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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}} |
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{{Infobox settlement |
{{Infobox settlement |
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<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions --> |
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions --> |
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<!-- Basic info ----------------> |
<!-- Basic info ---------------->| name = Aglandjia |
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| native_name = {{nativename|el|Αγλαντζιά}}<br />{{nativename|tr|Eğlence}} |
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|name = Aglandjia |
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| official_name = |
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| settlement_type = [[List of cities, towns and villages in Cyprus#Municipalities|Municipality]] |
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|official_name = |
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| motto = <!-- images and maps -----------> |
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| image_skyline = Alsos Akadimias Forest National Park view of Nicosia Pallouriotissa area Republic of Cyprus 2014.jpg |
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|motto = |
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| imagesize = 300px |
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| image_caption = Alsos Akadimias National Forest |
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| image_flag = |
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| flag_size = |
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| image_seal = Aglantzia.gif |
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| seal_size = 100px |
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| pushpin_map = Cyprus#Mediterranean east#European_Union#Asia |
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|image_seal = Aglantzia.gif |
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| pushpin_label_position = bottom |
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|seal_size = 100px |
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| pushpin_mapsize = 300 |
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|pushpin_map = Cyprus<!-- the name of a location map as per http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Location_map --> |
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| pushpin_map_caption = Location within [[Cyprus]]##Location within the [[Eastern Mediterranean]]##Location within the [[European Union]]##Location within [[Asia]] |
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|pushpin_label_position = bottom |
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| subdivision_type = Country |
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|pushpin_mapsize = 300 |
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| subdivision_name = {{flag|Cyprus}} |
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| subdivision_type1 = [[Districts of Cyprus|District]] |
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<!-- Location ------------------> |
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| subdivision_name1 = [[Nicosia District]] |
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|subdivision_type = Country |
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| subdivision_type2 = [[Urban area]] |
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|subdivision_name = Cyprus |
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| subdivision_name2 = [[Nicosia]] |
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|subdivision_type1 = [[Districts of Cyprus|District]] |
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| subdivision_type3 = |
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|subdivision_name1 = [[Nicosia District]] |
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| subdivision_name3 = <!-- Politics -----------------> |
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|subdivision_type2 = |
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| government_footnotes = |
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|subdivision_name2 = |
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| leader_title = |
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| leader_name = |
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| established_title = <!-- Settled --> |
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<!-- Politics -----------------> |
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| established_date = <!-- Area ---------------------> |
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|government_footnotes = |
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| area_magnitude = |
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|government_type = Municipality |
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| total_type = [[List of cities, towns and villages in Cyprus#Municipalities|Municipality]] |
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|leader_title = |
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| area_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web |title=Cyprus: Nicosia Urban Agglomeration (Municipalities, Communities and Quarters) - Population Statistics, Charts and Map |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/cyprus/nicosia/admin/ |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=www.citypopulation.de}}</ref> |
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|leader_name = |
