Nicosia: The Heartbeat of Cyprus

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Ya sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ochi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Τι κάνεις;
  [Ti kanis?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσύ;
  [Kala. Esi?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;
  [Milate Anglika?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menu, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!ΥΓΕΙΑ!
  [Yia]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosso, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voithia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fiye!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin Astinomia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε ένα γιατρό!
  [Kaleste ena giatro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hathi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Eimai arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agoraso...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Apla kitao]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi?]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akribo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να μειώσετε την τιμή;
  [Borite na miosete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [Ine mia ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misi (deka)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Avrio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dio]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Επτά
  [Epta]
• 8Οκτώ
  [Okto]
• 9Εννιά
  [Ennia]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou ine ena/to...?]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia ine i diefthinsi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Borite na mou deksete (sto charti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για ....)
  [Ena isitirio (ya ....)]

Nicosia, known in ancient times as Ledra, was established circa 2500 BC. It was originally a city-state and part of the broader Mycenaean Greek civilization that spread across Cyprus. Archaeological findings suggest that it was a modest settlement during the Bronze Age, primarily focused on agriculture and trade.

The city gained prominence during the Byzantine era, particularly in the 4th century AD, when it became the island's capital. Nicosia was fortified with walls to protect it from Arab raids, becoming a significant center of administration and religion. Churches, monasteries, and public buildings from this period laid the foundation for Nicosia's architectural landscape.

In 1192, Nicosia came under the control of the Lusignan dynasty following the island's sale to Guy de Lusignan. The city flourished as a medieval hub with Gothic architecture, including the construction of the St. Sophia Cathedral, now known as the Selimiye Mosque. The Lusignan period is marked by the blending of Western European and local cultures.

Nicosia fell to the Ottomans in 1571 after a brutal siege. The city underwent significant changes under Ottoman rule, which lasted for over three centuries. Many churches were converted into mosques, new public baths and caravanserais were constructed, and the city's defensive walls were reinforced. This period greatly influenced the cultural and religious makeup of Nicosia.

In 1878, Cyprus was leased to the British Empire, marking the beginning of British colonial rule. Nicosia became the administrative center, and the city saw modernization efforts like the introduction of new administrative buildings, roads, and public services. This era also fueled nationalist sentiments that eventually led to the island's independence movements.

Cyprus gained independence from British rule in 1960, with Nicosia as its capital. However, inter-ethnic tensions between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots escalated, leading to the division of the city in 1974 following a Turkish invasion. Nicosia remains the last divided capital in Europe, with a buffer zone known as the Green Line separating the Greek Cypriot south from the Turkish Cypriot north.

Despite its divided status, Nicosia has experienced a cultural renaissance in recent years. Efforts to preserve its rich heritage have led to the restoration of historical buildings and monuments. The city hosts numerous cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and historical tours that celebrate its diverse and complex history.

Nicosia, the capital city of Cyprus, is accessible via Larnaca International Airport (LCA), which is about 50 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or rent a car to reach Nicosia. The journey typically takes around 40-50 minutes by road. Another option is Paphos International Airport (PFO), which is approximately 150 kilometers from Nicosia, with a travel time of around 1.5 to 2 hours by car.

Nicosia has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses that connect different parts of the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are also widely available and relatively affordable. If you prefer to drive, car rentals are a convenient option. For a more local experience, consider walking or cycling through the city's streets and exploring its historic neighborhoods.

The official currency in Cyprus is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout Nicosia, so withdrawing cash is easy. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, local markets, or in case of emergencies.

Nicosia is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Nicosia does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergencies, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Nicosia has several hospitals and clinics that provide quality medical care. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a slight bow. Cypriots are generally friendly and welcoming. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as halloumi cheese, souvlaki, and mezze. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Nicosia like a local, explore the Old City with its narrow streets and historic buildings. Visit the local markets, such as the Ledra Street Market, for fresh produce and traditional Cypriot goods. Engage with locals, who are known for their hospitality and willingness to share stories about their city. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Cyprus Museum, which houses an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts. For a unique experience, take a stroll along the Green Line, which divides the city into Greek and Turkish sectors, and learn about the city's complex history.