Achera
Achera name probably derives from the Cypriot word “Άσσιερα” [Ashera] which means “straw”.
Achera existed between the years 1409-1412 when locusts attacked Cyprus and this village as well. An incident was recorded and published in 1948 by Hill: “An incident is mentioned in connexion with the locusts as having occurred at a village called Akhera; they settled in such numbers on a priest who was cursing them that he died of suffocation”.
Achera existed as a village in 1572 and it was pretty large for that time. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Aşra”. In 1572, in the village existed 62 houses.
It existed as a village in 1788 as Archimandrite Kyrpianos mentions it.
Today this village does not exist. The name has survived as a location [valley].
Agia
Agia existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Aya”. In 1572, in the village existed only 3 houses.
Agia Irini
Agia Irini or “Agia Eirini” existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Aya Riyinu”. In 1572, in the village existed 15 houses.
Agia Marina
Agia Marina existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Aya Marina”. In 1572, in the village existed 12 houses.
The village “Santa Marino” appears on Abraham Ortelius’s map of 1573.
It is mentioned in 1596 by Girolamo Dandini as “Santamarina”, being one of the villages where Maronites lived at that time.
According to Giovanni Mariti in the 1760’s it existed as a village at that time near Nicosia.
Agia Paraskevi
According to Giovanni Mariti, during the 1760s, it existed as a village at that time near Nicosia.
Agia Varvara
Agia Varvara existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed 14 houses.
Agios Dimitrios
Agios Dimitrios existed at least since 1460, as Georgios Boustronios mentions it at that year: “And the 29th of September of 1460, Jacques II went to Nicosia with some Saracens, and the Captain with the armada camped in Agios Dimitrios, and stayed there for 3 days”.
According to Giovanni Mariti, during the 1760s, it existed as a village at that time near Nicosia.
It existed in 1815 as a small village. William Turner wrote about it the following: “At half past three we entered Nicosia, round which, in sight of it, are the villages, all inconsiderable, of Athalassa, Aklangiar, Palgiogothizar, Kaimaklee, Aimalouthaeis, S. Themeetrie, Mayionissa and Strovilion”.
Agios Dometios
It existed as a village at least since 1460. Georgios Boustronios mentioned it: “And then they came to the residence of Hareri in Agios Dometis, and they took from him 16 bags of sugar and many other things”.
Agios Georgios Kafkalou
It existed during the Ottoman rule as a village, between the years 1571-1640, as Ronald Jennings mentioned an incident related to this village: “Dimitri v. Yakimo of Aya Yorgi village in Lefkosa kaza says: I come to the true
faith. I leave the infidel religion”.
Agios Georgios Lefkas
It existed during the Ottoman rule as a village, between the years 1571-1640, as Ronald Jennings mentioned an incident related to this village: “In addition, two villages of Lefka (Aya Yorgi and Aya Nikola) and two villages of Girniye (Koromandi (?) and Mamili (?) are identified as having Jews”.
Today the village is occupied by the Turkish state.
Agios Ioannis Malountas
Agios Ioannis of Malounta existed as a village in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Ayo Yanni Malunde”. In 1572, in the village existed 12 houses.
Agios Nikolaos Lefkas
It existed during the Ottoman rule as a village, between the years 1571-1640, as Ronald Jennings mentioned an incident related to this village: “In addition, two villages of Lefka (Aya Yorgi and Aya Nikola) and two villages of Girniye (Koromandi (?) and Mamili (?) are identified as having Jews”.
Today the village lies within the UN Buffer Zone and it is uninhabited.
Agios Vasilios (Άγιος Βασίλειος – Agios Vasileios)
Agios Vasilios existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed 18 houses.
Aglantzia
Aglantzia village seems to exist at least since during the Frankish Rule of the island. It is suggested that its name derives from the popular medieval family Glange, of Frankish origin. Andreas Pavlides (1982) suggests that its land belonged to this family.
Aglantzia existed as a village in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed 15 houses.
It existed in 1815 as a small village. William Turner wrote about it the following: “At half past three we entered Nicosia, round which, in sight of it, are the villages, all inconsiderable, of Athalassa, Aklangiar, Palgiogothizar, Kaimaklee, Aimalouthaeis, S. Themeetrie, Mayionissa and Strovilion”.
Agridi
Agridi existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed only 3 houses.
Akaki
According to Andros Pavlides (1982), the village might had been founded since the Byzantine Era.
Akaki existed in 1310. Hill (1948) mentions the following: “They passed by an estate of the Prince at Akaki, where he, his uncle Hugh d’lbelin and his brother-in-law Walter de Bessan were awaiting the King’s commands”.
Akaki existed in 1470 when Georgios Boustronios mentioned it: “And the King took with him those that he considered proper to Akaki; and he took great precautions and none of them died [from the plague of 1470]”.
It existed during the Ottoman rule as a village, between the years 1571-1640, as Ronald Jennings mentioned an incident related to this village: “…Mehmed celebi bn Huseyn and Huseyn beg, spahis of Akace village of Morfo kaza…”.
To get an idea of the number of its inhabitants, in 1606 in Akaki lived 62 non-Muslim taxpayers [male, capable of work, between the age of 15-75], and in 1643 there were 63.
Alexandreta
It existed as a village at least since 1474. Georgios Boustronios mentioned it: “…and for the much work and trust you provided to the kingdom our most valued Count de Rochas, Morphou de Grenier, we ordered and gave him the bread of Marathasas, and Alesandra, and Letymbou, and Diorimin; and we made Constable of Cyprus Pedro de Avila, and we gave him Rizzo’s villages, Genagra and Stremmata, and the two suburbs of Pelendri…”.
Alexandreta or Alesandreta appears on Abraham Ortelius’s map of 1573, situated near the boarders between the Nicosia and Pafos districts, as we know them today.
Today, such a village does not exist.
Anagia
Anagia or “Anageia” existed as a village in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Anaya”. In 1572, in the village existed 33 houses.
Analiontas
Analiontas existed as a village at least since 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Analiyonda”. In 1572, in the village existed 20 houses.
Apliki
The name of the village derives from the old Greek word απλίκιν, which means “camp” or “residence”.
Apliki existed as a village in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Abliki”. In 1572, in the village existed only 8 houses.
Apliki Agiou Andronikou
Apliki Agiou Andronikou existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Abliki Aya Andreniko”. In 1572, in the village existed 4 houses.
