Acheritou
We see such a village in 1573 Abraham Ortelius’s map under the name “Achiorito”.
According to Giovanni Mariti, in the 1760’s it was a hamlet, populous, and flourishing. There was the monastery of Agia Marina that was ornamented with excellent paintings. At that time it was suffering from locusts. They were unable to destroy the eggs of the locusts as they were protected by the Turkish administration due to superstition that it would be a crime against the almighty. Their hope was the strong winds that drove them to the sea and perished them by thousands.
The village of Acheritou is occupied by Turkey since 1974.
Afentrika [Ourania]
It was a ruinous village in 1750 when Alexander Drummond passed from that place. He says the following about it: “About two miles eastward [from Rizokarpaso] are fine ruins of a village, which they call Athendrae; though I can not find it in any map I have seen “.
Afentrika was in 1890 a very small village, between Rizokarpaso and the monastery of Apostolos Andreas, that according to Athanasios Sakellarios “it had a few miserable hats”. He also noticed the ruins of the older city that used to be there during the Byzantine years, of Ourania, but wasn’t aware of it: ” Τα ερείπια δε της αγνώστου ταύτης πόλεως εκτείνονται κατά την παραλίαν επί των υπωρειών των παρακειμένων λόφων, συνιστάμενα εκ τετραγώνων λίθων, τεμαχίων κιόνων και άλλων λίθων. Ένταύθα δε υπάρχουσι λαμπρά ερείπια πολλών ναών Βυζαντινών οίον ο τρισυπόστατος ναός της Παναγίας της Χρυσιωτίσσης , ο των Ταξιαρχών και ο του Αγίου Δημητρίου , ενώ υπάρχουσι τεμάχια κιόνων εκ γρανίτου των ρωμαϊκών χρόνων, έτι δε και μαρμαρίνη τις στήλη. ‘Εκ τούτων δε πάντων έμφαίνεται ότι η πόλις ήκμαζεν έτι επί των Βυζαντινών χρόνων”. Sakellarios noticed that there were several Byzantine churches there, such the ones of Panagia Chrysiotissa, of Taxiarchon and of Agios Dimitrios. He made remarks of the ruins of the city mentioning that it should have been thriving in previous times.
Agia Napa
Agia Napa existed in 1459 as Georgios Boustronios mentions it: “And the 18th of September appeared the armada by the side of Famagusta and [Jacques II] came aboard at Agia Napa…”.
Pietro della Valle was in Cyprus in 1625 and mentions it as a village of “Agia Nappa”, where was a church with the same name. He wrote about it the following: “This [village], like all which I have seen [in] ill Cyprus, was almost destroyed, partly by the usual tyranny of the Turks, partly through the great pestilence which had wasted the island a few years before, killing most of its inhabitants. The church itself, built, perhaps out of respect to the pirates, somewhat like a square castle, is still standing. There is a large quadrangle with rooms around it, the church being on the left as you enter, reached by many steps, as well as the underground chapel which is formed out of the very grotto in which the sacred image was found. A Papas or Greek priest takes care of the church and officiates in it, and there are certain Calogrie or nuns, who have abandoned the world and devoted themselves to the service of God: they are decently clad in black but are not cloistered. In the middle of the courtyard is a fountain of spring-water, built up as we might build one, and not badly, of marble. Over this, at no great height, they have placed a dome on four pillars, with raised seats or platforms of Eastern fashion right round it, a cool and shady resting place”. At another point, he adds: “Next morning mass after the Greek rite was sung in the church, at which I assisted as far as the end of the Gospel. Within the church in a corner apart is an altar where our Latin priests, if any should come here, say mass. The church is just a small grotto, the image ancient, the altar adorned after the Greek rite in the usual way. We found and ate in this place a large quantity of beccafichi [beccaficos], called by the Greeks sycalidia, which at this season are caught in such abundance that besides the numbers that are consumed in the island itself thousands are exported, preserved in vinegar, to Venice and elsewhere”.
Today Agia Napa is a municipality.
Agios Andronikos
It existed in 1738 because Richard Pococke passed from this village and wrote: “passed through Ai-Androniko, where there is a small stream, the sources of which never fail; this village on the south side is inhabited by Turks, and on the north by Christians”.
It existed as a village in 1750 when Alexander Drummond passed from that place.
Today, Agios Andronikos is occupied by the Turkish state.
Agios Sergios
Agios Sergios existed as a village in 1310, as we learn from Hill (1948): “Finally she followed, but declined to enter Famagusta and lodged at A. Sergios near Salamis”.
