Tasarım Fakültesi damgasını vurdu |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/49/news/133509/PageName/KULTUR_SANAT |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102154336/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/49/news/133509/PageName/KULTUR_SANAT |url-status=live }} In 2014, an arts and culture centre in the Arabahmet region was reopened with the contribution of the Girne American University.{{cite web |title=Arabahmet Kültür ve Sanat Evi'nin restorasyonu tamamlandı |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/136696/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102154430/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/136696/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }} In 2013, a new exhibition hall was unveiled in the Near East University, whose students participate in organisations abroad.{{cite web |title=Kıbrıs ve bölgenin sanat merkezi, YDÜ Güzel Sanatlar ve Tasarım Fakültesi |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/112137/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102154344/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/112137/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=YDÜ Atatürk Eğitim Fakültesi "Güzel Sanatlar Eğitimi" Sergi Salonu açıldı |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/121561/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102155358/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/121561/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }}

Photography exhibitions and competitions take place in the city, organised by the state and private institutions alike.{{cite web |title=Öztan Özatay 6. Fotoğraf Yarışması'na başvurular başladı |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/49/news/120015/PageName/KULTUR_SANAT |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102154614/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/49/news/120015/PageName/KULTUR_SANAT |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=XXIII. Devlet Fotoğraf Yarışması sergisi AKM sergi salonunda açılıyor |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/49/news/121471/PageName/KULTUR_SANAT |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102154256/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/49/news/121471/PageName/KULTUR_SANAT |url-status=live }} Traditional handicrafts are also actively practised, with exhibitions taking place.{{cite web |title=El sanatları ve nakışları sergisi 8 Mayıs'ta |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/78924/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102170436/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/78924/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }}

File:Nicosia 01-2017 img25 Lusignan House.jpg]]

The city is home to a number of museums. The Dervish Pasha Mansion is similar in architecture to the Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios Mansion, reflecting typical late Ottoman urban architecture, and functions as an ethnographic museum today. It hosts artefacts relating to the Ottoman era and the archaeological history of Cyprus.{{cite web |title=Dervish Pasha Mansion |url=http://www.eemd.gov.ct.tr/en-us/dervishpashamansionethnographischesmuseum.aspx |publisher=TRNC Department of Antiquities |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102044633/http://www.eemd.gov.ct.tr/en-us/dervishpashamansionethnographischesmuseum.aspx |archive-date=2 January 2015 |url-status=dead}} Another example of a house preserved as such is the Lusignan House, reflecting the architecture of the Lusignan era and the Gothic style, and is furnished with Lusignan and Ottoman items.{{cite web |title=Lusignan House |url=http://www.eemd.gov.ct.tr/en-us/lusignanhouse.aspx |publisher=TRNC Department of Antiquities |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102044604/http://www.eemd.gov.ct.tr/en-us/lusignanhouse.aspx |archive-date=2 January 2015 |url-status=dead}}

The Mevlevi Tekke Museum used to be the headquarters of the Mevlevi sect, associated with the Whirling Dervishes. It was designed for purposes that are similar to monasteries, and now functions as an ethnographic museum as well, reflecting the rites of the sect.{{cite web |title=Mevlevi Tekke Museum |url=http://www.eemd.gov.ct.tr/en-us/mevlevitekkemuseum.aspx |publisher=TRNC Department of Antiquities |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102043957/http://www.eemd.gov.ct.tr/en-us/mevlevitekkemuseum.aspx |archive-date=2 January 2015 |url-status=dead}}

The Lapidary Museum was originally built as a guesthouse for the pilgrims visiting the St. Sophia Cathedral (now the Selimiye Mosque). It hosts a collection of architectural artefacts and antiquities that have been excavated.{{cite web |title=Lapidary Museum |url=http://www.eemd.gov.ct.tr/en-us/lapidarymuseum.aspx |publisher=TRNC Department of Antiquities |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102044618/http://www.eemd.gov.ct.tr/en-us/lapidarymuseum.aspx |archive-date=2 January 2015 |url-status=dead}}

The Near East University campus is also home to three museums: the Communications Museum, the Art Museum and the Classical Cars Museum.{{cite web |title=Museums |url=http://www.neu.edu.tr/en/node/863 |publisher=NEU |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102020405/http://www.neu.edu.tr/en/node/863 |url-status=live }}