Argaki
Argaki existed as a village in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Argas”. In 1572, in the village existed 23 houses.
It existed as a village at least since 1815, as William Turner mentioned it during that year: “The villages we saw on our road today were lerolakos, Marmari, Thainia, Argatzi, Menikon, Zothia, Kakotopia, Nitzeta, Prassion, Morphon, Kazivera, Elea, Petra, and Sirleenkhori”.
Athalassa
Athalassa is mentioned in 1570 by Venetian historians because there (as well) camped the army of Mustafa Pasha who conquered Nicosia.
Athalassa existed as a village in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed 12 houses.
Athalassa appears on Abraham Ortelius’s map of 1573 misspelt as “Aialaza”.
According to Giovanni Mariti, during the 1760s, it existed as a village at that time near Nicosia.
It existed in 1815 as a small village. William Turner wrote about it the following: “At half past three we entered Nicosia, round which, in sight of it, are the villages, all inconsiderable, of Athalassa, Aklangiar, Palgiogothizar, Kaimaklee, Aimalouthaeis, S. Themeetrie, Mayionissa and Strovilion”.
Today Athalassa is an area.
Athasi
It existed as a village at least since 1461. Georgios Boustronios mentioned it: “And when the King [Jacques II] came to Nicosia, he gifted 3 villages, Vyzakia, Kafkalon and Athasin, and two vineyards…”.
According to Andros Pavlides (1982), Athasi was located in the east of Vyzakia.
Athasi appears on Abraham Ortelius’s map of 1573 as “Athassi”.
Today such a village does not exist.
Chandria
Chandria was a small village in 1890, according to Athanasios Sakellarios, one hour west of the monastery of Agios Irakledios: “Του Αγίου Ηρακλειδίου προς δυσμάς κείται η μικρά κώμη Χανδριά”.
Today such a village does not exist.
Chrysida
It existed as a village at least since 1460. Georgios Boustronios mentioned it: “Then they went to Chrysida at Sir William Tacres, and they took his silver, gold, of the price of 2,000 ducats”.
It is mentioned in 1596 by Girolamo Dandini as “Cruscida”, being, one of the villages where Maronites lived at that time.
Today, Chrysida is a village close to Kythrea, occupied by the Turkish state.
Kato Chrysida
Kato Chrysida existed as a village since at least 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed 21 houses.
It is mentioned in 1596 by Girolamo Dandini as “Sotto Cruscida”, being one of the villages where Maronites lived at that time.
Today, Kato Chrysida, does not exist as a village and according to the Cyprus Maronites blog its area belongs to the village of Kythrea, which is occupied by the Turkish state.
Pano Chrysida
Pano Chrysida existed as a village since at least 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed 34 houses.
Dali
“Dali was formerly a city called Idalion, and one of the four cities consecrated to the goddess of Venus” [the other three were Paphos, Cythera, and Amathus]. Sweet marjoram was a very common plant growing in Dali [Origanum majorana].
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”.
Dali existed as a village in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Dali”. In 1572, in the village existed 35 houses.
It appears on Abraham Ortelius’s map of 1573 under the same name.
To get an idea of the number of its inhabitants, in 1606 in Dali lived 70 non-Muslim taxpayers [male, capable of work, between the age of 15-75].
Ali Bey visited Dali in 1806. He wrote: “This place, once so famous for its groves, is only a wretched village, situated in a valley almost entirely surrounded with hills of pure clay, absolutely barren and most melancholy. The houses are miserable and badly built, the inhabitants extremely poor: there are just a few trees and vegetable-gardens, wheat and barley alone are sown. In short, the modern Idalium, which resembles the poorest village in the plains of the Beauce, is as sad a place as you can imagine”.
William Turner in 1815 writes a plentifulness of information about Dali: “At half past ten we arrived at Idalium (a small village of a hundred houses, still to my great delight called Thali) which is situated in a plain better cultivated than the surrounding country, being very fruitful in corn, grapes (whence they make the common red wine of the country, sold for eight paras an oke), beans and cotton, and surrounded by small mountains near it, whence perhaps issued the boar fatal to Adonis. We went to the house of a peasant, who admitted us very cordially, and his wife shook hands with us on our entering, contrary to the custom of countries in the Levant, which is either to kiss hands or to carry the hand to the forehead. They gave us some eggs, which with bread and cheese and we brought by Ibrahim, made me a good dinner. The master of the house and his family made themselves so serviceable, and were so civil, that I supposed them Greeks, and was astonished when he told me he was a Musulman, as well as his wife and six children. He went to Constantinople four years ago, he said, to fight against the Russians; and after serving six months in the Turkish army received 70 piastres as pay. His wife was weaving cotton, which in its raw state sells here for 3.5 piastres an oke. His cottage was neat and clean, and consisted of only one room with mud walls and a mud floor, of which one half was raised above the other”.
Today Dali is a municipality.
Delikipos
Delikipos existed as a village in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Delicetpo”. In 1572, in the village existed 10 houses.
Denia
It existed as a village at least since 1815, as William Turner mentioned it during that year: “The villages we saw on our road today were lerolakos, Marmari, Thainia, Argatzi, Menikon, Zothia, Kakotopia, Nitzeta, Prassion, Morphon, Kazivera, Elea, Petra, and Sirleenkhori”.
Epicho
It existed as a village at least since 1474. Georgios Boustronios mentioned it: “…and Mastrantoni Kartzia the tailor, the comrade of Petro de Avila, when he left Kyrenia the king honoured him and the others, and gifted him Epicho, and married him to a noble widow…”.
Today Epicho is under Turkish occupation.
Episkopio
Episkopio or “Episkopeio” existed as a village in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Piskobyo”. In 1572, in the village existed 23 houses.
Farmakas
Farmakas existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Farmaka”. In 1572, in the village existed 25 houses.
Fyllia
Fyllia existed as a village at least since the 18th century, as Fyllia appears in the Nicosia court judicial records for one incident that was examined during that era.
Galata
It existed during the Ottoman rule as a village, between the years 1571-1640, as Ronald Jennings mentioned an incident related to this village: “When Mustafa ota basi bn Mehmed, guardian of the orphans of the deceased, sought blood money (dem diyeti) from Mihayel v. Tomazo and Baba Vasil v. Baba Viryoni of Galata village, he was given 14,000 akce”.
Today Galata is a considerable village.
