How to Pronounce Lefkoşa

Meaning and Context

Lefkoşa, known as Nicosia in English, is the historic and political capital of the island of Cyprus, distinguished as the world's last divided capital city. Since the de facto partition of the island following the 1974 conflict, the city has been physically separated by the United Nations-controlled Green Line, with the southern half administered by the Republic of Cyprus and the northern half under the administration of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This unique status makes Lefkoşa a profound symbol of the enduring Cyprus dispute. Despite its political division, the city within the magnificent 16th-century Venetian walls forms a remarkably preserved historical core, a UNESCO World Heritage site candidate, where landmarks like the Gothic Selimiye Mosque (originally the Cathedral of Saint Sophia) and the beautifully restored Büyük Han caravanserai stand as testaments to its rich, layered past under Byzantine, Lusignan, Venetian, and Ottoman rule. For visitors, crossing at the Ledra Street checkpoint offers a direct experience of this geopolitical reality, while the city's vibrant bazaars, museums, and cultural festivals in both communities underscore its continued vitality.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary alternative spelling for the Turkish name "Lefkoşa" is the Greek "Λευκωσία," transliterated as "Lefkosia." In English and many international contexts, the name "Nicosia" is the most common and widely recognized designation for the capital. Common misspellings and typos for the Turkish form often arise from attempts to phonetically spell the "ş" (s with a cedilla), which denotes a "sh" sound, leading to errors like "Lefkosa" (missing the diacritic), "Lefkosha," or "Lefkocca." For the English name, frequent misspellings include "Nicossia," "Nicoscia," or "Nicoscia." It is also important to note the correct diacritic in "Büyük Han," where the "ü" represents a close front rounded vowel, often mistakenly written as "Buyuk Han" or "Büyuk Han."

Example Sentences

To understand the complex history of Cyprus, a visit to the divided capital of Lefkoşa is essential.

Many tourists enter the northern sector through the Ledra Street crossing to explore the Ottoman-era Lefkoşa within the Venetian walls.

The bustling atmosphere of the Büyük Han in Lefkoşa offers a vivid glimpse into the city's past as a major trading post.

Diplomatic efforts continue to seek a lasting solution for the reunification of Lefkoşa.

The Selimiye Mosque stands as the most prominent architectural landmark in the old city of Lefkoşa.

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