According to the Ottoman taxation records of 1572, Agios Sergios existed during that year as a village, as it is translated from Arabic (with Turkish pronunciation) as “Agios Sergio”.
To get an idea of the number of its inhabitants, in 1606 in Agios Sergios lived 107 non-Muslim taxpayers [male, capable of work, between the age of 15-75], and in 1643 there were 51.
Today, Agios Sergios is occupied by the Turkish state.
Agridia
During 1890, Athanasios Sakellarios came accross the ruins of a village called Agridia. It was situated at the south eastern of Afentrika: “Της Αφεντρίκης δε προς νότον επί των ορέων υπάρχουσι τα ερείπια της κώμης ‘Αγρίδια , εις ήν οι κάτοικοι της πόλεως πιθανώς εν καιρώ των πειρατικών επιδρομών των ‘ Αγαρηνών προς σωτηρίαν των κατέφευγον”.
Akanthou
Akanthou existed in 1738 because Richard Pococke passed from this village and wrote: “… and [we] came to a very pleasant village called Agathou, situated at the beginning of the plain on the sea: there are a great number of cypress and orange trees about it…”. According to Athanasios Sakellarios in 1890, Akanthou was inhabited by approximately 1200 people, who were occupied in agriculture and stock-raising. Sakellarios considered Akanthou’s olive oil and cheese as products Cypriots sought after. Its cheese was exported at that time in Egypt and Minor Asia.
Akrotiri
It existed as a village at least since 1461, when Georgios Boustronios mentioned it: “And the 2nd of October of 1461 25 [Genoese] men exited Famagusta armed, and went to Akrotiri, and caught three persons and took them to Famagusta…”. When Athanasios Sakellarios passed by that area in 1890 it was in a ruinous situation and the village didn’t exist: “Της Αγίας Θόρας δε ημίσειαν περίπου ώραν νοτιοδυτικώς κείνται αρχαίας πόλεως ερείπια εν τη θέσει τη καλουμένη Γρωτήρι ήτοι ‘Ακρωτήρι”. It was situated near the inlet of Palloura: “Παρ’ αυτώ δε κείται και ο καλλίτερος κατά την παραλίαν ταύτην όρμος της Παλλούρας”.
Today such a village does not exist in Famagusta region.
Ancona
According to Giovanni Mariti, in the 1760’s it existed as a village between Salamis ruins and Trapeza. It had shops.
It indeed appears on a 1573 Abraham Ortelius map, still in the Famagusta region but much southern instead.
Today such a village does not exist.
Apalestra
It existed as a village at least since 1474. Georgios Boustronios mentioned it: “And she made monsieur Filip de Nores knight, and she gave him Agrinou, and she made monsieur Jean Attare knight, and gifted him the other part of Apalestra…”.
Apalestra appears with the same name on 1573 Abraham Ortelius’s map of Cyprus.
It existed as a village in 1788 as Archimandrite Kyrpianos mentions it.
Today it appears as a chiflik, not as a village, under Turkish occupation.
Artemi
Artemi existed as a village at least since the 18th century, as Artemi appears in the Nicosia court judicial records for one incident that was examined during that era.
Assia
Assia existed as a village in 1373, as Hill mentions: ” Daniel caught her up at Askia (Asha), and went on with a letter from her to the Constable, telling him to collect his forces and hold the pass”.
It could appear misspelt on Abraham Ortelius’s map as “Asgia”.
It existed as a village in 1788 as Archimandrite Kyrpianos mentions it.
Today, Assia is occupied by the Turkish state.
Avgorou
It existed as a village in 1815 as William Turner mentions it: “Between Ormithia and Avgorou is the convent of S. Nappa”.
Bogazi
It existed around 1790. Michael de Vezin mentioned it at that time.
Today, it is occupied by the Turkish state.
Davlos
It existed as a village in 1750 when Alexander Drummond passed from that place.
Today, Davlos is occupied by the Turkish state.
Derynia
To get an idea of the number of its inhabitants, in 1606 in Derynia lived 55 non-Muslim taxpayers [male, capable of work, between the age of 15-75], and in 1643 there were 40.
Today Derynia is a municipality.