Gerakies
It existed as a village at least since 1460. Georgios Boustronios mentioned it: “And then they went to Marathasa [region] of Count de Rouchas at Gerakies…”.
Geri
Geri appears on Abraham Ortelius’s map of 1573 as “Ieri”.
It is mentioned in 1596 by Girolamo Dandini as “Jeri”, being one of the villages where Maronites lived at that time.
It existed as a village in 1815, as William Turner mentioned it during that year: “We passed the village of Cheri, and at noon reached that of Neson, where we stopt to dine”.
Today Geri is a municipality.
Gerolakkos
Gerolakkos existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed 21 houses.
It existed as a village at least since 1815, as William Turner mentioned it during that year: “The villages we saw on our road today were lerolakos, Marmari, Thainia, Argatzi, Menikon, Zothia, Kakotopia, Nitzeta, Prassion, Morphon, Kazivera, Elea, Petra, and Sirleenkhori”.
Today Gerolakkos is under Turkish occupation.
Gourri
Gourri village seems to exist at least since during the Frankish Rule of the island. It is suggested that its name derives from the popular medieval family of Gurri, of Frankish origin. Andreas Pavlides (1982) suggests that its land belonged to the Gurri family.
Gönyeli
According to the Ottoman judicial records of 1698, Gönyeli existed during that year as a village, as it is translated from Arabic (with Turkish pronunciation) as “Gonyeli”.
Kaimakli
Kaimakli does not appear on Abraham Ortelius’s map of 1573.
According to Giovanni Mariti, during the 1760s, it existed as a village at that time.
It existed as a village at 1806, Ali Bey mentioned it: “A quarter of an hour later we passed a village called Caimaki, and reached Nicosia at two”.
It existed in 1815 as a small village. William Turner wrote about it the following: “At half past three we entered Nicosia, round which, in sight of it, are the villages, all inconsiderable, of Athalassa, Aklangiar, Palgiogothizar, Kaimaklee, Aimalouthaeis, S. Themeetrie, Mayionissa and Strovilion”.
Today it is known as an urban area.
Kafkalos
It existed as a village at least since 1461. Georgios Boustronios mentioned it: “And when the King [Jacques II] came to Nicosia, he gifted 3 villages, Vyzakia, Kafkalon and Athasin, and two vineyards…”.
Athasi appears on Abraham Ortelius’s map of 1573 as “Cafcalo”.
According to Andros Pavlides (1982), Kafkalos was located in the east of the church of Asinou, and in 1982 there was a very small village there, “Agios Georgios Kafkalou” with 21 residents.
Today Kafkalos as a village does not exist.
Kakopetria
It existed during the Ottoman rule as a village, between the years 1571-1640, as Ronald Jennings mentioned an incident related to this village: “Emir Ali bese of the Cyprus janissaries was killed while living in Kakopetriye
village of Lefka kaza”.
Today Kakopetria is a large village.
Kakotrygitis
The village existed at least since 1461, probably nearby Lymbia, according to two pieces of evidence. Firstly, 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 [he says “and”, as found side by side], Arsos of Mesaoria, and others…”.
Secondly, it existed during the Ottoman rule as a village, between the years 1571-1640, as Ronald Jennings mentioned an incident related to this village: “Oda basi Mehmed, spahi of Limbiye and Kakoteri villages of Lefkosa [Turks constantly misspelt Christian villages, here is mentioned as “Lymbiye and Kakoteri villages”], claimed that allowance when he found a cow”.
Today such a village does not exist, but it could possibly exist somewhere on a Land Registry map as an area.
Kalliana
It existed as a village in 1788 as Archimandrite Kyrpianos mentions it.
Kalo Chorio Orinis
It existed as a village at least since 1815, as William Turner mentioned it during that year: “We passed three villages on the road, Kalon Khourgon, S. Anna, and Psefgas”.
Kalyvakia
Kalyvakia existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Kaliveçe”. In 1572, in the village existed 28 houses.
Kambi
Kambi existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Kambi”. In 1572, in the village existed 41 houses, which were more than average for that era.
Kambia
Kambia existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year misspelt as “Kanbeye”. In 1572, in the village existed 22 houses.
Kataliontas
Kataliontas existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed 14 houses.
Kato Deftera
Kato Deftera existed as a village in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Kato Deftera”. In 1572, in the village existed 21 houses.
From Ronald Jennings we found that this village existed in 1636. He mentions an incident in his book: “Komi v. Agosti of Kato Deftera village gave Hasan çavuş bn Kasim one kantar of cotton for 1920 akce”.
Kato Moni
Kato Moni existed as a village in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Katomoni”. In 1572, in the village existed 39 houses, which are considered a lot for that time.
Kato Zodia
It probably appears on Abraham Cornelius’s map of 1573 alongside with the other Zodia village as one “Zodies” [Zodia in plural].
In 1788, Archimandrite Kyprianos mentions both Kato and Pano Zodia as “the two villages of Zodias”.
Today, the village is occupied by the Turkish state.
Katokopia
It existed as a village in 1815, when William Turner visited it and called it “Kakotopia”, a name which tended to be its former and original one, meaning “bad spot”. Turner wrote: “At Kakotopia (translated, it means “an unlucky spot”) we stopped in a mud cottage, which we left at half past three, after devouring a couple of fowls”.
Today, the village is occupied by the Turkish state.
Kato Piridi [?]
Kato Piridi existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Kato Piridi”. In 1572, in the village existed only 10 houses.
Today such a village does not exist.
Kazivera
According to the Ottoman taxation records of 1572, Kazivera probably existed during that year as a village, as it is translated from Arabic (with Turkish pronunciation) as “Karaviza”.
It existed as a village at least since 1815, as William Turner mentioned it during that year: “The villages we saw on our road today were lerolakos, Marmari, Thainia, Argatzi, Menikon, Zothia, Kakotopia, Nitzeta, Prassion, Morphon, Kazivera, Elea, Petra, and Sirleenkhori”.
Kefalovrysi
It is mentioned in 1596 by Girolamo Dandini as “Cefalauriso”, being one of the villages where Maronites lived at that time.
Today, Kefalovrysi does not exist as a village and according to the Cyprus Maronites blog its area belongs to the village of Kythrea, which is occupied by the Turkish state.
Klirou
Klirou existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Kaliro”. In 1572, in the village existed 52 houses, which were a lot for that era.
