Ενημέρωση για δραστηριότητες Συμβουλευτικού Κέντρου - Update on Activities Advisory Centre

Το Πολυδύναμο Δημοτικό Κέντρο Λευκωσίας γνωστοποιεί πως διαθέτει πλέον υπηρεσία ενημέρωσης για τις δραστηριότητες του μέσω μηνυμάτων (sms) ή ηλεκτρονικού ταχυδρομείου (e-mail) χωρίς καμιά απολύτως χρέωση. Εάν επιθυμείτε να λαμβάνετε ενημέρωση για τα επόμενα βιωματικά εργαστήρια, διαλέξεις και δραστηριότητες του "Συμβουλευτικού Κέντρου" (Συ.Κε.) ή για τις δράσεις του "Πολυπολιτισμικού Κέντρου Φροντίδας Παιδιών Λευκωσίας (παιδική λέσχη), του "Κέντρου Ηλικιωμένων Λευκωσίας" (για άτομα τρίτης ηλικίας), της "Κατ' οίκον φροντίδας" (για άτομα τρίτης ηλικίας), του "Διαπολιτισμικού Κέντρου" (για ενήλικες μετανάστες) και του "Ανοικτού Σχολείου" του Πολυδύναμου Δημοτικού Κέντρου Λευκωσίας, επικοινωνήστε στα τηλ.: 22797870 και 22797850 ή στείλτε με e-mail στο polidinamo2@nicosiamunicipality.org.cy το ονοματεπώνυμο σας και τον αριθμό του κινητού σας τηλεφώνου. Το Πολυδύναμο Δημοτικό Κέντρο Λευκωσίας υλοποιεί προγράμματα κοινωνικής πρόνοιας με στόχο την ικανοποίηση των αναγκών των δημοτών της Λευκωσίας.

The Nicosia Municipal Multipurpose Center announces that now has update service activities through messages (sms) or e-mail without any charge. If you wish to receive information about the next workshops, lectures and activities of the "Advisory Centre" (Ad.Ce.) or for the actions of "Multicultural Child Care Centre Nicosia (children's club), the "Senior Center Nicosia" (for senior age), the "home care" (for seniors), "The Intercultural Center" (adult immigrants) and the "Open School" of Nicosia Municipal Multipurpose Center, please contact us at tel: 22797870 and 22797850 or email to polidinamo2@nicosiamunicipality.org.cy your name and number of your mobilephone. the Nicosia Municipal Multipurpose Center implements social welfare programs aimed at meeting the needs of the citizens of Nicosia.

Μετακινήσεις με τραμ και ποδήλατο - Travel by tram and bicycle

Το νέο χωροταξικό σχέδιο μετακινήσεων της Λευκωσίας

Νέο πρόσωπο θα αποκτήσει η Λευκωσία μέσα στα επόμενα 10 περίπου χρόνια σε ό,τι αφορά το οδικό δίκτυο και τις δημόσιες συγκοινωνίες. Νέες λεωφόροι, τακτικές διαδρομές λεωφορείων που θα ενώνουν ακτινωτά και τους επτά δήμους της πρωτεύουσας, τραμ, ποδηλατόδρομοι, μονοδρομήσεις γνωστών λεωφόρων και άνετα πεζοδρόμια αναφέρονται στον φιλόδοξο σχεδιασμό της κυβέρνησης. Η Υπουργός Συγκοινωνιών και Δημοσίων Έργων, Ερατώ Κοζάκου Μαρκουλή, παρουσίασε πρόσφατα το νέο σχεδιασμό και άνοιξε το δημόσιο διάλογο για το πως θα πρέπει να είναι το ολοκληρωμένο χωροταξικό σχέδιο μετακινήσεων της Λευκωσίας. Ζήτησε, μάλιστα, τη συνεργασία όλων των εμπλεκομένων φορέων, ούτως ώστε το όραμα του Υπουργείου να γίνει σταδιακά πραγματικότητα, υπογραμμίζοντας ότι η πρωτεύουσα δεν διαθέτει δημόσιο δίκτυο συγκοινωνιών και αυτό επιβάλλεται να γίνει με κάθε κόστος. Στην ευρύτερη αστική περιοχή της Λευκωσίας, το μερίδιο μετακινήσεων των δημόσιων συγκοινωνιών είναι μόνο 3%, ενώ δε του ποδηλάτου κάτω από 2%. Η συνεχόμενη αύξηση των κυκλοφοριακών προβλημάτων έχει σοβαρό αντίκτυπο στο αστικό περιβάλλον. Το ολοκληρωμένο Σχέδιο Κινητικότητας για τη Λευκωσία (ΟΣΚΛ) αποτελεί μια κρίσιμη καμπή για την πολιτική των μεταφορών.