Elissa
Athanasios Sakellarios passed by this Elissa (or Elissi) in 1890, mentioning that it was a ruinous village on the south west of Korovia (or Koroveia) village. The significant about this abandoned village was the existence of a tomb, the largest in Cyprus found until that time, which had a length of 87 feet: “Εκείθεν δ ‘ εν τέταρτον νοτιοδυτικώς κείται η κώμη Κορόβια, έχουσα 250 κατοίκους. Παρ’ αυτήν δε νοτιοδυτικώς μετά εν τέταρτον ώρας κείνται τα ερείπια της κώμης Έλίσσης, ής απέναντι επί λόφου, καλουμένου Τράχωναις, υπάρχουσι λελατομημένα σπήλαια. Ταύτης δ’ απέναντι ευρίσκεται ο μέγιστος των αρχαίων κυπριακών τάφων, λελαξευμένος ευθύς εντός του βράχου και έχων μήκος 87 ποδών ή δ’ αυτού είσοδος ή άγουσα εις την θύραν έχει 12 ποδών έκτασιν”.
Today such a village does not exist.
Eptakomi
It existed as a village in 1750 when Alexander Drummond passed from that place.
Today, Eptakomi is occupied by the Turkish state.
Famagusta City
In the 14th century Famagusta was one of the largest, wealthiest, and most prosperous cities in the entire Mediterranean world. John Mandeville (after 1322) called it “one of the principal havens of the sea that is in the world. An anonymous Englishman (1344-1345) found it “a paradise of delight” with beautiful buildings and churches, high walls and a deep moat, and irrigated plantations and gardens “There reside in it merchants of Venice, Genoa, Catalonia and Saracens who have an abundance of gold and silver”. Ludolf von Suchen in 1350 called Magosa “a concourse of merchants and pilgrims … In this city dwell many wealthy courtesans, of whom some possess more than 100,000 florins” The pilgrim Martoni in 1394 extolled it too: “The city of Famagusta is large, but a greater part, almost a third, is uninhabited, and the houses are destroyed, and this has been done since the date of the Genoese lordship. The said city has finer walls than I have seen in any town, high with broad alleys around them, and many and high towers all around.” “Formerly Magosa was large and prosperous with 2000 people, but now it is wholly destroyed so that there is not one sound house, and not one person lives there.” The unhealthiness was commonly blamed on a nearby swamp”. The city then had to endure a vengeful 91-year occupation starting in 1373 when a Genoese naval force took Magosa through trickery. To that occupation falls much of the blame for Famagusta’s decline. The city was surrendered to the Mamluks in 1425 to avoid pillage. By the 15th century, Famagusta had lost much of its brilliance. A report by the Venetian Loredan in 1476 called Famagusta “the key and heart of Cyprus,” which was becoming deserted and so the rest of the island was going to ruin as a consequence”. In 1489 Venice offered free transportation and cash benefits (three ducats) to any inhabitants of Corfu and Morea who would move to Famagusta. At the same time, people banished from Cyprus for homicide were still to be permitted to live in Famagusta. Indeed, people banished from other Venetian territories were to be allowed to settle there, and ultimately Famagusta was used as a place of banishment. Apparently, no one would settle there. According to Pero Tafur in 1435 Famagusta was depopulated because of bad air and bad water around a nearby lake. Felix Fabri (1483) indicated that, despite the good harbour, the place had lost its fame: “Our brethren have a convent there, but it is almost a wreck, for ruin threatens the city and all that is in it. It is said that no man can stay there on account of the corruption of the air”. The change in Famagusta’s population had already been visible by the 1520s [increase], as
attested by the report of the Captain of Famagusta in 1527. In 1557, the representatives of Famagusta repeated what must have been by then a well-known fact: Famagusta had never before been so populated. According to Locke in 1553, an English merchant, and Elias of Pesaro 1563, sickness resulting in blindness was rampant among those who lived in the marshy area. Between the period 1510 and 1560 Venetian estimates of the population ranged between 6000 and 8000. According to Furer in 1566, Famagusta was built on a rock, and though not very large it was well fortified. It had very charming gardens of lemon, pomegranate and quince trees. According to Calepio Famagusta was in ruins and defenceless; it had suffered eight or 10 earthquakes in 1569. According to Etienne de Lusignan in 1573, “The water is brackish except in three or four wells, which never fail. It runs through the city, drawn by oxen from wells into a tank, and thence let into the city every morning and evening, supplying several fountains. The beasts turn these wheels incessantly. The air of the city is not too good, on account of (the many marshes of) Salamis. It is a little more than a mile in circuit. The city is a fair one, with a fine square and adorned with Latin and Greek churches. There are monasteries too of the four mendicant Orders, but poor and very shabby. The country outside is all sand, but towards the south, it has vineyards and beautiful gardens, with all