Korakou
Korakou existed as a village at least since 1308, as we learn from Hill (1948) that “Baldwin d’lbelin, had to yield. He was strictly confined in the house of the Governor, and then banished to his estate at Korakou”.
Kotsiatis
Kotsiatis existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed only 9 houses.
Kykkos
According to Archbishop Constantius (1766), Kykkos bears its name from mount Kokkos, on where the monastery was built by the Cypriot monk Esaias. According to Abbe Giovanni Mariti, during his time, at the 1760s, Kykkos was a village that included the famous monastery, which had five hundred monks.
Today Kykkos name exists only as a [famous] monastery at the same area.
Kythrea
Kythrea existed at least since the early Frankish Rule as we read from Hill: “The Hospitallers, on receiving Innocent’s recommendation, actually took over some of the fortresses. They already possessed a preceptory in 1210, when King Hugh gave them special privileges, such as the right to acquire land, exemption from customs dues on their exports and imports, free milling at Kythrea, land and houses at Lemesos, and also four estates, Platanistia and Phinika in the territory of Paphos, Monagroulli in that of Lemesos, and, above all, Kolossi, which became the Grand Commandery”.
Kythrea existed as a village also in 1474. Georgios Boustronios mentioned it: “…and she gifted him the Market of Nicosia and two suburbs that Yiakoumos had them in Kythria, which took them from him because he was unfaithful”.
It is mentioned as a village by Cornelis van Bruyn who visited it in 1683. He wrote: “We left, the next day, taking with us some villagers chosen specially to show us a certain place in the mountain where are seen bones of men and animals incorporated in the rock, which hold there together in a state of petrifaction”.
According to Giovanni Mariti, in the 1760s the village was a collection of cottages, the one situated close to the other, and he calls it “Kythera”. It included many mulberry trees. Their principal productions were silk and cotton. Their fields were fertile. Kythrea, according to G. Mariti, used to be a city called Kitri [He probably meant to say “Chytri”, which is true] or Kirga.
Ali Bey in 1806 visited Kythrea: “The existence of the place depends on a spring to the N. which divides into two streams and pours abundant water into the end of a valley lying between hills of pure clay, which are quite bare, and have never been more fertile than they are now. A few houses are scattered about this valley and some mills which supply Nicosia with flour. The soil is not particularly good, but the scarcity of water in the island makes it necessary to turn to account all possible modes of irrigation, and the valley, wherever the water can reach it, is well cultivated. There are vegetable gardens, and many mulberry trees; these trees are not isolated or planted apart, as in Europe, but crowded together into a kind of thicket, not unlike a nursery. They remain small and slender, but it is supposed that they produce more leaves, and these can be picked by hand from the lowest to the highest branch of the shrub. At the present time what Cythera can show is a wood of mulberry trees for silkworms, a few carobs, olives, fruit trees and vegetables, in the hollow of a valley which the scant circulation of air, the reflection from the clay hills, and the neighbourhood of a range of volcanic mountains on the north must render in summer a truly infernal hole”. For the women of Kythrea Ali Bey writes: “I should have been glad to see some of the women, who enjoy a reputation for beauty; but neither in the streets nor in their houses could I find one passably good-looking. The doctor pretended that there are some really beautiful, but that they are the most dissolute wretches in the island and that they give rise to numberless lawsuits, which are taken for trial before the Magistrates at Nicosia. Possibly the heat of the climate, the isolation of the houses which stand each apart, the mulberry thickets, and the absence of the men, who are away during the day in the markets of Nicosia, are the causes to which one may assign the dissolute character of the women of Cythera, for these are all circumstances favourable to debauch”. Regarding the spring which waters Kythrea, Ali Bey stated: “After dinner, I took leave of our host, and we started towards the N. and N.B. to see first the spring which waters Cythera. At the foot of the clay hills which lie S. of a chain of basaltic mountains, the water rushes out abundantly in five places, and in less volume by other channels, and forms at once a small river. It is transparent, light, perfectly pure, and very cold (they say) in summer: a proof that it issues from a great depth in the mountains: it is evident enough that its source is not in the clay hills. The natives believe that it comes from the mountains of Caramania on the mainland and that it passes under the sea. Strictly speaking, this is not impossible, but it is more probable that it rises in the heart of the basaltic mountains, and passes, at a great depth, under the clay hills; but without touching them, or it would lose its good qualities, especially as these hills are later, and superposed on the primordial mass of the mountains. My curiosity was satisfied, and I left with indifference poor Cythera, which has preserved but very little of the beauty which marked her out once for the abode of the goddess of all the Graces”.
The village of Kythrea is under Turkish occupation since 1974.
Lakatamia
It existed as a village in 1456. Georgios Voustronios mentions it: “…and the above-mentioned count baptised the above-mentioned Carlotta and gifted her Lakatamia”.
Lakatamia existed as one of Cyprus most populated villages in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Lakatamya”. In 1572, in the village existed 90 houses.
Lakatamia has been a municipality since 1996.
Latsia
Latsia existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed 22 houses.
Lazanias
An interesting sentence found in the book “Excerpta Cypria” may explain the origin of the name of the village. Archimandrite Kyprianos mentions in 1788: “…but examined certain unhappy Cypriots, once chiefs among their fellows, who after the sack of Nicosia came down from the mountains, and surrendered as ri’aya, to wit — Scipio Caraffa, Peter Paul Syncleticos, Tuzio Constanzo, Livio Podocataro, Giovanni Muscorno, Orsatto Lusignan or Lazania, Giannetto and Efctore de Nores, and others who had been captured and freed on payment and on condition of remaining ri’aya”. It seems that the surname “Lusignan” may give the answer of the origin of the village’s name.
Today Lazanias is a small village.
Lefka
According to Etienne de Lusignan (1573), the village was in his opinion among the 20 largest villages in Cyprus during the Venetian Rule. It existed in 1738 because Richard Pococke wrote about this village: “… in about an hour and a half came to Lefca; it is a long village built up the side of those hills, which we crossed into the delightful country of Solea, which is a vale about a mile wide, and winds between the hills for seven or eight miles: it is much improved with gardens and buildings, and is very well watered with springs and rivulets”.
According to Etienne de Lusignan (1753), Ptolemy Philadelphus in memory of his sister who bore the name Arsinoe. he built or restored other three cities, and called all four Arsenoe: one is the village of Afdimou, the second is Famagusta, the third is the village Lefka, the fourth the village Arsos.
