A new mural in old Nicosia: beauty without illusions and a conversation about coexistence

In the old city of Nicosia, work has been completed on a large-scale street art mural about 38 meters long on Trikoupi Street. The project became part of a program to renovate and “relaunch” the historic city center, implemented with the support of the municipality and the tourism board.

Trikoupi Street, leading north from the Ochi roundabout and located next to the Omeriye Mosque, had long been considered problematic: a densely populated migrant area, conflicts, crime, and the decline of small businesses. In 2024–2025, the street was closed for almost a year for large-scale works, which dealt a heavy blow to local entrepreneurs.

Today, the appearance of the area has changed noticeably: cobblestones instead of asphalt, restricted car traffic, unified signage, and parking moved outside the street. The wall of the parking area became the “canvas” for the new mural.

The author of the work is the well-known but anonymous street artist Twenty Three, often referred to as the “Cypriot Banksy.” He is known for politically charged works and draws inspiration from social realism, including the art of Diego Rivera.

According to the artist, the mural does not attempt to embellish reality. Before starting the work, he conducted about 15 interviews with local residents to understand the area’s internal dynamics.

“This is not a black-and-white story. There are many layers here — like an onion. People are different, but they are forced to coexist,” the author explains.

The mural depicts scenes of everyday life in the neighborhood and the theme of coexistence, as well as an ironic reference to the artist himself: a municipal worker painting over his signature character — the sheep Ludovico, which authorities have previously erased from city walls more than once.

Despite the visual changes, residents admit that the problems have not disappeared. Conflicts, drugs, and criminal incidents still occur. One local resident said that even video footage of an attack on a shop involving threats with a bladed weapon did not lead to a police response.

The area remains contrasting: next to new student dormitories are buildings with a dubious reputation. Nevertheless, the artist does not claim that art is capable of solving social problems.

“I don’t believe a mural can fix everything. But if someone smiles when they see it, that’s already a step toward dialogue,” says Twenty Three.

According to him, art does not provide ready-made solutions, but it can create space for coexistence — and that is exactly what old Nicosia lacks most right now.