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| area_total_km2 = 21.37 |
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|established_title = <!-- Settled --> |
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| area_land_km2 = <!--See table @ Template:Infobox Settlement for details on automatic unit conversion--> |
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|established_date = |
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| area_metro_km2 = <!-- Population -----------------------> |
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| population_as_of = 2011 |
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|area_magnitude = |
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| population_footnotes = <ref>{{citation|url=http://www.mof.gov.cy/mof/cystat/statistics.nsf/All/7F6BB26ED9D00A00C2257AD90055542A/$file/POP_CEN_11-POP_PLACE_RESID-EN-170414.xls?OpenElement|chapter=C1. Popuolation Enumerated by Sex, Age, District, Municipality/Community and Quarter (1.10.2011)|title=Population - Place of Residence, 2011|publisher=Statistical Service of the Republic of Cyprus|date=17 April 2014|access-date=20 April 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420062128/http://www.mof.gov.cy/mof/cystat/statistics.nsf/All/7F6BB26ED9D00A00C2257AD90055542A/$file/POP_CEN_11-POP_PLACE_RESID-EN-170414.xls?OpenElement|archive-date=20 April 2014}}</ref> |
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|unit_pref =Imperial <!--Enter: Imperial, if Imperial (metric) is desired--> |
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| population_note = |
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|area_footnotes = |
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| population_total = 20783 |
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|area_total_km2 = <!-- ALL fields dealing with a measurements are subject to automatic unit conversion--> |
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| population_density_km2 = auto |
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|area_land_km2 = <!--See table @ Template:Infobox Settlement for details on automatic unit conversion--> |
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| timezone = [[Eastern European Time|EET]] |
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| utc_offset = +2 |
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<!-- Population -----------------------> |
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| timezone_DST = [[Eastern European Summer Time|EEST]] |
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|population_as_of = 2011 |
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| utc_offset_DST = +3 |
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|population_footnotes = <ref>{{citation|url=http://www.mof.gov.cy/mof/cystat/statistics.nsf/All/7F6BB26ED9D00A00C2257AD90055542A/$file/POP_CEN_11-POP_PLACE_RESID-EN-170414.xls?OpenElement|chapter=C1. POPULATION ENUMERATED BY SEX, AGE, DISTRICT, MUNICIPALITY/COMMUNITY AND QUARTER (1.10.2011)|title=Population - Place of Residence, 2011|publisher=Statistical Service of the Republic of Cyprus|date=2014-04-17|accessdate=2014-04-20|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420062128/http://www.mof.gov.cy/mof/cystat/statistics.nsf/All/7F6BB26ED9D00A00C2257AD90055542A/$file/POP_CEN_11-POP_PLACE_RESID-EN-170414.xls?OpenElement|archivedate=20 April 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> |
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| coordinates = {{coord|35.14592|N|33.390169|E|region:CY_type:city|display=inline,title}} |
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|population_note = |
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| elevation_footnotes = <!--for references: use <ref> </ref> tags--> |
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|population_total = 20,783 |
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| elevation_m = |
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| elevation_ft = <!-- Area/postal codes & others --------> |
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| postal_code_type = [[List of postal codes in Cyprus|Postal code]] |
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|timezone = [[Eastern European Time|EET]] |
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| postal_code = 4700 |
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| area_code = |
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|timezone_DST = [[Eastern European Summer Time|EEST]] |
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| blank_name = |
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| blank_info = |
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|coordinates = {{coord|35.14592|N|33.390169|E|region:CY_type:city|display=inline,title}} |
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| blank1_name = |
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|elevation_footnotes = <!--for references: use <ref> </ref> tags--> |
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| blank1_info = |
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| website = http://www.aglantzia.org.cy |
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| footnotes = |
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<!-- Area/postal codes & others --------> |
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|postal_code_type = [[List of postal codes in Cyprus|Postal code]] |
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|postal_code = 4700 |
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|area_code = |