According to Giovanni Mariti in the 1760s, the villagers cultivated an abundance of cotton and mulberry trees. Sugar-canes were also cultivated, but not as much as previously did. Athanasios Sakellaris in 1890 records that Lefka was a village with around 900 inhabitants, almost all Muslims and it bore lemon, orange and other trees.
Today Lefka is occupied by the Turkish state.
Lefkomiatis
It existed as a village in 1460. Georgios Boustronios mentioned at that time: “…and one woman from Lefkomiatis came and brought bread…”.
Lefkomiatis appears on Abraham Ortelius’s map of 1573.
According to Andros Pavlides (1982), “it probably existed since the Byzantine Era as “Komi Lefkomias”. Today an area by the name Lefkommatis is found in the municipality of Aglantzia” [which coincides with the location on Ortelius’s map].
Limnitis
According to the Ottoman taxation records of 1572, Limnitis existed during that year as a village, as it is translated from Arabic (with Turkish pronunciation) as “Limidi”.
Louroujina
Louroujina existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed 24 houses.
William Turner mentions the village in 1815: “In an hour we came to the village of Aracipou, consisting of about twenty-five houses; and we passed two others, Gotzi, containing about ten, and Looritzena, about thirty houses.
Today Louroujina is occupied by the Turkish state.
Lymbia
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…”.
It existed during the Ottoman rule as a village, between the years 1571-1640, as Ronald Jennings mentioned an incident related to this village: “Oda basi Mehmed, spahi of Limbiye and Kakoteri villages of Lefkosa, claimed that allowance when he found a cow”.
Today Lymbia still exist as a village.
Lythrodontas
Lythrondontas name derives from ancient Greek “Λύθρον” and “Οδόντας”, which means “Tooth in dirty blood”. “Lythron” word is very old and so must be the village as well.
Lythrodontas existed as a village since at least 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records misspelt as “Lesrodonva”. In 1572, the village had 47 houses and it was larger than the average village of that time.
Malounta
Malounta existed as a village since at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Malinda”. In 1572, in the village existed 11 houses and it was a relatively small one.
Mammari
It existed as a village at least since 1815, as William Turner mentioned it during that year: “The villages we saw on our road today were lerolakos, Marmari, Thainia, Argatzi, Menikon, Zothia, Kakotopia, Nitzeta, Prassion, Morphon, Kazivera, Elea, Petra, and Sirleenkhori”.
Margo
Margo existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed 11 houses.
Alexander Drummond in 1750 writes: “we lodged very agreeably at a village called Margo”.
According to Giovanni Mariti during the 1760s, it was a deserted village in the Nicosia region.
Today Margo is uninhabited and occupied by the Turkish state.
Mathiatis
Mathiatis existed as a village since at least 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed 22 houses.
Meniko
Meniko existed as a village at least since 1750, as Meniko appears in the Nicosia court judicial records for one incident that was examined during that year.
It existed as an inhabited village in 1815, as William Turner mentioned it during that year: “The villages we saw on our road today were lerolakos, Marmari, Thainia, Argatzi, Menikon, Zothia, Kakotopia, Nitzeta, Prassion, Morphon, Kazivera, Elea, Petra, and Sirleenkhori”.
Milikouri
According to the Ottoman taxation records of 1572, Milikouri probably existed during that year as a village, as it is translated from Arabic (with Turkish pronunciation) as “Milkori”.
William Turner in 1815 speaks about the existence of this village. More specifically he mentions: “Among these mountains we saw three villages, Melikhori, Treiselees, and levrekou. One of these consisted of three houses, and another of five”.
Mitsero
Mitsero existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Miçero”. In 1572, in the village existed 28 houses, and it was rather an average village of that time.
Mnasi
Village near Morfou and the gulf of the town, seen under the same name on Abraham Ortelius’s map of 1573. According to an Italian source of that era, mentioned by Arbel (1984): “The village of Mnasi (in the district of Morphou), which was in a state of decay at the end of the fifteenth century, was leased in 1493 to an official of the Cypriot chancery, who offered to settle foreign peasants there” [due to the depopulation of Cyprus during the Venetian Rule].
Today, Mnasi as a village does not exist.
Morfou
According to Etienne de Lusignan (1573), the village was in his opinion among the 20 largest villages in Cyprus during the Venetian Rule. Johann van Kootwyck mentions its existence as a village in 1598.
To get an idea of the number of its inhabitants, in 1606 in Morfou lived 65 non-Muslim taxpayers [male, capable of work, between the age of 15-75].
It existed in 1738 because Richard Pococke wrote about this village: “…we came to Morpho; they told me this place was eight leagues from Nicosia, probably the city of Limenia might be situated here. We went to the magnificent convent of Saint Mamma at this place, which appears to have been built on a very grand design”.
Today the former town of Morfou is occupied by the Turkish state.
Nicosia City
Lefkosia (today Nicosia) appears mentioned as the city of “Lefkousia” (Λευκουσία) for the first time circa in the sixth century, in the “Synecdemus (between 527-535)” of Hierocles (6th cent.). Lefkosia must have existed even earlier as a small community and at this period it is merged with Ledra creating a city or a town. The name “Lefkousia” will survive at least until the time of Leontios Macheras, during the 15th century.
According to Dundar, Guy de Lusignan who bought Cyprus in 1192 changed its name to “Nicosia”.
Early in the Lusignan period, Nicosia had already become an important commercial and administrative place. Nicosia was established at both banks of Pidias river at an altitude of 150m above sea level. So in 1211 the pilgrim von Oldenburg observed its newly built fortifications. It’s initial walls, protecting the city were built by the Lusignan dynasty in the 13th century. “It has inhabitants without number, all very rich, whose houses in their interior adornment and painting closely resemble the houses of Antioch.” Even when Famagusta temporarily emerged as the premier city of the island, Nicosia on its fine open extensive plain [middle of Mesaoria plain] still appeared a great city to Ludolf von Suchen in 1350. In fact, because of its healthy climate, it had become the residence of the king, bishops, prelates, nobles, barons, and knights, who in Cyprus are the richest in the world; merchants of every nation were to be found there. Martoni in 1394 called the city larger than Aversa, with many fine houses, gardens, and orchards which made the place appear sparsely inhabited. The Mamluk armies occupied Nicosia for a few days in 1426 (from where 2000 people reportedly were carried off to Egypt). By the visit of Tafur in 1435 Nicosia was again the preeminent city: “This is the greatest and most healthy city of the kingdom where the kings and all the lords of the realm always live”. Soon after it fell to Venice it was extolled by the pilgrims Fabri in 1483 and Suriano in 1484. The former called Nicosia “a great city … surrounded by fertile and pleasant hills” where are found “merchants from every part of the world, Christians and infidels,” where everything was cheap, and where dyes and perfumes of the island and the Orient were sold. Although nearly destroyed by an earthquake in 1480, including palaces, houses, and churches, the town was “twice as big a Perugia”. Nicosia must have suffered considerably from the plagues which infested the island during the fifteenth century.