File:Turkish Cypriot Nicosia Municipal Orchestra in Büyük Han.jpg

The Turkish Cypriot State Theatre and Nicosia Municipal Theater are headquartered in Nicosia and put on a number of plays each year. The Nicosia Turkish Municipality organises the Cyprus Theatre Festival annually, and prominent theatrical groups from Turkey as well as the Nicosia Municipal Theatre participate in the festival that takes place in the Atatürk Culture and Congress Centre of the Near East University. Theatre is very popular in Northern Cyprus, and as such, long queues form for the ticket sales of the festival, with the number of theatre-goers increasing every year.[http://www.yeniduzen.com/Haberler/kultur-ve-sanat/bilet-satisi-basladi/41607 Bilet satışı başladı] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228193330/http://www.yeniduzen.com/Haberler/kultur-ve-sanat/bilet-satisi-basladi/41607 |date=28 December 2014 }}, Yeni Düzen, retrieved on 28 December 2014.TRNC State Planning Organization. 2008 Yılı Makroekonomik ve Sektörel Gelişmeler, June 2010, p. 169.Kıbrıs Tiyatro Festivali. Nicosia Turkish Municipality and Nicosia Municipal Theatre. The Nicosia Municipal Theatre children as well{{cite web |title=Lefkoşa Belediye Tiyatrosu Çocuk ve Gençlik Ekibi |url=http://www.kibrisgenctv.com/k%C3%BClt%C3%BCr-sanat/lefkosa-belediye-tiyatrosu-cocuk-ve-genclik-ekibi.html |publisher=Genç TV |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102044352/http://www.kibrisgenctv.com/k%C3%BClt%C3%BCr-sanat/lefkosa-belediye-tiyatrosu-cocuk-ve-genclik-ekibi.html |url-status=live }} and the Gönyeli municipality holds its own theatre workshop that puts on plays.{{cite web |title=Gönyeli Sam'da "İncir" isimli tiyatro oyunu sahnelenecek |url=http://www.gundemkibris.com/gonyeli-samda-incir-isimli-tiyatro-oyunu-sahnelenecek-96010h.htm |publisher=Gündem Kıbrıs |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102044346/http://www.gundemkibris.com/gonyeli-samda-incir-isimli-tiyatro-oyunu-sahnelenecek-96010h.htm |url-status=live }} Nicosia Artistic Theatre is another theatrical group that is active in the city.{{cite web |title=LST, 'Birtakım Azizlikler' ile sezona start verdi |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/49/news/139359/PageName/KULTUR_SANAT |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102173628/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/49/news/139359/PageName/KULTUR_SANAT |url-status=live }}

Nicosia Turkish Municipality founded its Lefkoşa Municipal Orchestra{{cite web |title=Nicosia Municipality presents theater fest | date=2 September 2012 |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/nicosia-municipality-presents-theater-fest.aspx?pageID=238&nID=29212&NewsCatID=384 |publisher=Hürriyet |access-date=23 April 2015 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924125045/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/nicosia-municipality-presents-theater-fest.aspx?pageID=238&nID=29212&NewsCatID=384 |url-status=live }} in 1987. Since then, the orchestra has grown and developed several branches, including the Children's Choir, Folk Music Choir, Pop Orchestra, Latin Orchestra and the Chamber Music Orchestra, with about 90 participants, most of whom are volunteers. The orchestra frequently delivers concerts and participates in big musical festivals held in the country. At times, the orchestra delivers concerts at open spaces, such as parks and squares. It also holds composing contests.{{cite web |title=Tarihçemiz |url=http://www.lefkosabelediyeorkestrasi.net/?SyfNmb=2&pt=Hakk%C4%B1m%C4%B1zda |publisher=Nicosia Municipal Orchestra |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102044507/http://www.lefkosabelediyeorkestrasi.net/?SyfNmb=2&pt=Hakk%C4%B1m%C4%B1zda |url-status=live }} The Presidential Symphony Orchestra of Northern Cyprus, founded in 2015, is based in North Nicosia and as of 2018, the works for building a concert hall and headquarters for the orchestra are underway.{{cite web |title=CSO binası için düğmeye basıldı |url=http://www.kibrisgazetesi.com/kultur-sanat/cso-binasi-icin-dugmeye-basildi/38755 |publisher=Kıbrıs |access-date=9 June 2018 |archive-date=28 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528143752/http://www.kibrisgazetesi.com/kultur-sanat/cso-binasi-icin-dugmeye-basildi/38755 |url-status=live }} The city is home to the annual Nicosia Walled City Jazz Festival, at which both local and Turkish jazz musicians take the stage.{{cite web |title=2. Lefkoşa Surlariçi Caz Festivali devam ediyor |url=http://www.gundemkibris.com/2-lefkosa-surlarici-caz-festivali-devam-ediyor-94403h.htm |publisher=Gündem Kıbrıs |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102044429/http://www.gundemkibris.com/2-lefkosa-surlarici-caz-festivali-devam-ediyor-94403h.htm |url-status=live }}