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|blank_name = |
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|blank_info = |
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|blank1_name = |
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|blank1_info = |
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|website = http://www.aglantzia.org.cy |
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|footnotes = |
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}} |
}} |
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[[File:Aglandjia EN.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Concise presentation of Aglandjia]] |
[[File:Aglandjia EN.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Concise presentation of Aglandjia]] |
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'''Aglandjia''' ({{ |
'''Aglandjia''' ({{langx|el|Αγλαντζιά}} [{{IPA-el|aɣlaˈnd͡ʒa|local}}]; {{langx|tr|Eğlence}}) is a [[suburb]] and municipality of [[Nicosia]], [[Cyprus]]. The municipality has a population of 20,783 (2011) and is contiguous with the Nicosia Municipality. |
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Aglandjia is near the [[United Nations Buffer Zone in Cyprus|buffer zone]]. It has an area of about 31 |
Aglandjia is near the [[United Nations Buffer Zone in Cyprus|buffer zone]]. It has an area of about 31 km<sup>2</sup>, of which 14 km<sup>2</sup> is agricultural land that has been [[Turkish invasion of Cyprus|occupied by the Turkish army]] since 1974; of the remaining 17 km<sup>2</sup>, 9 km<sup>2</sup> are national forest parks (Athalassa park, 8.6 km<sup>2</sup> and Pedagogical Academy park 0.4 km<sup>2</sup>). |
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==Name== |
==Name== |
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The word ''Aglandjia'' is of Turkish origin, deriving from {{lang|tr|eğlence}}, meaning "entertainment". Its pronunciation in [[Cypriot Greek]] is {{IPA-el|aɣlaˈnd͡ʒa|}}. |
The word ''Aglandjia'' is of Turkish origin, deriving from {{lang|tr|eğlence}}, meaning "entertainment". Its pronunciation in [[Cypriot Greek]] is {{IPA-el|aɣlaˈnd͡ʒa|}}. |
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Another theory states that the name derives from the surname of the Frankish family de Aglande, who owned the area during the Frankish rule in Middle Ages. |
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==Geography== |
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Aglandjia is Nicosia's highest suburb, since its largest part is built either on hills or on hillsides or at tableland level. Aglandjia was built in mediaeval times, before Ottoman rule, on an important site for defensive purposes, the existence of natural resources and its healthy climate. |
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The natural environment of Aglandjia is unique, being not only endowed with the big lung of Nicosia, Athalassa Forest, but also with Ayios Yeorgios Park, Aglandjia Municipal Park, as well as 45 small parks and green spaces. |
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Aglandjia is built along the road, which led from Nicosia to Larnaca before the invasion. Two trapezoid hills overlook the site on both sides. The hill on the left is Arona hill, which is now under Turkish occupation. The trapezoid hill on the right of the road is called Aronas of Athalassa or Mount Lion or Liontarovounos, on which the remains of the medieval La Cava castle stand. |
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==History and demography== |
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{{Advert|section|date=June 2015}} |
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The history of Aglandjia goes back as far as 3888 BC, since several tombs dating to the Bronze Age were found on the trapezoid Arona hill (Mount Lion or Liontarovounos). Around the hill there was an ancient settlement, from which the city of Ledra may have originated. |
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The Kafizin (in the buffer zone) or Small Aronas, a historic site with a cave dedicated to the worship of a Nymph, where important archaeological works of art and inscriptions in the [[cypriot syllabary]] were found, also stands within the area of Aglandjia. |
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In the [[Cyprus in the Middle Ages|Middle Ages]], the Lefkomiatis settlement was in the area of Aglandjia. The area seems to have been inhabited towards the end of the Frankish rule, under the reign of Jacques II (1468–1473) and its name is believed to come from the surname of the Frankish family de Aglande who was the owner of the area. |
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After the [[Cyprus under the Ottoman Empire|conquest of Cyprus by the Ottomans]], the Aglandjia settlement declined. It starts to form a self-sufficient rural settlement around the end of the 18th century. Its inhabitants are busy with farming, stockbreeding and quarrying. Around the end of the 18th century, [[dragoman]] [[Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios]] erected Ayios Yeoryios church on the site of the cemetery and Ayios Yeoryios church in Athalassa. |
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During the [[EOKA]] struggle, Aglandjia was present with organised groups and the sacrifice of Kyriakos Karaolis, whereas in the 1964 events, volunteers were incorporated in different companies. Andreas Nikolaou Koutsou fell in battle. |
