Dervish Pasha Mansion

North Nicosia (Lefkoşa)


This small ethnographic museum is housed in a 19th-century mansion. Built in 1807, it belonged to wealthy a Turkish Cypriot, Derviş Paşa, who published Cyprus’ first Turkish-language newspaper. The house became an ethnographic museum in 1988. Household goods, including an old loom, glassware and ceramics, are displayed in former servants’ quarters on the ground floor, while upstairs is a rich display of embroidered Turkish costumes.

The building was being restored on our last visit and was closed to visitors; we were assured that it would be opening again soon.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby North Nicosia (Lefkoşa) attractions

1. Armenian Church & Nunnery

0.09 MILES

This church and nunnery is first thought to have been established in the 13th century as the Abbey of Our Lady of Tyre, and was handed over to the island…

2. Arabahmet Quarter

0.1 MILES

This neighbourhood rubbing up against the Green Line is home to well-preserved examples of Ottoman-era town-house architecture. The narrow alleyways are…

3. Colonial Law Courts

0.16 MILES

This finely preserved example of colonial architecture was built during British rule in 1901. Today it carries on with its original function as the North…

4. Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum

0.19 MILES

The owner of this private museum is more than happy to chat extensively about his 150-plus bike collection. It may just bring out your inner Hell’s Angel …

5. Kasteliotissa

0.21 MILES

Opposite Pafos Gate, this medieval-era vaulted hall is thought to have been built in the 14th century. Its original function has never been confirmed but…

6. Ledra Information Bureau

0.21 MILES

At the Ledra St crossing, this municipal office has multilingual leaflets about the city and hosts regular photographic and other exhibitions, generally…

7. Büyük Han

0.23 MILES

The Büyük Han is Cyprus' best-preserved example of Ottoman caravanserai architecture. Built in 1572 by the first Ottoman governor of Cyprus, Lala Mustafa…

8. Kumarcılar Han

0.23 MILES

This caravanserai is a smaller version of the neighbouring Büyük Han and was built in the early 18th century. Today its courtyard hosts cafes, and the…