The city hosts several folk dance groups, which organise annual festivals to perform Cypriot folk dances.{{cite web |title=Lefkoşa'da halk dansları şöleni |url=http://www.starkibris.net/index.asp?haberID=179975 |publisher=Star Kıbrıs |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102062716/http://www.starkibris.net/index.asp?haberID=179975 |url-status=live }} The foreign students or delegations visiting universities perform their own traditional dances.{{cite web |title=Kazakistan Lefkoşa'ya taşındı |url=http://www.neu.edu.tr/tr/node/3421 |publisher=Near East University |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102045959/http://www.neu.edu.tr/tr/node/3421 |url-status=live }} The city hosts folk dance shows of children from other countries in the annual children's day on 23 April.{{cite web |title=KKTC'de, 23 Nisan Etkinliklerle Kutlandı |date=23 April 2014 |url=http://www.haberler.com/kktc-de-23-nisan-etkinliklerle-kutlandi-5941679-haberi/ |publisher=haberler.com |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102062738/http://www.haberler.com/kktc-de-23-nisan-etkinliklerle-kutlandi-5941679-haberi/ |url-status=live }} North Nicosia annually hosts the Nicosia International Folk Dance Festival, where groups from various countries perform all around the city in parks and squares.

Several modern dance activities also take place in the city, where several dance schools are established. Internationally renowned musicals and dance shows are performed in front of crowded audiences in the Atatürk Culture and Congress Centre.{{cite web |title=Dansları ile hayat verdiler |url=http://www.diyaloggazetesi.com/magazin/danslari-ile-hayat-verdiler-h10668.html |publisher=Diyalog |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=24 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140824222854/http://www.diyaloggazetesi.com/magazin/danslari-ile-hayat-verdiler-h10668.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Grease Lefkoşa'da canlanıyor |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/49/news/116489/PageName/KULTUR_SANAT |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=13 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013215249/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/49/news/116489/PageName/KULTUR_SANAT |url-status=live }} In 2010, the city was part of the international Earthdance activity, which was witnessed by thousands of locals.

File:Yakın Doğu Üniversitesi Hastanesi.jpg

File:Cyprus International University campus 2.jpg

Nicosia is the seat of four Turkish Cypriot universities, namely the Near East University (NEU), Cyprus International University (CIU), University of Mediterranean Karpasia and the American University of Cyprus. It also hosts a campus of the Turkish Anadolu University, along with two vocational schools (Atatürk Academy of Teachers and the Police Academy) that are equivalent to universities. As of the 2014–2015 educational year, North Nicosia was home to a student population of over 34,000; Near East University is the largest university in Northern Cyprus with 25,068 students; Cyprus International University has 8324 students and the University of Mediterranean Karpasia has 632.{{cite web |title=2014–2015 Güz Dönemi KKTC Üniversitelerine Uyruklarına Göre Kayıtlı Öğrenci Sayıları |url=http://www.mebnet.net/?q=node/1422 |publisher=TRNC Ministry of Education |access-date=3 January 2015 |quote=Below are the numbers of students registered in TRNC universities for the 2014–15 autumn term: 25,068 in the Near East University [...] As for the student numbers of our other universities; the Cyprus International University has 8324 [...] the University of Mediterranean Karpasia 632 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103033212/http://www.mebnet.net/?q=node/1422 |archive-date=3 January 2015 |df=dmy-all}} The universities are home to great diversity, with the Near East University and Cyprus International University having students from 96 and 64 countries respectively.{{cite web |title=Sayılarla UKÜ |url=http://www.ciu.edu.tr/hakkimizda/bunlari-biliyormuydunuz/ |publisher=Cyprus International University |access-date=3 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221201432/http://www.ciu.edu.tr/hakkimizda/bunlari-biliyormuydunuz/ |archive-date=21 December 2014 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=KTMM'den Rektör Suat Günsel'e teşekkür plaketi |url=http://qha.com.ua/ktmm-den-rektor-suat-gunsel-e-tesekkur-plaketi-130724tr.html |publisher=Crimea News Agency |access-date=3 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103042448/http://qha.com.ua/ktmm-den-rektor-suat-gunsel-e-tesekkur-plaketi-130724tr.html |archive-date=3 January 2015 |url-status=dead}}

The Near East University was founded in 1988 and its campus is a few kilometres away from Nicosia proper.{{cite web |title=İletişim Bilgileri |url=http://www.neu.edu.tr/tr/node/386 |publisher=Near East University |access-date=1 January 2015 |archive-date=4 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004110954/http://www.neu.edu.tr/tr/node/386 |url-status=live }} The Cyprus International University followed in 1997 with a campus that is located at the Haspolat region, outside the proper city of Nicosia.{{cite web |title=Kuruluş Öyküsü ve Felsefemiz |url=http://www.ciu.edu.tr/hakkimizda/kurulus-oykusu-ve-felsefemiz/ |publisher=CIU |access-date=3 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221211707/http://www.ciu.edu.tr/hakkimizda/kurulus-oykusu-ve-felsefemiz/ |archive-date=21 December 2014 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Kampüs |url=http://www.ciu.edu.tr/iletisim/kampus/ |publisher=CIU |access-date=3 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129125557/http://www.ciu.edu.tr/iletisim/kampus/ |archive-date=29 January 2015 |url-status=dead}} The University of Mediterranean Karpasia was founded in 2011, and is located at a building in the Küçük Kaymaklı region, within the city of Nicosia.{{cite web |title=Akdeniz Karpaz Üniversitesi Rektörü Yörük, yeni üniversiteyi anlattı |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/91/news/85626 |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=3 January 2015 |archive-date=3 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103043924/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/91/news/85626 |url-status=live }}

