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The Bedestan: Nicosia
- North Cyprus |
On the south side of the Selimiye is a Greek church built in the
Byzantine and mediaeval styles. It is called the Bedestan, meaning
covered market, and this it was, until the municipal market moved to
buildings on the other side of the road.
The building was c onstructed
in the 12th century as a Byzantine church (The St. Nicholas Church). It
was later enlarged by some Gothic annexes built by the Lusignans. After
some more changes in the Venetian period, the building was given to the
Greek Orthodox Metropolis.
The building with its different architectural styles is of a hybrid
nature. In the Ottoman period, it served as a depot and a market where
mostly textile products were sold.
The masonry on its northern entrance resembles the masonry on the
entrance of the St. Sophia Cathedral.
The Bedestan is now preserved as an ancient monument and the interior
has many fallen marble and granite columns, probably Roman, and it shows
that the Bedestan was once a much larger church.
Looking around the church, one can still see the effects of the severe
earthquakes of centuries ago. The guide will show you a vaulted room
full of mediaeval tombstones, many having the coats of arms of crusader
knights.
The best photograph to take is that of the beautifully carved Gothic
door on the northern side. It is a good example of French mediaeval
stone carving. Quite a mystery is why two such large churches were built
so close together.
The two tall minarets of the Selimiye mosque form a very prominent
landmark in Nicosia. Coming down from the mountains on the Kyrenia road,
and just before reaching Gönyeli, one can pinpoint Nicosia by these twin
towers.
The next time you fly over Nicosia, you will hardly notice the mosque,
but most conspicuous of all are the Venetian encircling walls with their
eleven polygonal bastions. |
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