North Cyprus · Nicosia
Samanbahçe Houses
A symbol of traditional community life in Cyprus’s first social housing project
History
Located within the Nicosia city walls, the Samanbahçe Houses represent one of Cyprus’s first social housing projects, built in the early 20th century by the Evkaf Administration for low-income families. The houses feature traditional Ottoman architecture with mudbrick walls, shared courtyards, and stone-framed entrances. Designed with a uniform plan, these small yet functional homes were part of a tightly-knit community with strong neighborhood ties. Despite evolving lifestyles, the area has largely preserved its original character and charm, making it an important cultural heritage site and a nostalgic part of Nicosia’s urban memory.