The Near East University owns a supercomputer that ranks the 13th in the world and the first in the region in terms of computation speed and capacity, used to help universities from Turkey in their research along with the university itself, and has participated in the Large Hadron Collider experiment at CERN, as well as Ebola virus disease treatment research.{{cite web |title=CERN'deki deneye Yakın Doğu'nun süper bilgisayarı da katkı sağlıyor |url=http://www.zaman.com.tr/dunya_cerndeki-deneye-yakin-dogunun-super-bilgisayari-da-katki-sagliyor_1214994.html |publisher=Zaman |access-date=1 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102034440/http://www.zaman.com.tr/dunya_cerndeki-deneye-yakin-dogunun-super-bilgisayari-da-katki-sagliyor_1214994.html |archive-date=2 January 2015 |df=dmy-all}}{{cite web |title=NEU Supercomputer |url=http://aday.neu.edu.tr/index.php/en/homepage/106-english/recent/210-neu-supercomputer |publisher=Near East University |access-date=1 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102020923/http://aday.neu.edu.tr/index.php/en/homepage/106-english/recent/210-neu-supercomputer |archive-date=2 January 2015 |df=dmy-all}}{{cite web |title=KKTC'deki Yakın Doğu Üniversitesi Ebola virüsüne çare arayacak |url=http://www.bugun.com.tr/son-dakika/kktcdeki-yakin-dogu-universitesi--haberi/1389629 |publisher=Bugün |access-date=1 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102021412/http://www.bugun.com.tr/son-dakika/kktcdeki-yakin-dogu-universitesi--haberi/1389629 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |df=dmy-all}} The NEU has also locally developed and manufactured a completely solar energy-powered car{{cite web |title=KKTC'nin ilk yerli üretim güneş enerjili arabası MZ 535 |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/141267/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=1 January 2015 |archive-date=3 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103043921/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/141267/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }} and has research centers in topics ranging from tissue engineering to history.{{cite web |title=Research Centers |url=http://www.neu.edu.tr/en/node/6035 |publisher=Near East University |access-date=1 January 2015 |archive-date=17 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217031321/http://www.neu.edu.tr/en/node/6035 |url-status=live }} The Cyprus International University is home to eight research centers. Examples of research conducted include excavations that have uncovered the earliest human bones that have ever been found in Cyprus and possible devices that could be implanted on the human body to facilitate communication.{{cite web |title=Araştırma Merkezleri |url=http://www.ciu.edu.tr/akademik/arastirma-merkezleri/ |publisher=Cyprus International University |access-date=3 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221043654/http://www.ciu.edu.tr/akademik/arastirma-merkezleri/ |archive-date=21 December 2014 |url-status=dead}}

The Grand Library of the Near East University is home to over 1 million printed and 150 million electronic resources and is visited by more than 7000 people daily, and agreements have been signed to share these resources with Turkish institutions.{{cite web |title=YDÜ- TC Kültür Bakanlığı İşbirliği Protokolü Türkiye Basınında |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/84716 |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102025603/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/84716 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Grand Library |url=http://www.neu.edu.tr/en/node/1622 |publisher=NEU |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=18 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218045918/http://www.neu.edu.tr/en/node/1622 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=İşte Türk'lerin Kütüphanesi |url=http://arama.hurriyet.com.tr/arsivnewsmobile.aspx?id=7918430 |publisher=Hürriyet |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102021030/http://arama.hurriyet.com.tr/arsivnewsmobile.aspx?id=7918430 |url-status=live }}