Η κυπριακή κυβέρνηση και η τοπική αυτοδιοίκηση προτίθενται να βελτιώσουν την υφιστάμενη κατάσταση, με την ενίσχυση του μεριδίου των δημοσίων συγκοινωνιών στο 10% (κίνηση για την οποία, μέχρι στιγμής, ως όμιλος ιστολογίων και ως δημότες Λευκωσίας έχουμε μόνο ευμενή σχόλια) μέχρι το 2020. Η επίτευξη των φιλόδοξων αυτών στόχων περιλαμβάνει μια πολυκεντρική χωρική ανάπτυξη. Η πολυκεντρική Λευκωσία απαιτεί αειφόρες μεταφορές υψηλής ποιότητας, οι οποίες να μπορούν να ανταγωνιστούν το αυτοκίνητο.  Αυτό σημαίνει ανάπτυξη του δικτύου δημόσιων μεταφορών με εξαιρετικά ποιοτικές υπηρεσίες και συνθήκες ασφαλούς ποδηλασίας.

Δημόσιες Μεταφορές

Το ΟΣΚΛ περιλαμβάνει ένα άριστο δίκτυο δημόσιων μεταφορών Δίκτυο ακτινικής διαμόρφωσης, με το ένα τερματικό των περισσοτέρων γραμμών λεωφορείων στο κέντρο της πόλης (τη γνωστή σε όλους μας πλατεία Σολωμού) και δίκτυο πολυκεντρικής διαμόρφωσης με τερματικό σταθμό, εκτός από το κέντρο της πόλης και σε άλλα περιφερειακά κέντρα δραστηριοτήτων, όπως στην περιοχή του νέου Γενικού Νοσοκομείου, του Μακαρίου Σταδίου, του Δημαρχείου Στροβόλου, του Πανεπιστημίου Κύπρου και στην περιοχή του Πανεπιστημίου Λευκωσίας (πρώην Intercollege).

Στο σχεδιασμό αναφέρεται επίσης ότι η εισαγωγή των τραμ είναι ενδεχομένως εφικτή. Καθορίστηκε ένα δίκτυο τραμ που θα συνδέει τα τέσσερα μεγάλα κέντρα της περιοχής: την πλατεία Σολωμού, την περιοχή του νέου Γενικού Νοσοκομείου, την περιοχή του Μακαρίου Σταδίου και την περιοχή κοντά στο Δημαρχείο Στροβόλου. Η ολοκλήρωση του οδικού δικτύου θεωρείται ιδιαίτερα σημαντική για την εξυπηρέτηση των μετακινήσεων που προβλέπονται για το 2020 με όλες τις μορφές κυκλοφορίας.

Αναδημοσίευση από το περιοδικό "Πρωτεύουσα", τεύχος Αυγούστου 2010.

The new spatial plan movements of Nicosia

New entity will acquire Nicosia within the next 10 years to about what the roads and public transport. New malls, regular bus routes that will radiate out and join the seven municipalities of the capital, tram, cycle known one-way avenues and spacious sidewalks referred to the ambitious plan of government. The Minister of Transport, Public Works, Erato Kozakou Markouli, recently unveiled the new design and opened the debate on how they should be the comprehensive land use plan of Nicosia travel. She asked, in fact, the collaboration of all stakeholders so that the Ministry's vision to become reality gradually, noting that the capital has no public transport links and this should be done at any cost. In the wider urban area of ​​Nicosia, the share of public transport trips are only 3%, while the bike is less than 2%. The continued growth of traffic congestion has a serious impact on the urban environment. The Integrated Mobility Plan for Nicosia (IMPN) is a turning point for transport policy.

The Cypriot government and the local authorities intend to improve the existing situation by increasing the share of public transport in 10% (movement for which, so far, as a group blog and we as citizens of Nicosia only favorable comments) by 2020. Achieving these ambitious goals include a multicenter spatial development. The multicenter Nicosia sustainable transport requires high quality which can compete with the car. This means developing the public transport network with excellent quality services and conditions for safe cycling.

