A CHANCE to revisit historical places we pass every day, and in the company of experts, is the aim of a tour to various historically significant sites in both north and south Nicosia on Saturday, January 15.
This bi-communal effort, entitled Tracing Multiculturalism in Cyprus: A Historical Tour of Nicosia, which is being organised by the Post Research Institute in cooperation with the Cypriot Teachers Platform of United Cyprus, aims to bring both communities together and remind them of Nicosia’s rich history.
“We want people to realise that we pass these important places all the time, but may not really take it in,” said Loizos Loukaides, member and coordinator of the Cypriot Teachers Platform of United Cyprus. Loukaides also works together with the Post RI.
The tour will be able to answer questions that you may never have thought of such as, the name of the river that used to flow through Nicosia, dividing it in two or for how long Nicosia has been the capital of the island.
There will be two tour guides for the “cultural walk”: one for the north and one for the south and a number of sights have been chosen from both sides for their historical and cultural significance. Selimiye Mosque, Buyuk Han, Sultan Mahmud Library and Mevlevi Lodge are just some of the sights in the north, while in the south the visits will include the Phaneromeni church and school, Omeriye Mosque, Chrysaliniotissa neighbourhood and the Dragoman’s Mansion.
“It’s not only the historical significance but the culture of Nicosia that we want to show through this, and to show it to the academics too,” said Loukaides.
The Post RI is a bi-communal, non-profit, non-political organisation established in 2002 to work for the cultural, social and environmental betterment of the island. The Platform, that was established in 2004 by both Greek and Turkish Cypriot teachers works towards a school of reunification instead of one of division. Loukaides said that the Platform wants to contribute to collaboration between educators, students and society for both communities.
The tour group will meet at 10am at the Ledra street check point on the northern side of Nicosia. Lunch is included and the tour will end by 4pm. The common language will be English but translations into Turkish and Greek will be provided.
The project is being funded by the UNDP-ACT/USAID.
Anyone wanting to participate can get in contact with Loizos Loukaides on 99578067, [email protected] or Mine Kanol 05338611592, [email protected] by 4pm this Wednesday to register. Priority is being given to history teachers
