Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A few kilometres from Gemikonağı, the road runs at a right angle to the hillside village of
Lefke. Its position amid limitless greenery and rolling hills gives it a pleasant and fresh
feel.
The town's name is derived from the Greek word lefka (meaning 'poplar'). Today, with
more orange groves and palm trees than poplars, the village is known for its superb citrus
fruits.
Although Lefke is home to a large community of British expats, it is also regarded as a
stronghold for the Islamic faith. It is the headquarters of the Naqshbandi order of Sufism
and their charismatic leader Şeyh Nazım Kıbrısli and his followers. This order follows the
principles of Islam dutifully and urges less-strict Turkish Cypriots to do the same.
There is little to do in the village itself, save for taking in the Piri Osman Pasha
Mosque and its courtyard, walking the windy streets, eating the delicious oranges and
spotting pieces of broken aqueducts.
The border crossing at Zodhia is best reached by the main road south from Güzelyurt
(Morfou). The crossing has opened up the region again to Tylliria and Pafos Forest, which
are only 3km away. The roads through these mountains are buffeted by winds but are an
enjoyable drive. There's another border crossing not far from Ancient Vouni, at Limnitis-
Yeşilirmak, close to Kato Pyrgos.
Ancient Soloi
Ancient Soloi ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
(Soli Harabeleri; adult/student 7/3TL; h 8am-7pm May-Sep, to 3.30pm Oct-Apr)
One of Cyprus' ancient city kingdoms, Soloi was originally referred to as Si-il-lu, on an
Assyrian tribute list that dates from 700 BC.
The site consists of two main parts: the basilica near the entrance to the site, and the
theatre, up the hill and south of the basilica. Most of the site has not yet been excavated
but there are also some sparse ruins of a Roman-era Agora north of the entrance, down the
hill.
Soloi's grandest period began in 580 BC, when King Philokyprios moved his capital
here, from Aepia, on the advice of his mentor, the Athenian philosopher Solon. Philokyp-
rios promptly renamed the citadel Soloi in his honour.
In 498 BC, with the island under Persian rule, Soloi was part of the Ionian revolt,
formed by Onesilous, king of Salamis. He had united all the city kingdoms of Cyprus (ex-
cept Amathous) in an attempt to overthrow the empire, but was ultimately defeated.
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