Public Transports

The IMPN includes an excellent network of public transport network radial configuration, with one terminal of most bus routes in the city center (known to us all Solomou Square) and polycentric network configuration terminal, except the town center and otherregional activity centers, as in the new General Hospital, Makarios Stadium, the Town Hall of Strovolos, University of Cyprus and the University of Nicosia (formerly Intercollege).

In the design also suggests that the introduction of trams is potentially feasible. They were a tram network linking the four major centers of the region: Solomos Square, the area of ​​the new General Hospital, the area of ​​Makarios Stadium and the area near Strovolos Municipality. The completion of the road network is particularly important for the convenience of travel planned for 2020 with all types of traffic.

Reprinted from "Protevousa" magazine, August 2010 issue.

Χρήσιμα τηλέφωνα Δήμου Λευκωσίας - Usefull Telephone Numbers Of Nicosia Municipality

Τηλεφωνικό κέντρο/Telephone Exchange: 22797000
Γραφείο Δημάρχου/Major's Office: 22797001
Δημοτικός Γραμματέας/Municipal Secretary: 22797002
Πολιτιστική Υπηρεσία/Cultural Service: 22797004

ΓΡΑΦΕΙΑ ΕΞΥΠΗΡΕΤΗΣΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΠΛΗΡΟΦΟΡΗΣΗΣ ΔΗΜΟΤΩΝ - OFFICE OF SERVICE AND INFORMATION OF RESIDENTS 

Δημαρχείο (Πλατεία Ελευθερίας)/Town Hall (Liberty Square): 22797007
Καϊμακλί/Kaimakli: 2277008
Πλατεία Ηπείρου (Άγαλμα Σολωμού)/Ipirou Square (Solomos statue): 22797009
Λήδρας/Ledras street: 22797010

Δημοτικός Μηχανικός/Municipal Engineer: 22797430

Γραφείο Ευρωπαϊκών Υποθέσεων/Office of European Affairs: 22797590

Εκπαιδευτικό Κέντρο Παιδιών/Educational Centre for Childrens: 22797400

Δημοτικό Κολυμβητήριο/Municipal Swimming Centre: 22781155

Δημοτικό Κοιμητήριο/Municipal Cemetery: 22610908, 22797190, 99673167

Ωράριο υπηρεσιών Δήμου Λευκωσίας - Hours of service Nicosia Municipality

Το ωράριο λειτουργίας των υπηρεσιών του δήμου Λευκωσίας είναι: Δευτέρα / Τρίτη / Πέμπτη / Παρασκευή: 07:30 - 14:30 και Τετάρτη 07:30 - 14:30 και 15:00 - 18:00. Οι ώρες εξυπηρέτησης του κοινού είναι:

• Δημοτικό Ταμείο:  Δευτέρα / Τρίτη / Πέμπτη / Παρασκευή: 08:00 - 13:00 και Τετάρτη 08:00 - 13:00 και 15:00 - 17:00
• Τεχνική Υπηρεσία:  Δευτέρα / Τρίτη / Πέμπτη / Παρασκευή: 11:00 - 13:00 και Τετάρτη 11:00 - 13:00 και 15:00 - 18:00
• Ταμείο Τεχνικής Υπηρεσίας:  Δευτέρα / Τρίτη / Πέμπτη / Παρασκευή: 11:00 - 13:00 και Τετάρτη 11:00 - 13:00 και 15:00 - 17:00

The schedule of services in the municipality of Nicosia are: Monday / Tuesday / Thursday /Friday: 07:30 - 14:30 and Wednesday 07:30 - 14:30 and 15:00 to 18:00. The branch operating hours are:

• Municipal Fund: Monday / Tuesday / Thursday / Friday: 08:00 - 13:00 and Wednesday 08:00 - 13:00 and 15:00 to 17:00
• Technical Service: Monday / Tuesday / Thursday / Friday: 11:00 to 13:00 and Wednesday11:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 18:00
• Fund for Technical Services: Monday / Tuesday / Thursday / Friday: 11:00 to 13:00 and Wednesday 11:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 17:00

PLATO'S, The Pub - Legend of the capital!