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During the Turkish invasion, Aglandjia was not only bombed mercilessly but the war took a heavy toll of the city and persons went missing. The Turkish invasion army occupies 45% of its territory. |
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Aglandjia has a population of 22,000 inhabitants, of whom 7,500 are [[refugees]]. Aglandjia combines the old and the new. It maintains a nucleus with traditional bricked houses with yards; its narrow streets refresh you with their human breath, whereas more recent large houses surround it, a few blocks of flats and refugees housings. Aglandjia is one of the excellent built-up areas of broader Nicosia. Aglandjia is characterized by Athalassa's forests, the hypsometrical differences of the land, its neighboring with and easy access to the centre of Nicosia, the harmonious linking of the traditional and the new, and the tens of development works the Local Authority has to present. |
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==Administration== |
==Administration== |
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[[File:Typical cypriot Neighbourhood in Aglandjia Nicosia Republic of Cyprus.jpg|thumb|A street in Aglandjia]] |
[[File:Typical cypriot Neighbourhood in Aglandjia Nicosia Republic of Cyprus.jpg|thumb|A street in Aglandjia]] |
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Aglandjia was declared a Municipality by a referendum in May 1986. The Municipal Council is made up of the |
Aglandjia was declared a Municipality by a referendum in May 1986. The Municipal Council is made up of the mayor and sixteen Municipal Councilors. The current mayor is Andreas Konstantinou. Aglandjia Municipality employs 24 permanent employees and 30 workers (permanent and casual) who staff the services below, which have their seat in the Town Hall: |
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Aglandjia Municipality gives a special impulse to Cultural development, the protection and improvement of the Environment and Social Policy. Aglandjia Municipality employs 24 permanent employees and 30 workers (permanent and casual) who staff the services below, which have their seat in the Town Hall: |
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* Secretariat |
* Secretariat |
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* Technical services |
* Technical services |
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* Financial services |
* Financial services |
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* Greenery and Environment services |
* Greenery and Environment services |
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* Hygiene |
* Hygiene services |
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* Cultural services |
* Cultural services |
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==History== |
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{{Advert|section|date=June 2015}} |
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Two television broadcasting stations, the state station [[CyBC]], chose Aglandjia to establish their central offices. Many government services function in our community, since the Police Headquarters and the Agriculture Research Institute have their centre here, the Veterinary Clinic offers its services, the International Conference Centre functions, the Higher Technological Institute and the Higher Hotel Institute are located here. The Pedagogical Academy functioned for many years in Aglandjia and gave teachers to Cyprus, whereas the [[University of Cyprus]] functions now in the same building; its new buildings and the University Campus are being erected in Aglandjia. The famous Costakis Zoiros live in Aglandjia. |
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The inhabitants of Aglandjia have left the marks of their religiousness in the churches and chapels since remote times. The big Ayios Yeorgios church stands in the heart of Aglandjia, and further up there are Apostle Andreas church, built on the initiative of refugees, Ayios Nektarios church, Ayios Yeorgios Athalassa chapel, the country churches of Panayia, Ayios Yeorgios and Ayia Mavri. The younger scions of Aglandjia Municipality are educated in six elementary schools and three secondary schools. |
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The Municipality, proud of its cultural tradition, mentions with boast the Elias Aletras Popular Theatre, which honors Aglandjia with its contribution. |
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==Sites of interest== |
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{{Advert|section|date=June 2015}} |
{{Advert|section|date=June 2015}} |
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[[File:Park in Aglandjia during summer season in Nicosia Republic of Cyprus.jpg|thumb|A park in Aglandjia]] |
[[File:Park in Aglandjia during summer season in Nicosia Republic of Cyprus.jpg|thumb|A park in Aglandjia]] |
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Skali Cultural Centre is the most dynamic work of the Municipality, which constitutes the basic infrastructure for Aglandjia cultural upgrading. It is the pride of the Municipality and constitutes the cultural identity of Aglandjia and a reference for all Cyprus. It succeeded in its aim and mission, which it the qualitative cultural offer to the citizens, the revival of old Aglandjia and the communication with the broader society. |
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The history of Aglandjia |
The history of Aglandjia goes back as far as 3888 BC. Several tombs dating to the [[Bronze Age]] have been found on Arona Hill (Mount Lion or Liontarovounos). The hill is strategically located for the defense of the area, so the settlement there was most likely a military deployment during the first phase of its history. |