In the North Nicosia urban area there are 21 state-owned institutions that offer primary education, along with three special institutions for children with disabilities.{{cite web |title=Lefkoşa ilçesinde bulunan ilköğretim okullarımız |url=http://www.mebnet.net/?q=node/77 |publisher=TRNC Ministry of Education |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102173613/http://www.mebnet.net/?q=node/77 |url-status=live }} The city hosts three kinds of high schools: state-owned highschools (lise) that teach in Turkish, state-owned "colleges" (kolej) that teach in English and private high schools. The Türk Maarif Koleji is a state-owned high school with over 1000 students that teaches in English, was established in 1964 and prepares students for the British educational system.{{cite web |title=School Profile |url=http://tmk.mebnet.net/profile.asp |publisher=Türk Maarif Koleji |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225062936/http://tmk.mebnet.net/profile.asp |archive-date=25 February 2012 |url-status=dead}} The private high schools in Nicosia are the Near East College, the Levent College and the TED College.{{cite web |title=Genel Ortaöğretim Dairesine bağlı okullarımız |url=http://www.mebnet.net/?q=node/75 |publisher=TRNC Ministry of Education |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102173344/http://www.mebnet.net/?q=node/75 |url-status=live }} There are also the state-owned Anadolu High School of Fine Arts{{cite web |title=Aim and Mission |url=http://lagsl.mebnet.net/index3.htm |publisher=Anadolu Güzel Sanatlar Lisesi |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108145153/http://lagsl.mebnet.net/index3.htm |archive-date=8 November 2013 |url-status=dead}} and four vocational high schools.{{cite web |title=Mesleki Teknik Öğretim Dairesine bağlı okullarımız |url=http://www.mebnet.net/?q=node/74 |publisher=TRNC Ministry of Education |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102175014/http://www.mebnet.net/?q=node/74 |url-status=live }}

File:Bus stop in Bedrettin Demirel Avenue North Nicosia.jpg]]

North Nicosia is a major transport hub in Northern Cyprus, where the highways from the other major cities of Northern Cyprus, Famagusta, Kyrenia and Morphou intersect. It is connected to the other cities with modern, four-lane highways: the D-30 highway from Morphou to Famagusta passes through Nicosia, D-25 to Kyrenia. Ercan International Airport has been used for international flights. There is no train or metro system nor plans to develop one. In 2011, plans to build a tram system were put forward but rejected, yet the popular opinion is strongly in favour of establishing one.{{cite web |title=Lefkoşalı da tramvay istiyor! |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/149613/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=6 January 2015 |archive-date=22 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722051646/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/149613/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }}

North Nicosia has seen the construction of new highways and roads recently to solve its traffic problem, including the construction of two ringroads in the 2010s. One of these links the Metehan area and indirectly the Dereboyu region to Alayköy and indirectly the highway to Morphou, and was completed and opened to public traffic in 2014.{{cite web |title=Metehan-Güzelyurt yolu açılıyor |url=http://www.kibrisgazetesi.com/?p=5606 |publisher=Kıbrıs |access-date=6 January 2015 |archive-date=7 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107022202/http://www.kibrisgazetesi.com/?p=5606 |url-status=live }} The other one, the Nicosia Northern Ringroad, is currently under construction and will connect D-30 from Famagusta to Morphou directly to D-25 from Kyrenia, preventing the entry of vehicles from Kyrenia going to the airport and from Famagusta to Kyrenia, Gönyeli or Morphou into the city. While the construction stalled for a time due to land disputes, the work on the project recommenced in 2018.{{cite web |title=Lefkoşa trafiğine iki çevre yolu |url=http://www.haberkktc.com/haber/lefkosa-trafigine-iki-cevre-yolu-24370.html |publisher=Haber KKTC |access-date=6 January 2015 |archive-date=18 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118203018/http://www.haberkktc.com/haber/lefkosa-trafigine-iki-cevre-yolu-24370.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Lefkoşa Çevre Yolu projesi hızla ileriliyor |url=http://www.brtk.net/lefkosa-cevre-yolu-projesi-hizla-ileriliyor/ |publisher=BRT |access-date=21 September 2015 |date=30 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919175318/http://www.brtk.net/lefkosa-cevre-yolu-projesi-hizla-ileriliyor/ |archive-date=19 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Lefkoşa Kuzey Çevre Yolu'nda çalışmalar başlıyor |date=11 April 2018 |url=http://www.yeniduzen.com/lefkosa-kuzey-cevre-yolunda-calismalari-basliyor-101085h.htm |publisher=Yenidüzen |access-date=9 June 2018 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140858/http://www.yeniduzen.com/lefkosa-kuzey-cevre-yolunda-calismalari-basliyor-101085h.htm |url-status=live }}

