Paphos municipal council votes to rename Kemal Ataturk street

On October 5, 2026, the Paphos municipal council approved a proposal to rename Kemal Ataturk Street, located in the historic Moutallos neighborhood. The street will be officially redesignated as "Memory and Hope Street" following a majority vote by the council members.

The initiative was led by Disy councillor Nina Gkaraklidou and supported by acting mayor Angelos Onisiforou, who characterized the decision as historic. While Sigma Live reported that the political groups Akel and Diko voted against the motion, the Cyprus Mail noted that these parties abstained, citing a desire to consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before finalizing their stance. Akel has previously expressed concerns regarding the systematic renaming of streets in the Turkish Cypriot district, emphasizing the sensitivity of the area, which is currently occupied primarily by Greek Cypriot displaced persons following the 1974 conflict.