Street-naming in a Contested Island

The process of street-naming in Cyprus is intricately linked to the formation of national consciousness and the nation-building efforts that unfolded over time. Street-names became tangible markers of political change in the public sphere, embodying a process of negotiation and renegotiation reflective of the evolving socio-political landscape. However, the contestation over street-names in Cyprus sparked political debates and deep-seated resentment, eventually escalating into violent clashes between Greek- and Turkish-Cypriots. The streets of Cyprus became a battleground for asserting dominance, serving as a manifestation of the political and nationalist narrative, and reflecting the territorial claims and aspirations of the two communities. A comprehensive examination of the street-naming process in Nicosia reveals a parallelism with the political events that have shaped Cyprus’ history. The stages of development of Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot identities are discernible through the process of naming the city’s streets. This chapter delves into the complex dynamics surrounding street-naming in Cyprus, elucidating the multifaceted relationship between naming practices, politics, and national identities. It examines how the contestation over street-names contributed to the polarization of the communities and the entrenchment of conflicting narratives.