….and the opening of the Pedestrian Area in Nicosia North

By Heidi Trautmann

While in the northern part of Nicosia people got ready for the opening celebrations of the Pedestrian Area in the centre of town, we went over to visit the Leventis Museum at the end of Ledra Street where - so they had announced - would be a Christmas Market. The exhibitors had put up their stalls in the inner courtyard, a lovely space between the main building of the museum and its annex where they often organize art exhibitions and workshops.

I met there the textile artists Gabi and Natalja; Gabi is German and lives near Limassol; she works with all sorts of plants such as eucalyptus or lavender to dye material such as silk and wool and also makes felt from wool. The processes for both are very work and time intensive but the results are most beautiful. Her friend Natalja is Russian and she concentrates on the production of felt and the naturally dyed felt she uses for making boots, slippers, hats, handbags and flowers to attach to the collar or dress.  You can find Gabi Böhm on facebook.

At another stall I found all kinds of lamps made from natural material. I love to see art work done with things found in nature, it is very inspiring to look out for things yourself. There is so much beauty in nature.  They are a group of three young people; here a photo of ‘lovenlight.eu’ at their stall.

Ah yes, iced cakes in romantic colours and decorated with marzipan figurines, very funny….and nice artistic jewelry on some stands.

We showed our friends the beautifully renovated Leventis Museum before we went back to the Lokmaci Crossing. Half way through Ledra Street we took the guests up to the Debenham Tower (entrance is at the side of the building) to have a 360° degree view of Nicosia, very interesting, with old photos of the city and a movie instruction of its history in several languages.

Back in the North again we strolled along the now traffic free streets around the Büyük Han. The car drivers are led through the Old City with directions given by arrows to get through the oneway streets. On our way into town we had entered the Old City through the “backdoor”  i.e. we did not turn right to get to the Kyrenia Gate but left to cross the moat over the bridge and entered there; no problem: there are street signs to lead you to the centre parking area near the Mosque.

Future will show if people accept the new idea.