**New Street Signs Offer Insight into Nicosia's History**
Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is set to enhance its historical narrative with the installation of fifty-six new street signs in the old town area. This initiative, spearheaded by the Nicosia tourism board (Etap), aims to illuminate the cultural, historical, and political significance of various personalities associated with the city. The project is part of a broader plan that will eventually see a total of 150 streets adorned with these informative signs.
The newly installed signs are strategically located around the new municipal building and feature brief texts that explain the origin and meaning of each street name. Additionally, each sign includes a QR code that directs passersby to a dedicated website for further information about the respective street. This interactive element is designed to engage residents and visitors alike, providing them with a richer understanding of the city's heritage.
The project commenced at Lellos Demetriades Square, which honors the capital's longest-serving mayor, who held office from 1971 to 2001, with a brief hiatus in 1974. According to Sotiris Christoforou from Etap, Demetriades was a key reformer in the city’s development. He, along with fellow Etap officer Sofia Kousioumi, undertook extensive research to compile the information for the street signs.
Among the streets highlighted in this initiative is Diogenous Street, named after the ancient philosopher of the Cynic School of Athens, who lived in the 3rd century BC. Another notable mention is Aeschylus Street, named after the father of ancient Greek tragedy, and Antalya Street, which references one of the significant ports of Asia Minor.
Christoforou noted that compiling the historical context for the street names posed a considerable challenge. Many of the streets in central Nicosia were named during the 1970s and 1980s, and the reasons behind these decisions were often undocumented. "This was a big challenge," he explained, "as we were unable to find the minutes of the Municipal Council which would have allowed us to understand the approach and the reasoning in which the decisions were made."
The initiative is not just limited to the current installations. Plans are in place to further extend the new street signs to Ledra and Onasagorou streets, where old signs will be replaced following the completion of renovation work in the area, which is expected to begin shortly.
In addition to the street signs, Etap has announced another project aimed at cataloguing all busts and statues located within the walls of old Nicosia. This effort will be conducted in collaboration with the Cyens research centre and will include historical context and explanatory texts for each piece, following the same model as the street-mapping initiative. This cataloguing project is anticipated to be completed by November.
As Nicosia continues to evolve, these new street signs and accompanying initiatives reflect a commitment to preserving and promoting the rich historical tapestry of the city. By providing residents and visitors with accessible information about the streets they traverse, Nicosia aims to foster a deeper appreciation for its cultural heritage.