Nicosia, Cyprus
Greek Cypriots this week opened a road in the capital, Nicosia, allowing city residents to cross easily from the Greek to the Turkish side of the city for the first time in 40 years. Cyprus was partitioned through its capital in 1974, after a Greek-backed coup prompted Turkey to invade the north to protect Turks. Since then, there have been two Cypruses. The Greek one is a member of the European Union, while the Turkish one is recognized only by Turkey. The two states started opening border crossings in 2003, but the Ledra Street crossing opened this week is considered the most significant, since it is the only one in the center of the divided capital.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.