BCityPartially recognized
North Nicosia (Lefkoşa)
The capital and largest city of Northern Cyprus, where a walled old town meets modern districts.
North Nicosia is the northern part of Nicosia, the island's largest city, and the political, economic and cultural centre of Northern Cyprus. A UN buffer zone runs through the city, whose southern part is the capital of the Republic of Cyprus.
The old town is ringed by circular Venetian walls around Sarayönü Square, with the Selimiye Mosque, the Ottoman caravanserai Büyük Han, the Arasta bazaar and narrow streets; Dereboyu is the modern business and entertainment hub.
It is also a university city with four universities, the largest being Near East University, and hosts international theatre and music festivals.
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Updated: October 3, 2026