Wednesday, May 8
First Structured Educational Experience (Field Trip)
Our first structured educational experience took us to Upper Paphos (Pano Paphos), where we visited the Archaeological Museum and the town's neoclassical historic center including the local schools, city hall, and library. We enjoyed ice cream and explored the area, including converted mosques and stunning views. The Djami Kebir mosque in Paphos was formerly the church of Agia Sofia. It was converted to a mosque during the Ottoman period. It now remains unused as there are no more Turks in the area to use it. Now, many Turkish Cypriots reside on the northern side of the island, which is currently under Turkish occupation. We also saw some dilapidated homes which remain unfixed due to the situation still being in limbo. Dr. Constantinou told us about area’s history and its current state post-invasion. It was a fascinating introduction to Paphos.