MARIA SOCRATOUS examines the growing trend among young people of living within the walls of Nicosia
Once the stomping ground of an older generation who referred to Nicosia as Hora, the old part of the capital is increasingly home to young people. But what is it that makes life here so appealing?
Stefanos, a British Cypriot whose parents moved permanently to Cyprus in 1989, lives right in the heart of town, just off Ledra Street in a busy street frequented by locals and tourists alike. “Many times tourist guides stop outside my door and admire the building,” he said. “After finishing university, together with some friends from school we found this lovely three bedroom old building and decided to rent it. Old buildings are beautiful. No offence to the architects but no modern house is to my liking”.
From his central abode, Stefanos can cycle to work and if it weren’t for visiting his parents on the outskirts of Nicosia he wouldn’t need a car. “Everything you need is within walking distance,” he said. According to Stefanos the foreigners who live in nearby buildings add a touch of London. “I love the cosmopolitan feel of the centre. The multicultural society; it’s like living in London but without the negative aspects”. Even though there have been incidents of violence and theft in his immediate neighbourhood he believes crime is not specific to this part of town.
For others, the draw of old parts of town is strong enough to encourage them to buy. Costas is a young executive, recently married who has bought a listed building in Kaimakli area. “There are a number of things that play a decisive role in buying such a property. For one it is the character and charm of the old house, being part of the centre of cultural heritage of the country you live. Also the fact that I don’t want to sit in traffic jams, makes it a location issue. Another factor is the funds given as incentives. Without them it would be a rich man’s toy.
“Restoring a listed building is a long and expensive process. There is a shortage of craftsmen and builders dealing with the restoration of old buildings, as there is a high demand for their expertise. The fact is that a lot of people have taken an interest in buying or renting restored houses,” he said.
And the more people like him move in, the higher the value of properties is likely to go. “People who buy them now can afford to maintain their property. Prices for buildings inside the walled city are exorbitant.”
Also planning to stay in the area are Andreas and Zoe who have restored an old blind factory right in the heart of Nicosia to raise their young family. Zoe is an architect and Andreas is in property development. Surely the range of trendy places to choose from must have been big, so what made this family move here? “The core of every major capital city is residential. Due to the war and subsequent division of the city the centre collapsed,” Zoe explained. “It is so colourful living here as the two cultures integrate. When I am out in the garden I can hear the Moslem priest calling from the minaret and after a few minutes you hear the bells from the Phaneromeni Church ringing.”
Andreas takes up the theme: “ Ever since we moved in we have stopped watching television. This is not accidental; it’s because we are spoiled for choice when it comes to how to spend our evening. There are so many restaurants within walking distance that we never use the car. We either walk or take the bicycle. There are cultural events going on, again within walking distance. Our lifestyle has changed completely. On Sundays I take the two oldest children cycling in the pedestrianised areas and it’s our recreation centre”.
Similar sentiments to those expressed by Stefanos. “There are some seedy places that add an element of fear for ladies walking unescorted at night but other parts of the city are like small gardens. Especially on Sunday mornings when all the shops are closed. Every day of the week I experience the hassle and bustle of street sellers but come Sunday and everything ceases. For me this taste of diversity is a great joy,” Stefanos said.
Andreas also agreed that there is not much to fear living in the heart of town. “If anything, we are more scared of the imminent collapse of listed buildings that are not restored,” he said.