In a beautiful old mansion of Platonos street, within the walls of Nicosia, is the "mystery"  Plato's pub! In about 23 years of existence in the capital's night life and wrote history.It is no coincidence, moreover, included in the list of Best Bars of the World on "Newsweek International" magazine, but this is definitely not interested in any of the regulars - at least now!

When the clock strikes 20:00 and is New Year's Eve or Easter Saturday, the four candles around the black plaque with the inscription Plato's artistic light. This means that the pub is open. If you know what lies behind the wooden door of Plato Street, then to push through and enter with confidence. If you heard about it from some known and sought in the alleys of the old city, you may need help. If you found out that door at random, then it is very likely not understand that wooden door hidden behind a pub.

The Plato's either you love it or you do not like at all. There is no middle ground! It's knowing how to find that you like beer, but not be excluded and that the food menu includes very few options - you know what you want to eat before you go to Plato's! Just the atmosphere, a little music, a bit subversive slogans on the walls, the dusty bottles and broken glasses on the shelves ...

I liked the Plato's because its customers were missing all those supposedly "in" the nightlife of Nicosia and above all the kids who make a beer look like a playground that sells alcohol. In the adjacent bar stools can be a soldier sat EL.DY.K. or a foreign businessman who was in Nicosia for an international symposium.

Many of our questions, like the mystery ... of the cellar on the first floor, undertook to clarify the manager of Plato's, Leonidas Leventis.

When Plato's created and by whom? What is the current owner?

The Plato's opened in 1987 by Mr. Puzant Nadjarian, widely known as Jean. This year Jean had returned from France where he had gone after the Turkish invasion of 1974.The space houses the Plato's previously used by the youth of DI.SY. as a lounge.

The last six years the administration has to Plato's company, which after the departure of Jean from active duty, assigned to the general direction to me. I'm working in Plato's the last 14 years!

In your website (www.platosbar.com) say it is one of the most "unique bars in the world". What is your style?

The style of Plato's want to be a classic. It combines the decor of the American bar with a warm and familiar to all of the wood element, which meet in the pubs of England and Central Europe. Musical selections heard blues, jazz, rock and alternative.

The Plato's singles, also for large portions of food, although we want our menu is always small, but covers all tastes delicious. Hallmark of our menu is of course the marinated souvlaki, chicken or pork. But it is unique and our huge cheeseburger, homemade lachmatzoun and Scottish smoked salmon. The menu is filled with two kinds of vegetarian burgers and pizza.

The bar is famous for having the largest collection in Cyprus blended and malt whiskeys, vodkas, cognacs and several other, very rarely drinks from around the world.
We are also proud of our beautiful courtyard, which now operates in the winter with the help of two large fireplaces.
It is said, however, that you have and the rich variety of beer on whole Cyprus. It is true? How does this?
It is true! However, this needs a lot of knowledge on the subject, and large storage areas, and refrigerators. We buy beer so representatives from companies and directly from breweries around the world.
But the one you raised, we must say that the wine cellar of Plato's is as rich and can meet the requirements of many friends of wine.
The wine cellar offers up to 350 euros a bottle. We have huge collection of first class French wines, Grand Cru, in bottles of 37.5 cl (half) and 75 cl. The maintenance of a good wine cellar needs great knowledge because it can be seen as an investment. Our strategy is to invest "En Primeur", ie to buy great wines after making inquiries and follow all notices and reports shall, two years before bottling and enter the global market. The cellar of wine filled with "tags" from Italy, Spain, Greece, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Cyprus, Argentina and Portugal.
What is the style of its customers Plato's?
The ages of our customers starting mostly from the 25. Strictly forbid entry to anyone under 18 years. We call it "serious customers" because people are looking to enjoy a night in a decent environment and be confident that you will not have unpleasant surprises! We are high on the list of many major companies of Nicosia, who want to entertain their clients, whether they are Cypriots or foreigners.
It is true that you have dress code?
A few years ago does not permit entry to men wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts, but now, due to climatic conditions and fashion, restricting the sleeveless jerseys. If one is lucky, you give it a new coat of Plato's to not be forced to leave, but we have not always available! It may sound a bit tight, but I think that our effort to keep some rules recognized by our customers, such as strict time 20:00 to 2:00, the only two holidays (Saturday and Eve Protochronias), that the kitchen closes at 24:15: We believe the quality standards and that is what brought us success. Reward of all this work is the placement of Plato's in the list of Best Bars of the World magazine "Newsweek International".
The interview was taken by George Constantinou, to whom belongs the article that is reprinted from the first publication in "Protevoussa" magazine, issue November 2010.