The company of LETTAŞ provides bus services in North Nicosia.{{cite web |url=http://www.starkibris.net/index.asp?haberID=7588 |title=Kurban bayramı yarın başlıyor |access-date=28 April 2012 |publisher=Star Kıbrıs |date=19 December 2007 |archive-date=4 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104235836/http://www.starkibris.net/index.asp?haberID=7588 |url-status=live }} Buses are the only form of public transport available, and the system is considered unreliable due to the unplanned city growth, resulting in private cars being the primary means of transport.{{cite web |title=Gelişim Planı |url=http://www.spd.gov.ct.tr/Portals/103/5.0%20Geli%C5%9Fme%20Plan%C4%B1%20PDF.pdf |publisher=TRNC Department of City Planning |access-date=5 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305184333/http://www.spd.gov.ct.tr/Portals/103/5.0%20Geli%C5%9Fme%20Plan%C4%B1%20PDF.pdf |archive-date=5 March 2016 |url-status=dead}} There is a bus terminal in the region of Yenişehir.Nicosia Shopping & Travel Guide, Sü-Ha Tic., p. 80 The walled city has been facilitated to be easily navigable on foot, but the municipality has been criticised over the lack of a reliable system of public transport.{{cite web |title=Mimarlar Odası Başkanı Azmi Öge: "Çarpık şehir..." |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/137697/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102142951/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/137697/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }}

A bicycle-sharing system called Velespeed was introduced by the municipality in 2018. The system consists of 410 bicycles and stations for rental or drop-off placed across the city, within 15 minutes of cycling distance of one another.{{cite web |title=Bisiklet paylaşım sistemi Velespeed Lefkoşa kuruldu |url=http://www.brtk.net/bisiklet-paylasim-sistemi-velespeed-lefkosa-kuruldu/ |publisher=BRT |access-date=9 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143638/http://www.brtk.net/bisiklet-paylasim-sistemi-velespeed-lefkosa-kuruldu/ |archive-date=12 June 2018 |url-status=dead}}

File:Nicosia Ataturk Stadium.jpg

File:CIU Arena Basketball.jpg

North Nicosia hosts five out of the fourteen teams of the Turkish Cypriot Süper Lig, the top football division in Northern Cyprus: Çetinkaya, Yenicami, Küçük Kaymaklı, Gönyeli and Gençlik Gücü.{{cite web |title=K-Pet Süper Lig Puan Tablosu |url=http://www.ktff.net/KTFFLigler/fiksturvepuancetveli/1 |publisher=Turkish Cypriot Football Federation |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=8 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108171436/http://www.ktff.net/KTFFLigler/fiksturvepuancetveli/1 |url-status=live }} Çetinkaya is the most successful Turkish Cypriot team with 14 titles, and teams from Nicosia have won the majority of the trophies in the league. Çetinkaya is also the oldest member of the league, founded in 1930, and holds the distinction of having won the united Cypriot league prior to the division. There is also a large following of Turkish football teams in the city, with celebrations in the Dereboyu area for their victories.{{cite web |title=Dereboyu şenlendi |url=http://www.sporkibris.com/dereboyu-senlendi/ |publisher=Spor Kıbrıs |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104181213/http://www.sporkibris.com/dereboyu-senlendi/ |archive-date=4 January 2015 |url-status=dead}}

The city annually hosts the Nicosia Marathon, to which over a thousand people participated in 2014, including leading political figures. The marathon passes through the city's popular avenues and landmarks with the categories of 4, 8 and 21 kilometres, the 4 km being regarded as a public walk.{{cite web |title=Lefkoşa Maratonu başladı |url=http://www.sporkibris.com/lefkosa-maratonu-basladi/ |publisher=Spor Kıbrıs |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=9 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009080623/http://www.sporkibris.com/lefkosa-maratonu-basladi/ |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Lefkoşa Maratonu tamamlandı |url=http://akdenizhaberajansi.com.tr/haberler-10788.html |publisher=Akdeniz News Agency |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104182013/http://akdenizhaberajansi.com.tr/haberler-10788.html |archive-date=4 January 2015 |url-status=dead}} Among the other sports events in the city is the Lefkoşa Open tennis tournament.{{cite web |title=Merit Lefkoşa Open 2014 Tenis Turnuvası'nda Final Zamanı |url=http://www.sporkibris.com/merit-lefkosa-open-2014-tenis-turnuvasinda-final-zamani/ |publisher=Spor Kıbrıs |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=9 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009080627/http://www.sporkibris.com/merit-lefkosa-open-2014-tenis-turnuvasinda-final-zamani/ |url-status=dead}} Lefkoşa Beach Volley Arena located in the city hosts the annual Zafer Beach Volleyball Cup that are part of the Turkish national cup.{{cite web |title=Arena şenlendi |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/print.php?news=140194 |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104184229/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/print.php?news=140194 |url-status=live }} In 2015, the city hosted the first Nicosia Youth and Sports Festival, encompassing a number of sports activities from 22 sports,{{cite web |title=Gençler 'Festival'de yarışacak |url=http://www.yeniduzen.com/Haberler/spor/gencler-festival-de-yarisacak/51364 |publisher=Yeni Düzen |access-date=29 August 2015 |date=14 May 2015 |archive-date=25 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725082236/http://www.yeniduzen.com/Haberler/spor/gencler-festival-de-yarisacak/51364 |url-status=live }} including a street basketball event, tennis, handball, shooting, boxing and table tennis tournaments.{{cite web |title="Spor Festivali" başladı |url=http://www.havadiskibris.com/Haberler/spor/spor-festivali-basladi/56262 |publisher=Havadis |access-date=29 August 2015 |date=16 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717195402/http://www.havadiskibris.com/Haberler/spor/spor-festivali-basladi/56262 |archive-date=17 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}

