Map of Europe and Famagusta Gate in Nicosia, European Cultural Month Issue, Republic of Cyprus

Map of Europe and Famagusta Gate in Nicosia, European Cultural Month Issue, Republic of Cyprus

Postage stamps--Cyprus--History

Γραμματόσημα--Κύπρος--Ιστορία

Pictured on this stamp is "Famagusta Gate" which forms an integral part of the Venetian walls that fortified the city of Nicosia in the 16th Century. A magnificent historic relic bequeathed to us by the island's turbulent history it must have witnessed some of the most memorable days in the life of the citizens of Nicosia. It was from this gate that in 1878 the British contingent of the Royal Marine Artillery and Light Infantry under the command of Captain Kelley, R.M.A. entered Nicosia. The Venetians called it "Porta Guiliana" but it was also known as "Porta di Sotto" (lower gate) because of the low level inside compared to the outside. The Turks in turn called it "Taht-el-Kaleh" (beneath the fortress). Inscribed above the entrance on a large piece of marble is the "Tughra" or monogram of Sultan Mahmoud II (1809-1839) and dated 1236 (our year 1821) by the Islamic calendar. The Islamic date is converted as follows: 1236 minus (1236 divided by this undignified fate was remedied by the efforts and perseverance of Lellos Demetriades, Mayor of Nicosia. Using volunteer workers and raising funds he supervised
the restoration, cleaning and preservation of this architectural heritage and restored it to its former glory. The gate consists of a large passageway and two halls, which are now used for exhibitions, lectures, conferences, film shows, concerts, theatrical performances, arts and crafts exhibitions as well as receptions. Since its restoration Famagusta Gate has been the city's popular Cultural Center and in September 1995 it housed the splendid exhibition "Caterina Cornaro, last Queen of
Cyprus".

Cyprus Post, Republic of Cyprus

Κυπριακά Ταχυδρομεία, Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία

Cyprus Post, Republic of Cyprus

Κυπριακά Ταχυδρομεία, Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία

Library of Cyprus University of Technology

Digital Heritage Research Lab of Cyprus University of Technology

18th September 1995

Designer: G. Simonis

Απαγορεύεται η δημοσίευση ή αναπαραγωγή, ηλεκτρονική ή άλλη χωρίς τη γραπτή συγκατάθεση του δημιουργού.

www.cypruspost.gov.cy

TIFF

EL, EN

Image

1995-EUROPEAN-25

35.160417, 33.346556

Alex Matsoukis, Athens