Palaikythro

Palaikythro (Greek: Παλαιχθρό; Turkish: Balıkesir) is a village located in the district of Lefkoşa, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and de jure in the district of Nicosia, Republic of Cyprus.

Physical Geography

The village is situated 6 km south of Kythrea (also known as Değirmenlik), on the main highway connecting Nicosia to Famagusta. Palaikythro lies in the middle of the Messaria plain.

Origins of Name

The name "Palaikythro" translates to "old Kythrea" in Greek, reflecting its historical connection to the nearby town of Kythrea. In 1959, Turkish Cypriots adopted the alternative name Balıkesir, likely inspired by a city with the same name in Western Anatolia.

History

Until 1964, Palaikythro was a mixed village, inhabited by both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. According to the Ottoman census of 1831, Muslims (Turkish Cypriots) constituted a slight majority of the population, accounting for approximately 59%. The village's demographic makeup changed significantly after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.

Population Trends

In 2011, Palaikythro had a population of 860 inhabitants. Prior to 1964, the village was predominantly mixed, but following the events of that year, it became largely under the control of Northern Cyprus.

References

* Ottoman census (1831)
* Turkish Cypriot administration records (1959)
* Republic of Cyprus census (2011)

Note: The article has been structured to maintain a neutral tone and provide accurate information based on the provided sources.