Vitsada

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Vitsada (Greek: Βίτσαδα) is a village in the Famagusta District of Cyprus. It is located on the northern edge of the Messaria plain, approximately 4 kilometers northeast of Marathovounos.

History

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After the Turkish invasion of 1974, Vitsada came under the de facto control of Northern Cyprus. Prior to this event, the village had a mixed population with a Greek Cypriot majority. The village's history dates back to the Ottoman period, when Muslims constituted the majority of the population.

Demographics

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According to the 2011 census conducted by the statistical service of Northern Cyprus, Vitsada has a population of 167 inhabitants. The village was previously known as Pınarlı (Turkish for "with spring water"), which was adopted by Turkish Cypriots in 1958.

Geography

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Vitsada is situated on the northern edge of the Messaria plain and is part of the Famagusta Province, which is not controlled by the Republic of Cyprus. The village's physical geography is characterized by its location near a spring, which may be the origin of its name.

Origins of Name

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The origin of the name "Vitsada" is unclear, but some locals believe it may be derived from the Cypriot plant known as vitcha (avroskillos in Greek). The alternative name Pınarlı, meaning "with spring water", was adopted by Turkish Cypriots in 1958.

References

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