The owner of this two-storey 19th century mansion was Derviş Paşa, the publisher of "Zaman" – the first Turkish newspaper in Cyprus. The mansion is in the historically charming Arap Ahmet district of the city and has two entrances: on the main entrance, the year 1219 of the Muslim Calendar (1807) is visible, whilst the year 1869 is visible on the ornamented ceiling of the main room which...
South of the Kyrenia Gate, you will find the Mevlana Museum, a fine 16th century rectangular building on which rest six domes. It was constructed by a general named Arap Ahmet Paşa following the Ottoman conquest of the island. Arap Ahmet Pasa, together with the commander of the conquering army, Lala Mustafa Paşa, was a member of the Mevlevi order (order of dervishes founded by Mevlana Ja...
The Selimiye Mosque is one of the most important mosques in North Cyprus (all the great Muslim festivals being conducted here), as well as being one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture on the island. Formerly the Cathedral of St. Sophia, the current building was constructed in the 13th century, but in 1976, it was discovered to have been built over the ruins of an even earlier building. ...
Constructed in the 12th century, this Byzantine church (St. Nicholas Church) was later enlarged with Gothic annexes built by the Lusignans. The Venetians also altered the building somewhat before handing it to over the Greek Orthodox Metropolis. Then, during the Ottoman period, this building changed hands again, serving as a depot and a market where mostly textile products were sold.&n...
Dating back to the 16th century, this Ottoman building situated in Asmalti Street used to serve as a 67-room inn for locals or caravans passing through the town. Following careful restoration, it now houses several galleries and handicraft shops, as well as a café/restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Turkish Cypriot food. Occasionally, it is also the setting for plays, concerts and special r...
