Turkish Nicosia, here called Lefkoşa (pronounced Lef-ko-sha), is north of the dividing “Green Line”. There is only one border crossing in Nicosia, near the old Ledra Palace Hotel. Cypriots, Greeks and Turks are not allowed to cross the borderline; only tourists can get a daily visa – normally without bigger complications. It is a somehow strange feeling, to be able to switch the areas more or less easily, whereas locals are not allowed to visit their old home villages on the opposite side for now more than 25 years.

The difference between the Greek and the Turkish part is easy to recognize. While the Greek new city in the south is modern and lively, Lefkoşa is traditional in style and facilities. There are several gothic structures and sights, as Selimiye Mosque or the Lapidary Museum. There is also a number of Ottoman style public buildings, such as the Arabahmet Mosque, the Büyük Han (Great Inn) or the Kumarcilar Han (Gamblers Inn).

For more info on Greek Nicosia (Lefkosia), see Nicosia