Eaved House

Historic Houses

The Eaved House in North Cyprus

Hidden within the narrow streets of the historic walled city of North Nicosia lies one of North Cyprus's most intriguing architectural landmarks: The Eaved House, known locally as Saçaklı Ev. While many visitors head directly to the nearby Selimiye Mosque and Büyük Han, those who venture a little further discover a beautifully restored building that offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's rich architectural and cultural heritage. The Eaved House is far more than just an old building. It represents centuries of Cypriot history, blending medieval, Lusignan, and Ottoman influences into a single remarkable structure. Today, it serves as a cultural centre and art venue, helping preserve the traditions and artistic spirit of North Cyprus.

Where is The Eaved House?

The Eaved House is located in the Selimiye Quarter of North Nicosia, within the ancient Venetian walls that surround the old city. It sits southeast of the famous Selimiye Mosque and close to the historic Sultan Mahmut Library. Its location places it within easy walking distance of many of North Cyprus's most important historical attractions. For visitors exploring the old city on foot, the house provides a quieter and less crowded experience than some of the area's larger tourist attractions.

Why is it Called "The Eaved House"?

The building derives its name from its most distinctive architectural feature: its exceptionally wide overhanging eaves. These large wooden eaves project over the street and are supported by angled timber supports. This unusual design not only protected the building from the intense Cypriot sun and winter rain but also created a striking visual appearance that made the house instantly recognisable. The Turkish name "Saçaklı Ev" literally means "House with Eaves."

A Building with Medieval Origins

One of the most fascinating aspects of The Eaved House is that its origins remain something of a mystery.

While the exact construction date is unknown, historians believe parts of the structure date back to the medieval period. Evidence discovered during restoration work revealed Gothic architectural elements, suggesting that the building may have originated during the Lusignan era when Cyprus was ruled by French crusader kings between the 12th and 15th centuries. The building that visitors see today evolved over centuries, with successive owners adapting and expanding it to meet changing needs.

A Unique Blend of Architectural Styles

The Eaved House is often cited as one of the finest examples of mixed architectural heritage in North Cyprus.

Lusignan Features

The lower level of the building displays characteristics associated with medieval Lusignan architecture, including:

Stone construction
Gothic arches
Medieval structural elements
Courtyard-focused design

These features reflect the European influences that shaped Cyprus during the medieval period.

Ottoman Features

The upper floor reflects the later Ottoman period and includes:

Timber-framed construction
Wide projecting eaves
Traditional Ottoman living spaces
Numerous windows designed to maximise airflow

This combination creates a fascinating architectural timeline within a single building.

The Courtyard Design

Like many wealthy Ottoman homes, The Eaved House was built around a central courtyard.

The L-shaped structure surrounds this private open-air space, providing shade, ventilation, and a secure area for family life. Courtyard houses were common throughout the Ottoman Empire and represented both practicality and social status. The courtyard remains one of the building's most attractive features and helps visitors understand how affluent families once lived in Nicosia.

From Mansion to Marketplace

Over the centuries, the function of the building changed significantly. Large rooms on the ground floor were gradually subdivided and adapted for commercial use. New doorways were created opening directly onto the street, transforming sections of the property into shops and workshops. This evolution mirrors the development of Nicosia itself, as residential districts gradually became more commercialised during the Ottoman and British periods.

Restoration and Preservation

By the late twentieth century, the building required significant restoration. Recognising its historical importance, authorities nationalised the property in 1986. Major restoration work began in 1994 and focused on preserving the original architectural features while removing later additions that obscured the building's historic character. The restoration project successfully revealed many of the structure's original elements and transformed it into a cultural venue suitable for public use. The Eaved House officially reopened as the Eaved House Centre of Culture and Arts on 23 December 1996.

The Eaved House Today

Today, the building serves as a cultural and artistic centre for North Cyprus.

Visitors may find:

Art exhibitions
Photography displays
Cultural events
Heritage presentations
Community gatherings
Educational programmes

The house provides an excellent example of how historic buildings can be preserved while remaining relevant to modern society.

Visiting The Eaved House

A visit typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, making it an ideal addition to a walking tour of North Nicosia's old city.

Many visitors combine it with nearby attractions including:

Selimiye Mosque
Büyük Han
Bedesten
Lusignan House

Together, these sites provide an excellent overview of the city's Byzantine, Lusignan, Venetian, Ottoman, and British heritage.

Why The Eaved House Matters

North Cyprus is filled with famous landmarks, but The Eaved House offers something different.

Rather than showcasing grand religious or governmental architecture, it reveals how ordinary urban life evolved over centuries. The building tells the story of a city shaped by multiple civilisations, each leaving its mark on the island's culture and architecture.

Its blend of medieval and Ottoman design makes it one of the most architecturally significant domestic buildings in North Nicosia and an important part of the city's cultural identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is The Eaved House?

A. The Eaved House (Saçaklı Ev) is a historic mansion in North Nicosia known for its wide projecting eaves and unique blend of Lusignan and Ottoman architecture.

Q. Where is The Eaved House located?

A. It is located in the Selimiye Quarter of the old walled city of North Nicosia.

Q. Why is it called The Eaved House?

A. The name comes from the building's unusually large overhanging eaves that extend over the street.

Q. How old is The Eaved House?

A. Its exact construction date is unknown, but parts of the structure likely date back to the medieval period.

Q. What is the building used for today?

A. Today it functions as a cultural centre and exhibition venue hosting art and community events.

Q. Is it worth visiting?

A. Yes. History lovers, photographers, and architecture enthusiasts will find it one of North Nicosia's most interesting hidden gems.

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Call to Action

Planning a visit to North Nicosia? Add The Eaved House to your itinerary and discover one of the city's most overlooked architectural treasures. Its fascinating blend of medieval and Ottoman heritage offers a unique window into the rich history of North Cyprus.