kinds of fruit. And every six or eight days they water them by means of beasts which turn great wheels and draw from the wells all the water they want. They use these wheels all over the island wherever they want to water gardens or cotton, both at Nicosia and in the villages. After the destruction of Salamis, the Greeks retired to this city”. De Villamont (1589) heard that nearly all the inhabitants had died from the plague raging there. Pedro Teixeira in 1605 identifies Famagusya as one of two capitals, both shadows of their former selves. To get an idea of the number of its inhabitants, in 1606 in Famagusta lived 730 non-Muslim taxpayers [male, capable of work, between the age of 15-75], and in 1643 there were 321. Lithgow in 1610, considered Rhodes and Famagusta the strongest fortresses in the empire. He mentioned an unsuccessful attack by Ferdinand, duke of Florence with five galleys in 1607. Des Hayes in 1621, mentions that Christians were not allowed to live there. Olfert Dapper in 1688 mentions that Christians could not live in the town. In the 1700s, according to John Heyman: “The Greeks here, as at Rhodes, are not permitted to live in the town, and the shops which they have in it must be all locked up at sun-set, and everyone retires to their dwellings. Here are no suburbs but the houses lie about half a mile from the town, in the open country, with everyone its garden, which here makes a very luxurious appearance. No Frank or Greek is allowed to come into the town on horseback, which is one of the chief reasons which induced the Franks not to settle here”. Richard Pococke, when visited Famagusta in 1738, among others he mentioned: “There is very little trade at the place — The present buildings do not take up above half the space within the walls, and a great part even of those are not inhabited”. According to Giovanni Mariti, in the 1760s there were at that time merely 200 inhabitants. Little trade existed in Famagusta. Ronald Jennings mentions the following about Famagusta, for the period entering the Ottoman Rule: Famagusta had between 1621 and 1628 taxpaying adult males in 1572. Of the 1628 names listed, 1193 were married and 435 unmarried. An additional 113 are listed as tax-exempt adult males, including 15 blind. Famagusta had a population between 5950 and 6300, which probably was little changed from the 1560s. Residents of Magosa paid 418,250 akce in taxes annually. A total of 18,000 akce came from fishing with ropes and nets, 4% of the total revenues. Another 6750 akce (2%) came from title deeds for slaves, the customary harbour dues, and the customary dues for anchorage. In addition, 4500 akce (1%) came from taxes on dye houses, and another 500 akce from tanneries. The sum of 4500 akce came from customs on sheep, cattle, and places for processing heads and tripe, and butcher shops. A total of 25,500 akce (6%) of the revenues came from the tax farm of ihtisab and the customs on slaves, and 47% of all the revenues-195,000 akce-annually came from the tax farms of the customs duties of the harbour of the walled city of Famagusta, weighing flour, and the custom of the gates of the city walls. Another 18% (75,000 akce) came from the windfall series which included a customary tax on wine and revenues from wineries. Frederic Hasselquist was in Famagusta in 1751: “The town is in far worse condition than the fort; all the houses built by the Venetians are utterly demolished or deserted. There are but three hundred inhabitants, chiefly Turks, who occupy the miserable remains of the famous city of Famagusta”. Famagusta according to Dr J. Sibthorn in 1787 was “a melancholy place now almost depopulated”, adding that, “In the enceinte grew among the rubbish the Aloe vera, the Iris germanica and florentina in great abundance. Leaving the fortress we passed through the streets now deserted, a melancholy picture of Turkish desolation”. William Turner visited Famagusta in 1815: “Three years ago the Turks would allow no Christian to enter it but on foot, but they have lately abated this insolence, though I was assured that I should have found a difficulty in riding in if I had not had a janizary with me. From the gate to the port there is a subterraneous passage which the Turks leave unexplored. I rode through streets of levelled palaces, choked up with ruins and rubbish to the house of the Agha, of which one half was choked up by the fallen stones of the other”. Also, “It is hardly credible that a city so lately flourishing should be so completely ruined as is Famagosto: of its numerous palaces and churches not one remains entire. It is now inhabited by not more than one hundred souls, almost all Turks, for there are only three Greek families”. Additionally, Turner says: “To walk around the outside of them requires a little more than an hour. A few fig, olive and mulberry trees, are the only vegetation within the walls. The ruins have the same yellow hue as those of Athens. As there are no hands to cultivate it, the fine plains which surround Famagosto present on every side nothing but a scene of healthy barrenness”.
