The Struggle for Symbolic Dominance in Space

Chapter 8 considers the impact of the 1955–1959 Greek-Cypriot armed uprising against British rule on the streetscape of Nicosia. The chapter explores the conflict that emerged between the two ethnic communities, particularly the Turkish-Cypriot demand for the division of the Nicosia municipality along ethnic lines. An important contribution of this research is the presentation of previously unrevealed maps depicting various British plans for the partition of Nicosia and the entire island, which had not been explored in previous historical studies in Cyprus. Furthermore, the chapter delves into the period following the declaration of independence of Cyprus in 1960 until the inter-communal clashes of 1963–1967. It examines how the conflict for symbolic and territorial domination is manifested through the attempts of both communities to rename the streets of the capital. This chapter covers the time period leading up to 1973, one year prior to the coup d’état and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. By drawing on historical research and the examination of archival materials, the chapter provides insights into the intricate dynamics of street-naming and the broader conflict between the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities.