Ottoman Graveyard of Girne (Baldoken Graveyard)
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Baldoken Graveyard |
Imediately south and uphill from St Andrew's Anglican
church is a remnant of the once vast Ottoman cemetery. Now edged by the
town's main car park, the main focus is the Baldoken Turbe (free
standing tomb with a sheltering gazebo) as a focus.
When the Ottomans conquered Cyprus in 1571, this area outside Girne
castle was reserved as a cemetery for soldiers. It was used for this
purpose until the end of the 17th century. Cisterns, water canals and
architectural tombs were built in it.
When the cemetery for soldiers began to accept non-soldiers, the name
was changed to Islam Graveyard. It was also known as the "Graveyard of
Forlorn" Until recent years,
the graveyard was known as Baldoken Graveyard. It was restored in 1995.
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