North Nicosia is home to several sports venues. The center of sports in the city is considered to be the Atatürk Sports Complex, home of the Nicosia Atatürk Stadium, which is the biggest stadium in the island with a capacity of 28,000 people. The stadium is the home of Çetinkaya and Yenicami.{{cite web |title=Stadiums in Northern Cyprus |url=http://www.worldstadiums.com/middle_east/countries/north_cyprus.shtml |publisher=World Stadiums |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=8 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208070142/http://www.worldstadiums.com/middle_east/countries/north_cyprus.shtml |url-status=dead}} The sports complex also hosts the Atatürk Sports Hall, which functions as an arena for basketball, volleyball{{cite web |title=Filede final zamanı |url=http://www.brtk.net/filede-final-zamani/ |publisher=BRT |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002215311/http://www.brtk.net/filede-final-zamani/ |archive-date=2 October 2018 |url-status=dead}} and handball,{{cite web |title=Hentbolda üç karşılaşma oynandı |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/41/news/117526/PageName/SPOR |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104153706/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/41/news/117526/PageName/SPOR |url-status=live }} the Atatürk Indoor Swimming Pool, where popular swimming competitions are held with Turkish teams also participating,{{cite web |title=Atatürk Kapalı Yüzme Havuzu Açıldı |url=http://www.gundemkibris.com/ataturk-kapali-yuzme-havuzu-acildi-1773h.htm |publisher=Gündem Kıbrıs |access-date=4 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104152357/http://www.gundemkibris.com/ataturk-kapali-yuzme-havuzu-acildi-1773h.htm |archive-date=4 January 2015 |df=dmy-all}}{{cite web |title=Yüzmede ödül günü |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/41/news/128256/PageName/SPOR |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104152807/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/41/news/128256/PageName/SPOR |url-status=live }} tennis courts{{cite web |title=KKTC-TC 14 Yaş Genç Milli Takımlar Turnuvası Şampiyonları Belli Oldu |url=http://www.ttf.org.tr/2012/11/kktc-tc-14-yas-genc-milli-takimlar-turnuvasi-sampiyonlari-belli-oldu/ |publisher=Turkish Tennis Federation |access-date=4 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104161625/http://www.ttf.org.tr/2012/11/kktc-tc-14-yas-genc-milli-takimlar-turnuvasi-sampiyonlari-belli-oldu/ |archive-date=4 January 2015 |df=dmy-all}} and headquarters of the Turkish Cypriots sports federations of several branches. The complex also hosts an athlete training facility, and is accessible to disabled athletes.{{cite web |title=Engelli Sporculara Kuzey Kıbrıs Turkcell Dopingi |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/18331/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104152411/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/18331/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }} The Nicosia Turkish Municipality is active in terms of building new sports facilities and has done so in the Metehan area,{{cite web |title=Lefkoşa Türk Belediyesi 'den Metehan'a dev hizmet |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/59398 |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104184124/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/59398 |url-status=live }} with projects underway in the Hamitköy and Haspolat regions.{{cite web |title=LTB Hamitköy ve Haspolat için Spor Kompleksi inşa edecek |date=8 October 2010 |url=http://haberkibris.com/81f136f4-2010_10_08.html |publisher=Haber Kıbrıs |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104181921/http://haberkibris.com/81f136f4-2010_10_08.html |url-status=live }}

North Nicosia has hosted international sports organisations. It hosted the 9th Global Taekwondo Federation World Taekwondo Championship in 2013{{cite web |title=ORGANİZE ETTİĞİMİZ VE KATILDIĞIMIZ MİLLİ VE İKİLİ TEMASLAR (1979 –2013) |url=http://kktctaekwondo.org.tr/federasyonumuz/organize-ettigimiz-ve-katildigimiz-milli-ve-ikili-temaslar-1979-2012/ |publisher=TRNC Taekwondo Federation |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104153004/http://kktctaekwondo.org.tr/federasyonumuz/organize-ettigimiz-ve-katildigimiz-milli-ve-ikili-temaslar-1979-2012/ |archive-date=4 January 2015 |url-status=dead}} and the Economic Cooperation Organization University Games in 2013. Its prospects of hosting and participating in many international tournaments are hindered by an international sports embargo.{{cite web |title=Kıbrıs, ilk uluslararası spor organizasyonuna imza attı |url=http://www.zaman.com.tr/spor_kibris-ilk-uluslararasi-spor-organizasyonuna-imza-atti_2079240.html |publisher=Zaman |access-date=4 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104152931/http://www.zaman.com.tr/spor_kibris-ilk-uluslararasi-spor-organizasyonuna-imza-atti_2079240.html |archive-date=4 January 2015 |df=dmy-all}} It was also part of the annual Cyprus Rally in 2014, which garnered huge popular attention and attracted crowds.{{cite web |title=Bir rallinin ardından… |url=http://www.gundemkibris.com/bir-rallinin-ardindan-6760yy.htm |publisher=Gündem Kıbrıs |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104161443/http://www.gundemkibris.com/bir-rallinin-ardindan-6760yy.htm |url-status=live }}