Today, the city and most of the Famagusta district is under the possession of Turkey.
Galatia
It existed in 1738 because Richard Pococke passed from this village and wrote: “…and came to a village called Galadia, finely situated on a high ground”.
Galinoporni
Galinoporni existed in 1738 because Richard Pococke passed near this village and wrote: “…near a village called Galliporno…”.
Athanasios Sakellarios passed by this village in 1890 mentioning that it was in a semi-burrow state, with around 420 inhabitants: “Του όρμου δε των Χελωνών μίαν ώραν νοτιοδυτικώς κείται η κώμη Γαληνόπορνη, έχουσα 420 κατοίκους, ζώντας ημιτρωγλοδυτικόν βίον”.
Gastria
Gastria existed at around 1210, as mentioned by Hill (1948): “…after taking refuge with the Templars in their castle at Gastria…”.
It is mentioned in 1596 by Girolamo Dandini as “Gastria”, being one of the villages where Maronites lived at that time.
The village is at the moment occupied by Turkey.
Genagra
It existed in 1459, as Georgios Boustronios mentions: “… and he [Jacques II] gifted Morapiton [?], Nisou and its suburbs, and Genagra to Rizzo [di Marino]”.
To get an idea of the number of its inhabitants, in 1606 in Genagra lived 74 non-Muslim taxpayers [male, capable of work, between the age of 15-75].
Gialousa
It existed in 1738 because Richard Pococke passed from this village and wrote: “We lay in the house of the priest of Yaleusee or Jalcmsa on the north side of the island, where there is an ancient Greek church; we saw the coast of Cilicia very plainly from this place”.
It existed as a village in 1750 when Alexander Drummond passed from that place.
Today, Gialousa, or Egialousa, is occupied by the Turkish state.
Kalopsida
Kalopsida existed in 1424, as an incident of Mamluk piracy is mentioned by Hill (1948): “The Moslems, who had landed some 400 men, burned Trapeza and Kalopsida; but some of them were caught and defeated by the Prince at Styli”.
The village existed at least since 1474 when Georgios Boustronios mentioned it: “And the 27th of January they made monsieur George Codarin, Count de Jaffa in Famagusta, and gave him as property Vavatsinia with its pertinenza, and Dali and Platanistasa and Kalopsida”.
A village with the name “Kalopsida” or similar, does not appear on Abraham Ortelius’s map of 1573.
Mentioned as Kalopsidia by G. Mariti in the 1760s, it was known for the production of soap.
The village is at the moment occupied by Turkey since 1974.
Kamares
Athanasios Sakellarios passed from this village in 1890, while it still existed: “Έντεύθεν δ’ ολίγον προς βορράν κείται ή μικρά κώμη Καμάραις [Καμάρες]”. It was at that time a small village, one-hour road northeastern of Trikomo: “Υπέρ την μίαν δ’ ώραν νοτιοδυτικώς των Καμαρών κείται και η κώμη Τρίκωμον”.
Today such a village does not exist.
Koilanemos
According to Athanasios Sakellarios, in 1890, Koilanemos [or Kilanemos] was a ruinous village containing medieval churches, yet inhabited. According to the 1881 census, 49 people lived there. From that point and on, the most inhabited period was that of 1946 when 153 persons lived there. In the census of 1973, it was inhabited by 89 people.
The village is at the moment occupied by Turkey since 1974, and it is currently a sparsely inhabited village.
Koma tou Gialou
It existed as a village in 1750 when Alexander Drummond passed from that place. He mentioned the following about this village: “Komatougalou, which is prettily situated, and the fields are well laid out near the sea: it was once so extensive as to contain fourteen churches; but now five-sixths of it lie in ruins, among which is the church of our Lady, where I found the following inscription upon a stone, accidentally laid on the four pillars of the altar-table. It is written in old French”.
Today, Koma tou Gialou is occupied by the Turkish state.
Kornokipos
The village existed at least since 1461. During that year Georgios Boustronios mentioned the following: “And in a few days he [King Jacques II] gave a beautiful property to Monsieur Moutzio de Constantzo, Vavla, Cornokipo, Lymbia and Kakotrygiti, Arsos of Mesaoria, and others…”.
According to Andros Pavlides (1982) the village was founded during the Byzantine Era by Armenians.
It is mentioned in 1596 by Girolamo Dandini as “Cibo”, being one of the villages where Maronites lived at that time [should that be the case].
The village of Kornokipos is under Turkish occupation since 1974.
