Cumhuriyet Park (Turkish: Cumhuriyet Parkı, "Park of the Republic") is a park in the Gönyeli quarter of North Nicosia. It is the resting place of Rauf Denktaş, the founder of Northern Cyprus, and is an important tourist attraction.[1]
The park covers an area of 100 dunams (approximately 134,000 m2)[2] and is the biggest park and urban green space in Northern Cyprus. In 2007, it was reported by Mustafa Akıncı to be in a poor condition, upon which 400 trees were planted in the park and water supply was restructured.[3] In 2009, eucalyptus trees were planted[4] and 250 more trees were planted in 2011.[5]
The park is home to a monument dedicated to the Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT).[6] On 17 January 2012, Rauf Denktaş was buried in the park. His grave lies 150 meters south of the TMT monument.[7] The decision was taken by the cabinet as the park was perceived as a symbol of Northern Cyprus and the struggle of the Turkish Cypriot people.[8] It was announced that a mausoleum would be constructed for Denktaş.[9]
The competition for the design of a mausoleum and a museum was announced on 1 September 2012, with a grand prize of 150,000 Turkish liras.[10] The competition had 104 participants, 20% of whom were Turkish Cypriots, and the winners were from Istanbul Bilgi University, Yıldız Technical University and Bahçeşehir University.[11] However, by 2014, no plans to begin the construction were on the agenda due to budgetary problems and the grave of Denktaş was reportedly in a poor condition.[12]
The park lies opposite the Dr Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital.[9]
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Landmarks in North Nicosia
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Note: this includes landmarks in the North Nicosia metropolitan area | |
| City walls |
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| Museums |
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| Mosques and churches |
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| Buildings in the walled city |
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| Shopping and entertainment |
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| Parks, spaces and squares |
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| Buildings outside the walled city |
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