General view of the Turkish controlled part of Nicosia, with Agia Sofia Cathedral, formerly Cathedrale Sainte Sophie, turned into a mosque during the occupation by the Ottomans in 1570 and renamed Selimye mosque in 1954, Cyprus, Eastern Mediterranean Sea, Europe

nicosia cyprus selimye mosque turkish control occupation ottomans history architecture eastern mediterranean cityscape islamic architecture culture heritage historic sites religion mosque cathedral transformation urban view europe mediterranean landmarks cypriot history tourism travel city streets rooftops community religious site civic space landscape olive trees blue skies minarets tradition multicultural division city center architectural heritage historical architecture cultural significance urban landscape heritage site religious history neighborhoods cultural fusion tourism destination city development urban exploration