According to Dundar, when the city fell into the hands of the Venetians in 1489, they wanted Nicosia to serve as a military base rather than a trading city. In 1507, the traveller Pierre Mesenge could still write that only about a quarter of the area within the walls was inhabited. However, this situation seems to have changed quite rapidly. The Syndic Semitecolo had some difficulties in finding a dwelling in Nicosia in 1530. One of the colonial officials remarked in 1535 that Nicosia’s population had doubled since the beginning of Venetian rule. Jodicus de Meggen in 1542 and John Locke in 1553 noted the importance of the place although their impressions were mixed. The former mentions “quite a large town” with lots of ruins within the walls and inadequate fortifications. The latter was impressed by the extensive gardens with date palms and pomegranates. According to Furer in 1566, Nicosia was a city of considerable size and beauty. In 1567 Venice began an economic and military retrenchment in the capital. The walled area was demolished and was reduced to a round, modern defensive fortification three miles in circuit, with low thick walls and a deep moat, and all the buildings and walls outside the fortified area were levelled, including reportedly some eighty churches. According to the census prior to the conquest, 55,000 people lived within the walls of Nicosia.
According to Dundar, when the Ottomans attacked Cyprus in July 1570, they did not face much resistance. They even received some help from some locals who wanted to get rid of the Venetians. The September 9th the city was in the hands of the Ottomans. Nicosia city centre had in 1752 an approximate population of 1100-1200 non-Muslims and 1045 soldiers. With the other military and administrative personnel that would be around 2,500 inhabitants. Etienne de Lusignan writes in 1573: “This city was great, in circumference three leagues or nine miles. It is true it was not quite full, but it had many gardens and large ones. But in 1567 the Signory of Venice wishing to fortify it reduced it to one league or three miles, and left three gates as it had before, and levelled with the ground the two-thirds of the city all around, leaving the third part in the middle. Thus were destroyed very many houses and palaces and eighty churches of all kinds, and they reduced the city”. Also, “…and they made the city round, with eleven bastions, all made of mere earth: ten when the Turks reached it they were not completely furnished with walls, nor were the fosses made. The torrent used to pass through the middle of the city, entering it at one point, and leaving it at three, and now in fortifying it in 1567 they cut off the stream outside”. According to Jennings, “so thorough was the destruction of Nicosia in 1570 that in November 1572 when a survey of population and property in the once resplendent city was taken only 235 adult males lived there [ages 15-75}. Of that number 11 (5%) were unmarried. .The population probably ranged between 1100 and 1200”. For Teixeira, in 1605, Nicosia was merely one of two capitals, and a shadow of its former self To get an idea of the number of its inhabitants, in 1606 in Nicosia lived 263 non-Muslim taxpayers [male, capable of work, between the age of 15-75], and in 1643 there were 649. De Stochove visited Nicosia in 1631. He mentioned that “There are many grand houses built of cut stone, the streets are fine and wide, there is nothing Turkish about them, nor in the buildings, which are for the most part of Venetian work”. Furthermore, “The city is rich in gardens full chiefly of date palms: the number of crows is incredible, the trees are black with them: they are useful as an alarm, for at dawn their croaking makes it impossible to sleep. The Turks through some superstition will not have them killed”. Sebastian Manrique in 1643 says about Nicosia: “But nowadays, although it retains the same name, most of its greatness has disappeared, save ruins and traces of what once was”. For de Bruyn in 1683, the town and its houses were pretty mediocre and not well cared for. Although he could not enter St. Sophia mosque he was allowed to look at the outside. The Greeks had their own quarter and occupied almost half the town. Very good silk stuff and dimities were made there. Lieut. Colonel W. M. Leake was in Nicosia in 1800 and noticed the following: “The flat roofs, trellised windows, and light balconies of the better order of houses, situated as they are in the midst of gardens of oranges and lemons, give together with the fortifications, a respectable and picturesque appearance to Lefkosia at a little distance, but, upon entering it, the narrow dirty streets, and miserable habitations of the lower classes, make a very different impression upon the traveller; and the sickly countenances of the inhabitants sufficiently show the unhealthiness of the climate”. In 1806 Ali Bey describes Nicosia: “The extent of Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, represents a town which would easily hold 100,000 inhabitants: but it is a desert: you see large gardens and great open spaces full of ruins and rubbish. I have been assured that it does not contain more than a thousand Turkish families and as many Greek”. “There are a few fine streets in the Greek quarter, but the rest are narrow, crooked, and above all unpaved and very dirty. There are some fine and a few very large houses”. According to John Kinneir in 1814, Nicosia ” contains, according to the account of the Archbishop, two thousand families of Mahomedans, half that number of Greeks, forty of Armenians, and twelve of Maronite Catholics, four public baths, eight mosques (all of which were once churches), six Greek chapels, and one Catholic convent, besides the episcopal palace, and a large caravanserai now falling to decay. The remaining part of the town consists of brick and mud huts, many of which have been erected on the foundations of the old edifices. The bazaar, although tolerably well supplied, is not even arched, but roofed with reeds and mats, which admit the rain in all directions. The city is entered by three gates, namely, those of Larnica, Cerina, and Paphos, of which the latter is most deserving of notice”. According to William Turner in 1815, “The gardens within the walls are well cultivated, and abound in fig, olive, mulberry, orange, lemons and pomegranate trees”. He adds: “All the present houses are of mud, which (like those of Larnaca) require yearly reparation to keep out the rain”. “He [the Archbishop] said that there are 5000 houses in the city, but we were not inclined to believe there are more than 3500, and many of these are so wretchedly small as to be little better than hovels. All the information we got however agreed that two-thirds of these are Turks”. According to the 1831 census Nicosia was the most populated town in Cyprus and the only one containing a majority of Muslim inhabitants.
