Nicosia has been the capital of Cyprus since the 10th century. In case you are wondering, Nicosia is its Latin name. It’s Greek name is Lefkosía and the Turkish equivalent is Lefkósha. Starting from 1958, the medieval-walled city (and the surrounding suburbs) experienced barricades, barbed wire and eventually a UN buffer zone running through its core from east to west.
Ermou street, once a vibrant commercial street, full of merchants and specialized technicians, fell victim to the inter-communal conflicts and the fears of retaliation that followed.
While walking around the old, walled town, your eye might also fall on such signs.