Eco-bus of city

Another project is an ecological perspective that was in the planning and waiting ...

BY ARTEMIS - HELEN KAZACome the new eco-city buses that will serve everyone, even those who suffer only the idea to use the bus. The prolonged standing posture, lack of information and timetables, and the inadequate existing bus fleet is past. The new ecological buses are an innovative idea of ​​transfer, to be offered beyond the comfort and security and easy access for elderly and people with mobility problems or other disabilities.In yesterday's press conference at the Municipal Multipurpose Center "Palouriotissa Old Market", the company Demades Design and the Municipality of Nicosia presented the plans of new coach, explaining our use and purpose. The original plans of ecological buses are based on a survey that was conducted between March and June 2009, samples Municipality of Nicosia. "This research has helped the design team to identify current problems of the existing system and also to highlight the main features that should have a new coach," said Nicholas Demades, director of Demades Design and lead designer of the revolutionary new bus .The first public presentation of projects will have a report, which will be open to the public from the 1st to July 8th at the Municipal Multipurpose Center - "Old Market Palouriotissa."As shown, based on survey data, 66% of people do not use buses, due to the increased waiting time, 54% believe that the fleet is old and there is no information on schedules, and 42% identify that bus stops are poor condition. The new bus, typically, 70% choose to have modern air conditioning and ventilation, 58% identify the need for integrating information systems, 52% give priority to eco-design, 50% focus on functionality and comfort of the space, 46% believe significant ease of access for disabled and elderly, and finally 32% expect an attractive design. The bus transportation as a vehicle is not widespread on the island, with only 10% responded positively to the question of whether using the bus.Contributing to social cohesionAccording to Mr. Andrew F. Matsa, Chairman Committee Traffic and parking Nicosia Municipality: Through this design, the Nicosia Municipality contributes positively towards the enhancement of the element of public transport as a means of social intervention, which promotes and supports reconciliation between work and family, contributing to social cohesion.Our city needs proper public transport directly, while all citizens are ready to accept a well designed system, with a small flexible modern buses, with an attractive design and urban character.In addition to projects relating to exterior design, the emphasis is on indoor projects such as seats, special entry platforms, specially designed chassis and integrated information services. For drives the bus, it examines the internal combustion engine with reduced emissions of carbon dioxidiou and hybrids, which combine diesel engines with electric systems. "We also studied systems that use renewable energy sources like solar energy, which is very important for our country with such high sunlight for use by secondary needs such as bus air conditioning," said Nicholas Demades, continuing that "we try to design something not replicate any other bus, but to create something based on our own needs in Nicosia old and new. "Nicosia Mayor Eleni Blackat the press conference to launch the design of the city bus Friday, March 27, 2009 at 11:30 am City Hall in NicosiaWe present now a new and different project. We introduce the launch of an innovative design and eco-city bus and supporting systems.A bus designed by Demades Design Ltd and supports the initiative and provide the Municipality of Nicosia and CYTA. The purpose of the effort is to create a small, agile, ecological means of transport, suitable for servicing the historic city center and to connect with the wider city center.Our goal is to increase the people using public transport. It is still the use of new technology with respect to the environment for better functioning of the system, which takes into account the data and unusual features in Nicosia. It is ultimately the improvement of accessibility of the population with special needs (eg elderly, children, disabled) bus with a user-friendly.The specifications were wanting to design the new city bus to cover the four principles of the attractive design, eco, easy accessibility and innovation.In the first stage of this proposal to determine the needs of the criteria and standards of a city bus, taking into account the needs, problems and prospects of the center of Nicosia.What makes the work important? For the first time the city enters into a process to identify the real needs and to design a transportation under its own particularities rather than importing a ready solution. It is already in operation www.nicosiatransport.com website where everyone can monitor the progress of the bus, but mostly will submit his views.Known our intention to actively intervene in public transport in the city. Besides, the Municipality of Nicosia years ago pioneered this field with the launch of the yellow bus.The yellow buses served the public and help curtail the traffic problem in their own way and size.Our goal is, and the new circumstances, to intervene decisively to public transport is an important part of the sustainable movement in the city and a substantial improvement in quality of life.The program of strengthening public transport work closely with the Ministry of Communications and Works and we are very happy that today we have with us the Secretary of the Ministry and Chairman of the Programme Committee Professorship strengthening public transport.We make a concerted effort that all these initiatives are integrated into a comprehensive system of urban public transport. Besides, the accumulated traffic problems show that the city urgently needs an innovative public transport system.We want to operate on the basis of a modern conception of the role of the local authority to extend the service up and intervention-catalyst that brings together the goals of the City's initiatives and dynamism of expertise and entrepreneurship of the private sector.Seeking the City is the application of the results of the design of this project. Already makes every effort to link the study to wider plans to boost public transport in the greater urban area of ​​Nicosia.Before I give the floor to Mr Nicholas Dimadi to thank for their cooperation and enthusiasm.I thank the Chairman and members of the Committee on Traffic and Parking Spaces for the City for their constructive suggestions to enhance planning for the city bus.Thanks also to the CYTA together because we believe that the results for the ecological and environmentally friendly bus will be a success.Finally, I thank the Minister of Communications and Works and his staff for their continuous efforts to implement the aid program for public transport in Nicosia.ThanksHelen BlackMayor of Nicosia
Sources: http://www.sigmalive.com/, http://www.nicosia.org.cy/

