What Is The Capital Of Cyprus?

The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia, also known as Lefkosia. The ancient walled city has been divided since Turkey forcibly occupied the northern third of the island in 1973. It is the only EU country to have a divided capital, the occupying force being a NATO member. There are presently 30,000 Turkish troops stationed in the north, compared to 10,000 National guard members in the southern democratic republic.
In the past Nicosia has been the seat of power for British Rule, Venetian rule and the Lusignans. It was founded in 965AD under Byzantine rule although the area was settled well before that. The old city of Ledra one of the ancient kingdoms of Cyprus was here in about 7BC. Its upswing from the ninth century AD was largely owing to its situation inland, away from the marauding pirates which plagued the coastal towns. Between 1567 and 1570 the Venetian military planners constructed a circular fortified wall with 11 bastions. This hastily constructed although well designed fortification was to repel the Ottoman. However it proved little impediment to the Sultans troops who conquered Nicosia after only two weeks.