Nikitas
It existed as a village at least since 1815, as William Turner mentioned it during that year: “The villages we saw on our road today were lerolakos, Marmari, Thainia, Argatzi, Menikon, Zothia, Kakotopia, Nitzeta, Prassion, Morphon, Kazivera, Elea, Petra, and Sirleenkhori”.
Nisou
According to the Chronicle of Amadi (1520), Raymond Visconte owned the casale of Nisou in 1308.
Nisou existed in 1396. D’ Anglure mentions it as “Nissa”.
Nisou existed in 1459, as Georgios Boustronios mentions: “… and he [Jacques II] gifted Morapiton [?], Nisou and its suburbs, and Genagra to Rizzo [di Marino]”.
It also existed during 1573. Abraham Ortelius placed it on his map as “Niso”.
It existed in 1593 as Jennings in his research found the following evidence: “Ergiro v. Yako of Nisu village
of Lefko§a sold three kantar of carded cotton to Behine v. Petro for 73 kirmizi filori”.
It existed as a village in 1815, as William Turner mentioned it during that year: “We passed the village of Cheri, and at noon reached that of Neson, where we stopt to dine. This latter was a very pretty village, full of fruitful gardens and fields of cotton, watered by a copious mountain-stream running through it, and surrounded by brown mountains, which formed a fine contrast with its vegetation.”.
Omorfita
Omorfita existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed 17 houses.
Today Omorfita is known as a northeastern quarter of Nicosia.
Orounta
According to the Ottoman taxation records of 1572, Orounta existed during that year as a village, as it is translated from Arabic (with Turkish pronunciation) as “Orunda”.
Palaichori Orinis
Palaichori existed as a large village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Balyahorin”. In 1572, in the village existed 94 houses.
Palaikythro
It existed as a village in 1788 as Archimandrite Kyrpianos mentions it.
Today the village is under Turkish occupation.
Paliometocho
Paliometocho existed as a village at least since 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Balyomitoho”. In 1572, in the village existed 15 houses.
Pallouriotissa
According to Giovanni Mariti, during the 1760s, it existed as a village at that time.
Pallouriotissa is an area of Nicosia, Cyprus, formerly an independent village, which was annexed to the municipality of Nicosia in 1968.
Pano Deftera
Pano Deftera existed as a village in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Pano Deftera”. In 1572, in the village existed 20 houses.
Pano Kaimakli
According to Giovanni Mariti, during the 1760s, it existed as a village at that time.
Today is a suburban area.
Pano Zodia
It probably appears on Abraham Cornelius’s map of 1573 alongside with the other Zodia village as one “Zodies” [Zodia in Greek plural].
In 1788, Archimandrite Kyprianos mentions both Kato and Pano Zodia as “the two villages of Zodias”.
Today, the village is occupied by the Turkish state.
Pedoulas
Pedoulas existed as a village in 1594. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Pedulla”.
Pentayia
It existed as a village at least since 1460. Georgios Boustronios mentioned it: “And then they went to Pentayia and they took the possessions of Jean de Mila, and they took his 2,000 ducats”.
It existed during the Ottoman rule as a village, between the years 1571-1640, as Ronald Jennings mentioned an incident related to this village: “Su basi Ali Yar bn Suleyman of Pendaya village of Lefkosa claimed cift bozan resmi from Yakimo v. Yano…”. Ronald Jennings mentions the following about Pentayia village, for the period entering the Ottoman Rule: “Pendayia was one of the wealthiest villages on the island of Cyprus, but despite bearing the same name as a district, it was clearly registered as a village and had no urban or commercial significance. Forty-three adult males lived in the village. That means the village had a population of between 1600 and 2000. Almost three quarters of village revenues came from grains, including 72% wheat, 10% barley, and almost 1% lentils. Villagers produced 4500 keyl of wheat annually, worth 54,000 akce, 1250 keyl of barley, worth 7500 akce, and 45 keyl of lentils worth 585 akce. Another 3% of the revenues came from 20 keyl of olives worth 2200 akce. Villagers paid 15,102 akce in taxes on agricultural produce worth some 67,500 akce”.
Today Pentayia is under Turkish occupation.
Pera Chorio (Πέρα Χωρίο Νήσου – Pera Chorio Nisou)
Pera Chorio existed as a village in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Prehoryo”. In 1572, in the village existed 12 houses.
Pera Orinis (Πέρα Ορεινής – Pera Oreinis)
According to Agios Iraklidios, the village of Pera used to be a large village, vastly inhabited and they believed in god Asclepios. On the other hand, in the city of Tamassos people believed in god Apollon, and between them, there was a big hatred, to which of the two gods was greatest, most admirable, and highest. The city claimed that god Apollon was the greatest, in the village of Pera Asclepios” [«το χωρίον Περατιέων τότε μεγάλον χωρίον ετύγχανε και πολλοί άνθρωποι έκατοίκουν μέσα και έπίστευαν τον θεόν τον ‘Ασκληπιόν ή δε πόλις της Ταμασσού είχε και έπίστευε θεόν τον Απόλλωνα, και αναμεταξύ τους ή πόλις και το χωρίον Πέρα έφθασαν εις μεγάλης έχθραν, όποίου τόπου είναι ο θεός μεγαλείτερος, θαυμαστός και υψηλότερος. “Έλεγεν ή πόλις ότι είναι ο θεός ο Απόλλωνας μεγαλείτερος, του δε χωρίου Πέρα ο Ασκληπιός»].
Pera existed as a large village in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Pira”. In 1572, in the village existed 60 houses, which were a lot for that time.
According to Athanasios Sakellarios in 1890, Pera produced dry nuts, cotton, silk, olive oil and fine wine.
Peristerona
Peristerona existed as a village in 1306, according to Hill (1948), and it belonged to Sir Hugh.
To get an idea of the number of its inhabitants, in 1606 in Peristerona lived 141 non-Muslim taxpayers [male, capable of work, between the age of 15-75], and in 1643 there were 110.
Peristeronari
It existed as a village at least since 1787. Dr J. Sibthorn mentions it as such: “Leaving Peristeroani, we travelled over a plain for five hours, and at sunset arrived at the convent of the Archangel, at a small distance from Nicosia”.
Today the village is under Turkish occupation.
Petra
Petra existed as a village at least since 1374, mentioned by Hill (1948): “Belfarage’s exploit gained him great favour with the King, who knighted him, gave him the office of Turcopolier, and granted him the fiefs of Petra and Trimythia and other assignments”.