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Around the hill there was an ancient settlement, from which the city of [[Ledra]] may have originated. Archaeological works of art and inscriptions in the [[Cypriot syllabary]] have been found in Kafizin or Small Aronas, a historic site with a cave dedicated to the worship of a [[Nymph]]. These objects indicate the site was in use as a place of [[worship]] during the [[Hellenistic period]], specifically between 225 and 218 BC, during the reigns of [[Ptolemaic dynasty|Ptolemy the Benefactor]] and [[Ptolemaic dynasty|Ptolemy Philopatoras.]] |
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The prehistoric settlement on Leantari Hill, strategically located for the defence of the area, had most certainly the character of a military deployment during the first phase of its history. |
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The medieval La Cava castle, built on the same site, more or less in the middle of the flat summit of Leondarovounos around 1385 by king Jacques I, was also used as an observatory for the control of access and the road leading from [[Larnaca]] to Nicosia. |
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A variety of locally manufactured pottery was also found at the site, including various bowls, two-handled vessels, cup-bearers, feeding bottles, mud-lighters, jars, cooking utensils, frying pans, wash basins, jugs, combined pots, urns, amphorae, rhytons, large jars and jar lids, and objects testifying to the practice of weaving. |
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However, the destruction that hit the monument started very early, the first in 1426 already by the [[Mameluks]]. The [[Republic of Venice|Venetians]] blasted it later, during the third decade of the 16th century, whereas the Ottomans used the bigger of the two towers as a powder magazine. The demolishing of the castle walls in 1878 and the use of its stones as building material for the erection of Faneromeni Church in Nicosia completed the wear of dereliction during the previous century. |
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In the [[Middle Ages]], the Lefkomiatis settlement was in the area of Aglandjia. The area seems to have been inhabited towards the end of [[Francia|Frankish]] rule, during the reign of [[James II of Cyprus|Jacques II]] (1468–1473). The medieval La Cava castle, built on Arona hill around 1385 by King Jacques I, was used as an observatory for the control of the road leading from [[Larnaca]] to [[Nicosia]].The castle took its name from the large rock cistern which still survives today. |
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La Cava Castle was built by James I of Lusignan, it took its name from the large rock cistern which still survives today, In 1888 the area was excavated by a Mr M R James he dug up to 49 feet without reaching the bottom. Up until 1870 a considerable amount of the Castle was still standing including the vaulted hall, the curtain walls and two towers. However the majority of the Castle was pulled down in that year to build the Church of Phaneromeni.The Castle was proclaimed an ancient moment in 1915.<ref>[[Rupert Gunnis]], ''Historic Cyprus'', 1936</ref> Today a portion of the Great Tower and Second Tower exists together with the Cistern.<ref>Touring Guide of Nicosia 1994</ref> |
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The castle was blasted by the [[Republic of Venice|Venetians]] during the third decade of the 16th century, while the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]] used the bigger of its two towers as a powder magazine. Up until 1870 a considerable amount of the castle was still standing, including the vaulted hall, the curtain walls, and two towers. However, the majority of the castle was pulled down in that year to build the Church of Phaneromeni. In 1888 the area was excavated by [[M. R. James]]. The castle was proclaimed an ancient moment in 1915.<ref>[[Rupert Gunnis]], ''Historic Cyprus'', 1936</ref> Today a portion of the Great Tower and Second Tower exists together with the cistern.<ref>Touring Guide of Nicosia 1994</ref> |
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After the conquest of Cyprus by the Ottomans, the Aglandjia settlement declined. It started to form a self-sufficient rural settlement around the end of the 18th century whose inhabitants engaged in farming, stockbreeding, and quarrying. Around the end of the 18th century, Dragoman [[Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios]] erected Ayios Yeoryios church on the site of the cemetery and Ayios Yeoryios church in Athalassa. |
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The Kafizin or small Aronas is a historic site with a cave dedicated to the worship of a Nymph, where important archaeological works of art and inscriptions in Cyprosyllabic writing were found. Potteries with votive inscriptions constitute nearly the whole of the offerings found in Kafizin cave. On the other inscriptions, the alphabetic writing has been used to express the common Greek language. The offerings to the Kafizin Nymph, potteries and utensils, whether they bear inscriptions or not, represent a unique in its kind series of representative ceramic types of local manufacture and specific chronology. There is a big variety of vessels and some of them are unique, we have bowls of different variations, two-handled vessels, cup-bearers, feeding bottles, mud-lighters, jars, cooking utensils, frying pans, wash basins, jugs, combined pots, urns, amphorae, rhytons, large jars and jar lids, objects testifying to the practice of waving etc.It is worth mentioning that the area is full of potsherds. |