Churches of town

THE GLORIOUS CHURCH OF HOLY WISDOM

The Cathedral of Holy Wisdom is the largest and most magnificent church in the walled city of Nicosia and the Frankish major construction on the island, with the design and decoration to reflect the history of medieval Cyprus. Contrary to common belief, the temple is dedicated to a Saint named Sophia, but the Holy Wisdom of God, which is dedicated and the church in Istanbul, Sofia, Kiev, Novgorod, Trebizond, the Nice, Thessaloniki and Strovolos.

In the space of Holy Wisdom was formerly Byzantine church, built on the site a Roman temple. After the arrival of Lusignan, in 1192, the exclusive use of the church acquired the Latin Church. In 1209, the Archbishop Thierry invited Alix de Champagne, later wife of King Henry I to deposit the cornerstone of the present church, built over the Byzantine. During the period 1217 - 1250 intensified efforts to secure financial resources for the construction of the church by Archbishop Eustorge de Montaigu. The artists who accompanied the French king Louis IX, during his visit between 1248 - 1249, seems also worked on the projects and the decoration of the church.

The church was damaged by earthquakes (1222, 1267, 1303) and the attack of the Lombards (1232). At Archbishop Ugo di Faciano (1251 - 1261), here began to worship the Greek Orthodox who follow the Latin standard, while officially designated as the cathedral in 1260 Bulla Cypria. Archbishop Giovanni del Conte (1312 - 1332) saw the final character of the Gothic church, with strong influences from the Notre Dame of Paris and the abbey of Pontigny, the imposing facade and roof, dark blue with stars. There are 5 churches: the double in the north chapel of St. Nicholas, while in the south chapel of the Ladies, St. Francis and St. Thomas Unmovable.

Coronation of kings

In 1324, the new king, Hugh IV, crowned in the cathedral of Holy Wisdom. Since then, Lusignans crowned kings of Cyprus to the Hagia Sophia and then kings of Jerusalem in the cathedral of St. Nicholas in Famagusta. The consecration of the temple took place on November 4, 1326. In 1347, Pope Clement IV issued polka dots for repair and completion of the temple, however, continued to gradually build without being completed, for more than a century. The Holy Wisdom was built entirely of sandstone of Pentadaktilos and used for decoration Pentelic marble from the city's oldest buildings.The elaborate sculptural decoration, the work of local artisans, showing church, biblical and royal figures. The whole building was the largest temple of the Latin Levant, measuring 66 m long x 24.5 m wide and 21 m in height. Based on 16 columns, four of which were transferred from Salamis.