Petra existed as a village in 1731, as Petra appears in the Nicosia court judicial records for one incident that was examined during that year.
It existed as a village in 1815, as William Turner mentioned it during that year: “The villages we saw on our road today were lerolakos, Marmari, Thainia, Argatzi, Menikon, Zothia, Kakotopia, Nitzeta, Prassion, Morphon, Kazivera, Elea, Petra, and Sirleenkhori”.
Today it is a ruinous place, under Turkish occupation.
Pigi
Pigi existed as a village in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Piyi”. In 1572, in the village existed 8 houses.
Platanistasa
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”.
The village exists until our days.
Politiko
Politiko existed as a village at least in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Politiko”. In 1572, in the village existed 19 houses.
Potamia
Potamia existed as a village at least in 1398, as it is mentioned by Hill (1948): “…since he built a palace and laid out a garden at Potamia (which had been begun by Peter II) and built a round church, in all of which the King took great delight”.
Potamia existed as a village in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed 16 houses.
Prastio
It existed as a village at least since 1815, as William Turner mentioned it during that year: “The villages we saw on our road today were lerolakos, Marmari, Thainia, Argatzi, Menikon, Zothia, Kakotopia, Nitzeta, Prassion, Morphon, Kazivera, Elea, Petra, and Sirleenkhori”.
Psimolofou
It existed as a village in 1473, as Georgios Boustronios mentioned it during that year: “and in this boat was the patriarch that owns Psimolofou”.
Psimolofou existed as a large village in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Simolofo”. In 1572, in the village existed 57 houses.
Today, Psimolofou exists as a village.
Pyroi
Pyroi existed as a village around 1228, as Hill (1948) mentions the following: “Thence he marched inland towards Nicosia, 5 being met at Piroi by Bohemund IV of Antioch, who had landed at Famagusta and brought with him sixty knights and a large force of sergents a cheval and infantry”.
Pyroi existed as a village in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed 13 houses.
Pyroi appears on Abraham Ortelius’s map of 1573 under the same name.
Pyroi during the 1760s, according to Giovanni Mariti, was very populous and the fields around it were fertile and cultivated. Many mulberry trees existed and an abundance of cotton was produced.
Today Pyroi is under Turkish occupation and a military zone, uninhabited by villagers.
Sia
Sia existed as a village since at least 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed 16 houses.
Skylloura
Skylloura existed as a village since at least 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed 35 houses.
Soli
According to Etienne de Lusignan (1573), the village was in his opinion among the 20 largest villages in Cyprus during the Venetian Rule. It is mentioned as Solia in the 1760s by G. Mariti. It was at that time a large, delightful village which produced cotton. Solia had previously been a city with the name Epea according to the same source.
Strovolos
Strovolos existed in 1306 as a village. According to Hill (1948), “The King now retired with his household to his country estate at Strovilo, a league from Nicosia, where he passed his time with his falcon”. “Strovilos” was in fact its initial name, corrupted later into “Strovolos”.
Strovolos existed as a village at least since 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Istrovilo”. In 1572, in the village existed 11 houses.
It existed in 1815 as a small village. William Turner wrote about it the following: “At half past three we entered Nicosia, round which, in sight of it, are the villages, all inconsiderable, of Athalassa, Aklangiar, Palgiogothizar, Kaimaklee, Aimalouthaeis, S. Themeetrie, Mayionissa and Strovilion”.
Syrianochori
According to Hill (1948), Syrianochori was most likely an agricultural settlement founded by Syrians during Byzantine rule.
It existed as a village at least since 1815, as William Turner mentioned it during that year: “The villages we saw on our road today were lerolakos, Marmari, Thainia, Argatzi, Menikon, Zothia, Kakotopia, Nitzeta, Prassion, Morphon, Kazivera, Elea, Petra, and Sirleenkhori“.
Today it is under Turkish occupation.
Tamassos
According to Tommaso Porcacchi (born 1559) at the time of the Venetian rule, it was a village. Earlier according to the same source, it was called Tamaglia.
Today the villages of Psimolofou, Episkopeio, Pera Orinis, Ergates, Politiko, Kampia, Analyontas, and Kapedes occupy the site of the former city.
Tembria (Τεμβριά – Temvria)
To get an idea of the number of its inhabitants, in 1606 in Tembria lived 95 non-Muslim taxpayers [male, capable of work, between the age of 15-75], and in 1643 there were 61.
Tembria is today a considerable village.
Trachonas
Trachonas existed as a village in 1232, mentioned in an incident by Hill (1948): “Suspecting that there might be a trap to catch his force in the city, where it was scattered about in various quarters, Ibelin withdrew his men outside the walls, and camped at Trakhona”.
Trachonas existed as a village in 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village there were only 5 houses.
Today is known as an area in the suburbs of Nicosia.
Trachoni (of Nicosia)
Trachoni existed as a village since at least 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year. In 1572, in the village existed 23 houses.
It appears on Abraham Ortelius’s map of 1573 misspelt as “Tracani”.
According to Giovanni Mariti, during the 1760s, it existed as a village at that time near Nicosia.
Today Trachoni is under Turkish occupation.
Tremetousia [Trimithus]
According to Hill (1948), “the tithes of Tremithoussia or Tremithus were granted to the see of Nicosia in 1196, and, the Greek see having been suppressed in 1222, the place lost all importance and was practically deserted”.
Trimithus or Trimythia in Greek, existed as a village in 1374, as mentioned by Hill (1948): “Belfarage’s exploit gained him great favour with the King, who knighted him, gave him the office of Turcopolier, and granted him the fiefs of Petra and Trimythia and other assignments”.
Tseri
Tseri existed as a village since at least 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Çirin“. In 1572, in the village existed 26 houses.
Tymbou
Tymbou existed as a village at least since 1572. It is found in the Ottoman taxation records of that year as “Timbu”. In 1572, in the village existed 20 houses.
Vyzakia
It existed as a village at least since 1461. Georgios Boustronios mentioned it: “And when the King [Jacques II] came to Nicosia, he gifted 3 villages, Vyzakia, Kafkalon and Athasin, and two vineyards…”.
It existed during the Ottoman rule as a village, between the years 1571-1640, Ronald Jennings mentioned an incident related to this village: “Musa spahi of Vizace village of Lefkosa claimed cift bozan resmi from Ergiri v. Ciryako”.
Today Vyzakia exists as a village.