Ambelikou (Ampelikou, Bağlıköy)

Ambelikou (; ) is a village located in the Nicosia District of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as facto, in Lefke district of Northern Cyprus.

Geography and Location

The village is situated in the northern foothills of the Troodos mountains, four kilometres south-west of Xeros and Karavostasi / Gemikonağı, and overlooking Morphou / Güzelyurt Bay. It is located west of Lefka.

Etymology

The name "Ambelikou" means "vineyards" in Greek, and also refers to a village with a vineyard.

History

Until 1963, the town was a mixed one, with Turkish Cypriots (Muslims) constituting the majority. At the 1831 Ottoman census, Turkish Cypriots were almost 83 per cent of the population (55 of the 66 male inhabitants, women were not registered). In 1891, the percentage increased to 91% (248 of 308). However, over time, the Greek Cypriot population showed better performance and increased from 17 per cent in 1891 to 26.5 per cent in 1946 (out of 471 inhabitants, 170 were Greek). By 1960, however, its number was drastically reduced to only 63, representing 11 per cent of the total population.

Intercommunal Challenges

The village experienced intercommunal challenges, particularly during the period leading up to the outbreak of intercommunal violence in 1963. The Turkish Cypriots approved Bağlıköy as an alternative Turkish name for Ambelikou in 1958.

Demographics

As of 200, the total population of Ambelikou is not specified in available sources. However, it is reported that the village has a small population, with only 63 Greek Cypriot residents remaining by 1960, representing 11 per cent of the total population.

Administrative Status

De facto, Ambelikou is under the control of Northern Cyprus, while de jure it is located in the district of Nicosia of Cyprus. After the Turkish invasion of 1974, the village is not controlled by the Republic of Cyprus.