Lefkoniko
Lefkoniko existed at least since 1310, as Hill (1948) mentions: “Next day, 1st February, they went by Lefkoniko to Gastria, whither the Governor sent the King three friars minor, two of his priests, the salaried knight John de Mimars and a small retinue”.
To get an idea of the number of its inhabitants, in 1606 in Lefkoniko lived 170 non-Muslim taxpayers [male, capable of work, between the age of 15-75], and in 1643 there were 83.
The town of Lefkoniko is under Turkish occupation since 1974.
Leonarisso
It existed as a village in 1750 when Alexander Drummond passed from that place.
Today, Leonarisso is occupied by the Turkish state.
Machariona
According to Athanasios Sakellarios, in 1890, Machariona was a ruined village one hour towards the east of Yialousa: “Μίαν δε ώραν μακράν αυτής [Γιαλούσας] προς ανατολάς υπάρχουσι τα ερείπια της Μαχαιριώνας, προς νότον της οποίας εν τοις μεσογείοις περί την ημίσειαν ώραν υπάρχουσιν επί λόφου ερείπια τετραγώνου πύργου, πιθανώς ίδρυθέντος ως σκοπιάς κατά των πειρατών και καταφυγίου εν ανάγκη εντός αυτού των πέριξ οικούντων”.
Today Machariona exists as a name of a locality.
Milia
According to the Ottoman taxation records of 1572, Milia existed during that year as a village, as it is translated from Arabic (with Turkish pronunciation) as “Milya”.
Paliochori
Paliochori [Παλιοχώρι] according to Athanasios Sakellarios in 1890 it was a small village, of no significance, on the south-east of the Apostolos Andreas monastery: “Της μονής δε του Αγίου Ανδρέου νοτιοδυτικώς κείται η κώμη
Παλαιοχώρι, ουδέν άξιον σημειώσεως έχουσα . Τούτου δε νοτιοδυτικώς εκτείνεται ο όρμος των Χελωνών”.
Today such a village does not exist.
Paradisi
Paradisi existed as a village in 1948 according to Hill: “The present village of this name is about 2 km. north of Limnia and some 8 km. from the shore of Famagusta Bay”.
Today, Paradisi village does not exist.
Paralimni
Paralimni existed in 1473 as Georgios Boustronios mentions it: “And having listened to him, the expelled him and banished him out of Famagusta, at Paralimni”.
In 1890, Athanasios Sakellarios wrote for Paralimni: ” Αλλη δε λίμνη είνε το παρά το Παραλίμνι έλος, όπερ ουδεμίαν σχέσιν έχει μετά της θαλάσσης. Το έλος δε τούτο το μέν θέρος ως επί το πολύ και μάλιστα εν ανομβρία ξηραίνεται, μετά τινας δε μήνας μετά την επάνοδος των βροχών παραδόξως ευρίσκεται αυτό πλήρες ιχθύων και εγχέλεων”. meaning “another lake is the Paralimni marsh, which has no relation to the sea. This marsh in usually drained during the summer or during drought, but after a few months, with the return of the rain it is surprisingly full of fishes and eels”.
Patriki
It existed in 1738 because Richard Pococke passed from this village and wrote: “We arrived at a village called Patrick, where we were well received by the Greek priest”. Athanasios Sakellarios passed from this village in 1890, when it had around 520 inhabitants, and mentioned that it was “at earlier times famous for the liberty of its women”: “Της Βουκολίδας δε προς δυσμάς κείται η κώμη Πατρίκι, έχουσα 520 κατοίκους ήτο δ’ άλλοτε αύτη διάσημος δια την ελευθεριότητα των γυναικών της “.
Peristerona
Peristerona village, in Mesaoria region of Cyprus, existed as a village at least since the Venetian Rule. According to relevant to the Venetian sources of that era, Benjamin Arbel (1984) found out that: “When the authorities were investigating the condition of lands near the villages of Pigi and Peristerona in the Mesaoria in 1514, local inhabitants testified that cultivated lands had expanded during the previous years, following the rise in the number of peasants in those villages”.
Later, Peristerona became part of a village called Peristeronopigi [Peristerona + Pigi].
Peristerona is nowadays under Turkish occupation.
Pigi
Pigi village, in Mesaoria region of Cyprus, existed as a village at least since the Venetian Rule. According to relevant to the Venetian sources of that era, Benjamin Arbel (1984) found out that: “When the authorities were investigating the condition of lands near the villages of Pigi and Peristerona in the Mesaoria in 1514, local inhabitants testified that cultivated lands had expanded during the previous years, following the rise in the number of peasants in those villages”.
