Kemal Ataturk Street in Paphos’ Moutallos neighbourhood will soon be renamed “Nikos Kapetanidis Street” following a vote by the town’s council. This decision, announced by Disy councillor Nina Gkaraklidou, reflects a significant shift in the community’s sentiments towards the street’s historical associations.
Gkaraklidou revealed that her proposal garnered support from a majority of councillors, leading to the approval of the name change. She expressed the importance of this alteration, stating that the original name, after the founding president of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, evokes painful memories for many current residents, predominantly Greek Cypriots displaced from the north during the 1974 conflict.
In her social media post, Gkaraklidou articulated, “Street names are not simply practical markings, but reflect our values, roots, history and choices.” Her proposal was rooted in a sense of responsibility towards both the truth and future generations, recognising the emotional weight that such names can carry.
Historically, Moutallos was home to Paphos’ Turkish Cypriot community, and the streets within the neighbourhood bear names of various Turkish figures, including poet Namik Kemal and the late Turkish president Ismet Inonu. However, since 1974, the demographics have shifted dramatically, with many Greek Cypriots relocating to the area alongside an influx of Pontic Greeks in the years following the Soviet Union’s collapse.
This transformation in the community has prompted a series of name changes for streets that are considered offensive or painful reminders of the past. For instance, Talat Pasha Street was renamed Justice Street in 2021, a move supported by Paphos’ Pontic Greek and Armenian communities, who highlighted Pasha’s historical role in orchestrating atrocities against their ancestors.
Discontent with Ataturk’s legacy among Pontic Greeks stems from the tumultuous history between Greece and Turkey, particularly during the Greco-Turkish War, where both sides committed severe atrocities. In this context, the name Nikos Kapetanidis holds particular significance. Kapetanidis was a journalist from the Black Sea city of Rize, who faced dire consequences during the Amasya trials, where he was sentenced to death for advocating a Greek-led independence movement in the region.
The decision to rename the street is emblematic of the broader changes taking place within Moutallos and the sentiments of its current inhabitants. As the community confronts its past, the new name aims to foster a sense of identity that resonates more positively with its residents.
