Paphos municipal council renames Kemal Ataturk Street to Memory and Hope Street

On the evening of October 5, 2026, the Paphos municipal council voted by a majority to rename Kemal Ataturk Street, located in the historically Turkish Cypriot quarter of Moutallos, to Memory and Hope Street. The proposal, introduced by DISY councillor Nina Gkaraklidou, received the backing of acting mayor Angelos Onisiforou. Meanwhile, the municipal groups of AKEL and DIKO abstained from the vote, citing a desire to first receive guidance on the matter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Acting mayor Angelos Onisiforou described the decision as a symbolic act intended to honor history without fostering hatred, emphasizing a commitment to peace and reconciliation. Conversely, AKEL strongly criticized the decision, arguing that it undermines efforts for reunification and trust-building between the two communities at a time when the UN is actively seeking to restart negotiations. The party also accused the government of remaining silent on the issue despite a formal request for its position from the municipality.

This decision marks the end of a local debate regarding the street, which was named after the founder of the Republic of Turkey. The neighbourhood of Moutallos has seen significant demographic changes since the 1974 invasion and is currently home to many Greek Cypriot displaced persons.