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Aglandjia contributed organized groups to the [[EOKA]] struggle, and local volunteers also participated in the events of 1964. Aglandjia was bombed during the [[Turkish invasion of Cyprus|Turkish invasion of 1974]]. The [[Turkish Land Forces|Turkish army]] continues to occupy 45% of the municipality's territory. |
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On the basis of dates which are mentioned on some inscriptions, the use of the Numph worship place dates back to the [[Hellenistic]] period and more precisely between 225 and 218 BC, that is to say from the twenty-third year of the reign of [[Ptolemy]] the Benefactor until the fourth year of Ptolemy Philopatoras. The Lefkomiatis settlement was in Aglandjia area during the Middle Ages. Only a few remains are saved from the [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] period and the Middle Ages, during which there was a settlement in Aglandjia. |
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After the conquest of Cyprus by the Ottomans, the Aglandjia settlement declines. It starts setting up a self-sufficient rural settlement at the end of the 18th century. Its inhabitants are busy with farming, stockbreeding and quarrying. |
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Aglandjia has also a large, traditional and old quarter where many local restaurants and [[taverna]] are located. |
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The [[Melkonian Educational Institute]] also operated in Aglandjian between 1926-2005. |
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==International relations== |
==International relations== |
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===Twin towns |
===Twin towns – Sister cities=== |
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Aglandjia is [[town twinning|twinned]] with:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Δήμος Λευκωσίας - Αγλαντζιά |url=https://www.nicosia.org.cy/el-GR/municipality/didimopihseis/aglantzia/ |access-date=2024-10-05 |website=www.nicosia.org.cy |language=el}}</ref> |
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Aglandjia is [[town twinning|twinned]] with: |
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*{{flagicon|GRE}} [[Zografou]], Greece (since 1988) |
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*{{flagicon|GRE}} [[Kalamata]], Greece (since 1993)<ref name="Municipality of Kalamata">{{cite web |author1=Municipality of Kalamata |title=Εκδηλώσεις τιμής και μνήμης για τα θύματα και τους αγνοούμενους στην Κύπρο το 1974 |url=http://www.kalamata.gr/enimerosi/nea/3969-ekdilwseis-timis-kai-mnimis-gia-thumata-kai-agnooumenous-stin-kupro-to-1974.html |website=Kalamata.gr |access-date=4 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821052751/http://www.kalamata.gr/enimerosi/nea/3969-ekdilwseis-timis-kai-mnimis-gia-thumata-kai-agnooumenous-stin-kupro-to-1974.html |archive-date=21 August 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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* |
*{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Azov]], Russia (since 1998) |
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===Friendly cities=== |
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<!--cities which don't list Nicosia as their twin town--> |
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Aglandjia also cooperates with:<ref name=":0" /> |
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{{Div col}} |
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*{{flagicon|BEL}} [[Fontaine l'Eveque]], Belgium |
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*{{flagicon|ROM}} [[Bucharest]], Romania |
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*{{flagicon|UKR}} [[Kyiv]], Ukraine |
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*{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Rome]], Italy |
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{{div col end}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist}} |
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Latest revision as of 13:25, 19 December 2024
Aglandjia
| |
|---|---|
 Alsos Akadimias National Forest | |
 Seal | |
  Aglandjia Location within Cyprus  Aglandjia Location within the Eastern Mediterranean  Aglandjia Location within the European Union  Aglandjia Location within Asia | |
| Coordinates: 35°08′45″N 33°23′25″E / 35.14592°N 33.390169°E | |
| Country |  Cyprus |
| District | Nicosia District |
| Urban area | Nicosia |
| Area | |
| 21.37 km2 (8.25 sq mi) | |
| Population (2011)[2] | |
| 20,783 | |
| • Density | 970/km2 (2,500/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Postal code | 4700 |
| Website | http://www.aglantzia.org.cy |
Aglandjia (Greek: Αγλαντζιά [locally [aɣlaˈnd͡ʒa]]; Turkish: Eğlence) is a suburb and municipality of Nicosia, Cyprus. The municipality has a population of 20,783 (2011) and is contiguous with the Nicosia Municipality.
Aglandjia is near the buffer zone. It has an area of about 31 km2, of which 14 km2 is agricultural land that has been occupied by the Turkish army since 1974; of the remaining 17 km2, 9 km2 are national forest parks (Athalassa park, 8.6 km2 and Pedagogical Academy park 0.4 km2).
Name
[edit]The word Aglandjia is of Turkish origin, deriving from eğlence, meaning "entertainment". Its pronunciation in Cypriot Greek is [aɣlaˈnd͡ʒa].
