From Western to Islamic World: The Transformation of Nicosia’s Cultural Identity

This chapter addresses the politics of street-naming in the early years of British rule with reference to the late Ottoman period, examining Nicosia’s transformation following the Ottoman conquest in 1570 and British acquisition of Cyprus in 1878. Focusing on the administrative and constitutional amendments attempted during this period, it discusses the British attempt to restructure urban spaces in alignment with their vision of mutual toleration among different religions, while simultaneously asserting British superiority. The mapping of the city and first British attempt at official street-naming in Nicosia is additionally described in some detail. This examination enabled the creation of a table of names for the various Nicosia quarters, bastions, and bazaars, after which the main commercial streets of the capital were named.