Pigi existed as a village in 1788 as Archimandrite Kyrpianos mentions it.
Later, Pigi became part of a village called Peristeronopigi [Peristerona + Pigi].
Pigi is nowadays under Turkish occupation.
Platanissos
It existed as a village in 1750 when Alexander Drummond passed from that place.
Today, Platanissos is occupied by the Turkish state.
Plateia
Plateia [Πλατεία] according to Athanasios Sakellarios in 1890 it was a small village, one hour on the east of Rizokarpaso. Plateia was according to him built on the ruins of another village that pre-existed: “Μίαν δ’ ώραν προς ανατολάς του Ριζοκαρπάσου κείται η κώμη Πλατεία , έκτισμένη επί των ερειπίων άλλης παλαιοτέρας κώμης. Παρά δε ταύτην προς τα αριστερά ύψούται μέγας βράχος λαμπρου ερυθρού χρώματος , εξ ου ώς και εκ των παρακειμένων λόφων εξω ρύσσετο το πάλαι χαλκός”.
Today such a village does not exist.
Pomos tou Adam
It is mentioned as a village near Famagusta by Fra Angelo Calepio in 1572, who lived during that time, as “Pomo d’ Adamo”.
Nowadays such a village does not exist on the map.
Rizokarpaso
According to Mas Latrie (19th cent.), From the 14th century onwards the chief place, Rizokarpaso, was granted as a fief, first to the La Roche family, then for a few years (from before 1467 to 1472) to the Verny family. In 1472 it was erected into a county, the first barony in the Kingdom, in favour of the Count of Jaffa, John Perez Fabregues. According to Etienne de Lusignan (1573), the village was in his opinion among the 20 largest villages in Cyprus during the Venetian Rule. Ronald Jennings mentions the following about Rizokarpaso (calls it Karpas) village, for the period entering the Ottoman Rule: “Having 102 unmarried adult males and 297 married ones, the village probably had a population of between 1475 and 1500. Karpas was strongly a grain-growing village, more than two-thirds of its agricultural tax revenues coming from such crops, including 37% from wheat, 19% from barley, and 11% from lentils”. To get an idea of the number of its inhabitants, in 1606 in Rizokarpaso lived 291 non-Muslim taxpayers [male, capable of work, between the age of 15-75], and in 1643 there were 150.
Rizokarpaso impressed Athanasios Sakellarios in 1890, who noticed that the people differed in appearance from the rest of the Cypriots, as several women (and men) were blonde, with white skin and men were more robust and taller: “Οι κάτοικοι δ’αυτής και διά τόν ρηθέντα κλιματικών τούτον λόγον είνε το πλείστον ξανθοί και οι ωραιότεροι, ευμηκέστεροι και ανδρειότεροι των κατοίκων απάσης της νήσου · αι δε γυναίκες είνε ξανθαι και λευκαι, αν και καθ’ εκάστην ημέραν μετά των ανδρών των εν τοις αγρούς συνεργάζονται”.
Rosala [?]
It existed as a village in 1750 when Alexander Drummond passed from that place. He mentioned the following: “About three miles from hence we passed some rocks of talc, then descended into a delightful bottom, where stands the village of Rosala, surrounded with corn-fields, gardens, gentle swells, pretty tufts of trees, and a natural fence of little hills. Half an hour farther we came to Komatougalou” [This “Rosala” village could not had been the nearby Leonarisso village because he had mentioned it earlier as “Leonarissa”].
Santalaris
Santalaris existed as a village at least since 1769, as Santalaris appears in the Nicosia court judicial records for one incident that was examined during that year.
Sivouri
It existed as a village in 1459. Georgios Boustronios mentioned at that time: “And he sent his uncle, Marc, with many Mamluks, and he went in Sikouri, and in the castle was the Captain sir Thomas Maches…”. According to Etienne de Lusignan (1573), the village was in his opinion among the 20 largest villages in Cyprus during the Venetian Rule.
The village appears on Abraham Ortelius’s 1573 map under the name “Siuori”, on the west of Trapeza village.
According to Andros Pavlides (1982), Sivouri was a village at the west of Famagusta, where today the water basin of Kouklia is found. He adds, “there was a fortress, whose ruins are preserved today [1982]”.
Today, such a village does not exist.
