Bandabuliya, Covered municipal marketplace in North Nicosia, Cyprus.
Bandabuliya is a covered municipal marketplace in North Nicosia with separate sections for fresh produce, meat, textiles, and local goods. The market features modern stalls, cafes, bookshops, and a small theater space following extensive renovations.
The marketplace was constructed between 1930 and 1932 under British administration, replacing earlier trading spaces that had operated near St Sophia Cathedral. It marked the creation of a purpose-built commercial center for the growing city.
The marketplace serves as a daily gathering place where residents come together to buy food and goods while meeting neighbors and friends. It reflects how the community organizes its commerce and social connections in one shared space.
The market is accessible on foot from the city center and operates most days of the week. Visiting in early morning hours offers the best selection of fresh produce and less crowded conditions.
The marketplace was redesigned from its original Middle Eastern bazaar layout into a format resembling European provincial markets. This transformation in how the building is organized reflects shifting commercial practices in the city over time.
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