The universities contribute significantly to the sports life of North Nicosia. The Near East University has the only Olympic pool in the island with an area of 2700 square meters, and over 12000 people have attended swimming courses in the pool.{{cite web |title=Olimpik Kapalı Yüzme Havuzu |url=http://www.neu.edu.tr/node/450 |publisher=Near East University |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102020456/http://www.neu.edu.tr/node/450 |url-status=live }} It also has a modern sports hall and a health and wellness campus covering more than 2000 square meters.{{cite web |title=Health and Wellness Center |url=http://www.neu.edu.tr/en/node/853 |publisher=NEU |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426075128/http://neu.edu.tr/en/node/853 |url-status=live }} Its synchronised swimming team carries out regular performances{{cite web |title=Yakın Doğu Üniversitesi Su Balesi Takımı'nın muhteşem gösterisi |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/106089/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=1 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102025444/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/106089/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |url-status=live }} and is active in several branches.{{cite web |title=Social and Cultural Activities |url=http://www.neu.edu.tr/en/node/849 |publisher=Near East University |access-date=1 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102020959/http://www.neu.edu.tr/en/node/849 |url-status=live }} The CIU Arena of the Cyprus International University has a total area of 22,500 square metres and is the biggest integrated sports complex in Northern Cyprus. It hosts an indoor sports hall, an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts and other facilities from a beach handball arena to a climbing wall.{{cite web |title=CIU Arena Sports Complex |url=http://www.ciu.edu.tr/en/spor/etkinlikler/ciu-arena-spor-kompleksi/ |publisher=CIU |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109105859/http://www.ciu.edu.tr/en/spor/etkinlikler/ciu-arena-spor-kompleksi/ |archive-date=9 November 2014 |url-status=dead}} It also has the CIU Foxes teams, whose men's handball branch won the national league two times in a row.{{cite web |title=CIU "Foxes" Teams |url=http://www.ciu.edu.tr/en/spor/etkinlikler/uku-foxes-takimlari/ |publisher=CIU |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109105903/http://www.ciu.edu.tr/en/spor/etkinlikler/uku-foxes-takimlari/ |archive-date=9 November 2014 |url-status=dead}}

{{More citations needed section|date=May 2020}}

{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Northern Cyprus}}

North Nicosia is twinned with:

File:Nicosia State Hospital north.jpg|Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital

Backstreet in North Nicosia.jpg|A backstreet in the walled city

Backstreet in historical North Nicosia.jpg|A backstreet in the walled city

File:Nicosia 01-2017 img33 AtatuerkSquare.jpg|Court of law in North Nicosia

File:Nikozja polnoc4.jpg|Arabahmet Mosque

Galif Meyhanesi (Selimiye Mosque).jpg|A cultural center-tavern in the walled city

Rumi Museum - Northern Cyprus.jpg|Mevlevi Museum

File:Arasta Nicosia Northern Cyprus.jpg|The Arasta region

File:Nicosia 01-2017 img24 Haydar Pasha Mosque.jpg|Haydar Pasha Mosque

File:Nicosia Ledra street view from north.jpg|Ledra Street

File:Nicosia Ledra street border.jpg|Ledra Street

File:Dereboyu at night North Nicosia 2.jpg|Dereboyu at night

File:Dereboyu north nicosia 4.jpg|Dereboyu during daytime

File:Bulent Ecevit Monument and Square North Nicosia.jpg|Bülent Ecevit Square in Taşkınköy/Göçmenköy

• List of divided cities
• United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Commons category|North Nicosia}}

• {{wikivoyage-inline|North Nicosia}}
• [http://www.lefkosaturkbelediyesi.org/ Nicosia Turkish Municipality website]

{{Municipalities of Northern Cyprus}}

{{Municipalities of Cyprus}}

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Category:Capitals in Asia

Category:Capitals in Europe

Category:Divided cities

Category:Historic sites in Cyprus

Category:Fortified settlements

Category:Municipalities in Nicosia District

Category:Municipalities of Northern Cyprus