The Holy Wisdom has witnessed historic moments in Nicosia in November 1330, when the people fled there to escape the sharp Pedieos great flood, in 1359, when the Greek Orthodox tried to set fire to the doors of Holy Wisdom, as the legate of Pope salvage the Greek Orthodox priests in the temple and tried to impose his allegiance to the Latin Church, in 1374, when the Genoese invaders burned and looted the Holy Wisdom, in 1396, when he was crowned king of Armenia here by James I, in 1426, when Mamluks of Egypt burned part of the Holy Wisdom, which was repaired but John II on his coronation in 1432, the 1491, 1547 and 1735, when part of the temple was damaged by earthquakes.
Additions and renovation
During the 14th century built in double-floored Chapter House (Meeting room of clergy) to the southeast of the church, which used the Latin priests for various concentrations them.The 15th century, southwest of Holy Wisdom was built the church of Panagia the Driver (Odigitria), who at the period of Latin was the Greek Orthodox cathedral, under Turkish rule became a market (the famous Betestan), while during the British rule was used as a warehouse for grain. To the north of Holy Wisdom was built on the Latin Archdiocese in 1250 and rebuilt in 1329, while the Ottoman conquerors rebuilt the upper floors for use as house of Archikades.
The 1564 - 1565 was a general restoration of the temple, while compared with occidental walls of Nicosia, was in the northern part of town, which was then divided by the river Pedieos whose rune overthrew the Venetians in 1567, with construction the Venetian Walls, Holy Wisdom was almost in the center. But the glamor did not last long after the July 22, 1570 came from the hills of Saint Marina, Saint George and Mania, the numerous and armor Ottoman army under the command of Piale Pasha. Despite the tough resistance of the defenders of the city, the Ottoman besiegers cut off the water of the moat, and approached the walls erected makeshift structures. At noon on September 9, 1570, a Turkish Bairaktaris (bearer) ascended the bastion Constantza (where they are now the municipal parking lot and pavilion "OCHI"), followed by many janissaries, the city was occupied! For the record, Bairaktaris killed on the spot by the defenders of the city and was erected in memory of the famous mosque Bairaktari (between the parking area, the pavilion Costantza and the pavilion OCHI).
Massacre and pillage
The conqueror of the city engaged in a merciless massacre, massacred those who find in their path and capturing many. The entire population af who had gathered in the cathedral of St. Sophia was slaughtered after the invaders were able to break the doors of mantalomenes. After 7 days of looting and 20.000 dead, began "othomanising" of the city. On Friday, August 15, 1570, the Lala Mustafa Pasha and prayed in the temple so they called Holy Wisdom mosque. The interior decoration was destroyed, seen as an affront to Islam, the interior was painted white and the medieval tombstones were used as a floor that was covered with a huge red carpet. In 1571 were added to the two unfinished towers twin minarets, height 49 m, while the courtyard fountain added a great catharsis. At the same time and added a michrap - index of Mecca - the location of the Chapel of St. Francis.
Converting to mosque
The entrance to Holy Wisdom forbidden to all Christians until the early 19th century. In 1873, east of the temple was constructed Aziziye port, with the monogram of Sultan Abdul Aziz, and in 1903 became a renovation of a Evkaf and maintenance between 1947 to 1951. Previously, the muezzin climbed the 170 steps each day of the minaret to call Muslims faithful to prayer five times a day until the 12 May 1949 the "Allah Akbar" was broadcast by loudspeakers. In 1954, 13 August, Mufti announced the name change of the shrine of "Holy Wisdom's mosque" to "Selimiye Mosque," in honor of Sultan Selim II (1566-1574), whose reign the Ottomans conquered Cyprus.
During the bloody events of the Turkish Cypriot rebellion 1963 - 1964, Holy Wisdom was found in the northern part of town, which was controlled by Turkish Cypriot extremists. With the Turkish invasion of July 20, 1974 was now under the temporary, illegal control of Ankara and since then groaning under the Attila and the two flags to "decorate" the entrance. Along with the tower Maglis (now Shacolas Tower), is still considered the tallest building in the capital and dominates the landscape of the semi-occupied Nicosia.
The tallest building in the walled city
The tallest building of the walled city of Nicosia is reported by all browsers and stands in the drawings and prints them. Located at the heart of Nicosia bazaar and being the largest and most important center of Muslim worship in Nicosia, around Hagia Sophia lived Ottoman Empire and the namesake parish was the largest of the parishes of the city. To the west of the church built a mentresse (theological school), which was rebuilt in 1829 as a library with its characteristic white domes, by order of Sultan Mahmud II.Further east is the Museum of Geoffrey, also known as Lapidary Museum (architectural museum), a charming 15th century building.
The above text belongs to Alexander - Michael Hadjilyras and republished from the first publication in "Protevoussa" magazine in November 2010.