Another theory states that the name derives from the surname of the Frankish family de Aglande, who owned the area during the Frankish rule in Middle Ages.
Administration
[edit]
Aglandjia was declared a Municipality by a referendum in May 1986. The Municipal Council is made up of the mayor and sixteen Municipal Councilors. The current mayor is Andreas Konstantinou. Aglandjia Municipality employs 24 permanent employees and 30 workers (permanent and casual) who staff the services below, which have their seat in the Town Hall:
- Secretariat
- Technical services
- Financial services
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History
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The history of Aglandjia goes back as far as 3888 BC. Several tombs dating to the Bronze Age have been found on Arona Hill (Mount Lion or Liontarovounos). The hill is strategically located for the defense of the area, so the settlement there was most likely a military deployment during the first phase of its history.
Around the hill there was an ancient settlement, from which the city of Ledra may have originated. Archaeological works of art and inscriptions in the Cypriot syllabary have been found in Kafizin or Small Aronas, a historic site with a cave dedicated to the worship of a Nymph. These objects indicate the site was in use as a place of worship during the Hellenistic period, specifically between 225 and 218 BC, during the reigns of Ptolemy the Benefactor and Ptolemy Philopatoras.
A variety of locally manufactured pottery was also found at the site, including various bowls, two-handled vessels, cup-bearers, feeding bottles, mud-lighters, jars, cooking utensils, frying pans, wash basins, jugs, combined pots, urns, amphorae, rhytons, large jars and jar lids, and objects testifying to the practice of weaving.
In the Middle Ages, the Lefkomiatis settlement was in the area of Aglandjia. The area seems to have been inhabited towards the end of Frankish rule, during the reign of Jacques II (1468–1473). The medieval La Cava castle, built on Arona hill around 1385 by King Jacques I, was used as an observatory for the control of the road leading from Larnaca to Nicosia.The castle took its name from the large rock cistern which still survives today. The castle was blasted by the Venetians during the third decade of the 16th century, while the Ottomans used the bigger of its two towers as a powder magazine. Up until 1870 a considerable amount of the castle was still standing, including the vaulted hall, the curtain walls, and two towers. However, the majority of the castle was pulled down in that year to build the Church of Phaneromeni. In 1888 the area was excavated by M. R. James. The castle was proclaimed an ancient moment in 1915.[3] Today a portion of the Great Tower and Second Tower exists together with the cistern.[4]
After the conquest of Cyprus by the Ottomans, the Aglandjia settlement declined. It started to form a self-sufficient rural settlement around the end of the 18th century whose inhabitants engaged in farming, stockbreeding, and quarrying. Around the end of the 18th century, Dragoman Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios erected Ayios Yeoryios church on the site of the cemetery and Ayios Yeoryios church in Athalassa.
Aglandjia contributed organized groups to the EOKA struggle, and local volunteers also participated in the events of 1964. Aglandjia was bombed during the Turkish invasion of 1974. The Turkish army continues to occupy 45% of the municipality's territory.
International relations
[edit]Twin towns – Sister cities
[edit]
Friendly cities
[edit]Aglandjia also cooperates with:[5]
Fontaine l'Eveque, Belgium
Bucharest, Romania
Kyiv, Ukraine
Rome, Italy
References
[edit]- ^ "Cyprus: Nicosia Urban Agglomeration (Municipalities, Communities and Quarters) - Population Statistics, Charts and Map". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
- ^ "C1. Popuolation Enumerated by Sex, Age, District, Municipality/Community and Quarter (1.10.2011)", Population - Place of Residence, 2011, Statistical Service of the Republic of Cyprus, 17 April 2014, archived from the original on 20 April 2014, retrieved 20 April 2014
- ^ Rupert Gunnis, Historic Cyprus, 1936
- ^ Touring Guide of Nicosia 1994
- ^ a b "Δήμος Λευκωσίας - Αγλαντζιά". www.nicosia.org.cy (in Greek). Retrieved 5 October 2024.
- ^ Municipality of Kalamata. "Εκδηλώσεις τιμής και μνήμης για τα θύματα και τους αγνοούμενους στην Κύπρο το 1974". Kalamata.gr. Archived from the original on 21 August 2017. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