Spiliotissa
It is mentioned as a village near Famagusta by Cornelis van Bruyn in 1683, as “Spigliotissa”. He wrote: “On returning to Spigliotissa I was taken to see a subterranean church of the same name. One enters it by twenty-four steps. These, and the church itself, are cut in the rock. There is a well, and a chamber with traces of ancient paintings”.
Stylli
Stylli or Stylloi in “Greeklish”, existed in 1424, as an incident of Mamluk piracy is mentioned by Hill (1948): “The Moslems, who had landed some 400 men, burned Trapeza and Kalopsida; but some of them were caught and defeated by the Prince at Styli”.
It existed as a village at least since 1461, when Georgios Boustronios mentioned it: “And the 28th of September, 25 armed men [Genoese] came out of Famagusta and went to Kastelli, and went to Stylli, kai they seized butchered animals, oxen, piglets, about 1000 heads”.
Strongylos
Strongylos existed as a village in 1402, as it is mentioned by Hill (1948): “Thomas of Campo Fregoso, hearing of it at Kerynia, immediately took his horse and (explaining to those whom the King sent to stop him that he was going out to visit his brother-in-law at Strongylo) rode to Famagusta, where he warned the authorities”.
Trapeza
Trapeza existed in 1424, as an incident of Mamluk piracy is mentioned by Hill (1948): “The Moslems, who had landed some 400 men, burned Trapeza and Kalopsida; but some of them were caught and defeated by the Prince at Styli”.
It existed as a village in 1461. Georgios Boustronios mentioned it: “And the 22nd of March 1461 the King went to Famagusta and took ladders and many war machines to be able to capture it. And from the side of Trapeza he ordered a captain, Pedro de Naves…”.
According to Giovanni Mariti, in the 1760’s it was a “superb” village with two churches, of which the largest was supported by marble pillars. Shepherds existed.
The village of Trapeza appears on a 1573 Abraham Ortelius map. It was located near the Salamis ruins, on the west.
On a 1914 Wagner and Debes map, it does appear.
Nowadays such a village does not exist on the map.
Today, the area is under Turkish occupation since 1974.
Trikomo
Trikomo existed during the Ottoman rule as a village, between the years 1571-1640, as Ronald Jennings mentioned an incident related to this village: “Mehmed bn Ali of Incirli [in Turkish] village acknowledged (ik) before Mehmed, spahi of the village…”.
To get an idea of the number of its inhabitants, in 1606 in Trikomo lived 154 non-Muslim taxpayers [male, capable of work, between the age of 15-75], and in 1643 there were 118.
Today, Trikomo is under Turkish occupation since 1974.
Trypimeni
The village of Trypimeni existed at least since 1373, as mentioned by Macheras in his Chronicle of the 15th century, in an incident during the war of the Kingdom with the Genoese.
Tziaos
Tziaos existed as a village at least since 1804, as it is mentioned by historians regarding the Nicosia siege of 1804-1805. Tziaos was the location where the troops sent by the Sublime Porte camped to face the revolters later.
Upsera [?]
According to Dr J. Sibthorn, in 1787’s it existed as a village near Famagusta. More specifically, he writes the following: “At noon after a ride of five hours we arrived at Upsera, about a mile from Famagusta, we observed some small lakes to our right and left: these were frequented by different species of Grallae: we had shot the Ardea alba, which flew over the convent, in the morning. The desolation we had observed at Famagusta extended itself along the country we now traversed. We passed by the mouldering ruins of several Greek villages and slept at a Greek cottage at Upsera. This, like other villages we had passed, seemed by the desertion of its inhabitants to be hastening to ruin: it was pleasantly situated on the side of a hill: a fertile vale stretched beneath it, bounded by the approaching mountains of Antiphoniti”.
Today such a village does not exist.
Varoshia
According to Giovanni Mariti, in the 1760’s it existed as a village near Famagusta.
Today it is known as the Greek Cypriot occupied sector of the city of Famagusta, which is occupied by the Turkish state since 1974. It had been a “ghost town” until 2020, inaccessible to anyone, until the time when the Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan went there for his famous picnic, violating UN Security Council resolutions.
Vatyli
It existed during the Ottoman rule as a village, between the years 1571-1640, as Ronald Jennings mentioned an incident related to this village: “Christians Istefan v. Yakub, Hiristofi v. Filori, and Yakimo v. Luka of Vadele village killed janissary Kara cAli when he came upon them drunk and carousing with a woman”.
Today, the village is under Turkish occupation since 1974.
Vitsada
It existed as a village in 1788 as Archimandrite Kyrpianos mentions it.
Today, the village is under Turkish occupation since 1974.