Lakatamia | |
|---|---|
 Interactive map of Lakatamia | |
| Coordinates:35°7′0″N33°19′0″E / 35.11667°N 33.31667°E /35.11667; 33.31667 | |
| Country |  Cyprus |
| District | Nicosia District |
| Urban area | Nicosia |
| Government | |
| • Type | Municipality |
| • Mayor | Photoula Hadjipapa (AKEL) |
| Area | |
| 27.45 km2 (10.60 sq mi) | |
| Population (2011)[2] | |
| 38,345 | |
| • Density | 1,397/km2 (3,618/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Website | www |
Lakatamia (Greek:ΛακατάμιαGreek pronunciation:[lakaˈtamɳa];Turkish:Lakadamya) is a southwesternvillage ofNicosia, Cyprus. In terms of population, Lakatamia municipality is the third largest municipality in Nicosia district and the fifth largest municipality in Cyprus (after Limassol, Strovolos, Nicosia and Larnaca). In 2011 Lakatamia had a population of 38,345.
Due to the expansion of theNicosia urban area, Lakatamia has grown from two small villages (Upper and Lower Lakatamia) into a sizeable suburb. Lower Lakatamia used to be inhabited by bothGreek andTurkish Cypriots until the mid-1950s. Its name originates from "alakatia", i.e. wells, which were apparently abundant in the old village.Lakatamia Air Force Base, an airstrip used by the Cypriot National Guard, is located to the east of Lakatamia.
Lakatamia is also home to a football clubEN THOI Lakatamia who has played in theCypriot First Division, however for onlyone season in their history. THOI usually play in the lower leagues and are currently in theCypriot Third Division. Cypriot internationalValentinos Sielis used to play at the club
There are no convincing historical evidence with regard to the origin of the name “Lakatamia”. There are only a few speculations as from where Lakatamia's name derives from.
The most probable origin of the name, is connected with the many “alakatia” (water wheels) that existed in Lakatamia and were used to draw the abundant underground water from the springs. It is believed that there were more than 80 wells (“alakatia”) in Lakatamia, and that's why the area is called Lakatamia (“alakatia”-“Alakatamia”-“Lakatamia” The “alakati” is today the emblem of Lakatamia's Municipality.
Another speculation, as from where Lakatamia took its name, is that the name was originally “Lakedemon” as the name of ancient Sparta and it was paraphrased through the years and ended up as Lakatamia.[3]
Lakatamia istwinned with the following cities:[4]
Alexandroupolis, Greece (since 1992)Kalymnos, Greece (since 1996)Marousi, Greece (since 2008)| Municipalities ofCyprus | |
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| Nicosia District |
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| Limassol District |
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| Larnaca District |
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| Famagusta District | |
| Paphos District |
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| Kyrenia District | |
| International | |
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| National | |
| Other | |
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