Bandabuliya Market in Lefkoşa — What to See and How to Get There

The Bandabulya Market is located in the Old Town of Lefkoşa, next to the Selimiye Mosque and the Bedesten. The modern building was constructed between 1930 and 1932, then closed for renovation in 2010 and reopened in June 2012. Today, it is an indoor municipal market and a public space featuring retail outlets, cafes, bookstores, and spots for a quick break during a walk through the historical center. Before making a dedicated trip, it is best to check the operating hours on-site, as visiting hours vary across different open sources.

• History of the Bandabulya Market
• Reconstruction of the Market
• Bandabulya Today
• How to Get There
• Frequently Asked Questions

History of the Bandabulya Market

The commercial function of this area emerged long before the current building was constructed. During the Venetian rule of the island, trade was conducted in the courtyards of what are now the Selimiye and Bedesten areas, where residents came to sell produce and fabrics. Later, as the population of Lefkoşa grew, the city required a permanent indoor market.

The current Bandabulya was built between 1930 and 1932 during the British period. The market became the main indoor municipal market for the northern part of the city. Fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, and other everyday goods were sold here, and the complex quickly turned into both a commercial and a social hub.

Reconstruction of the Market

In the second half of the 20th century, commercial activity gradually shifted outside the old city. Subsequently, some shops closed, and the building itself began to require major repairs. A large-scale reconstruction started in October 2010 and was completed in June 2012.

The work was carried out with the support of the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme. As part of the project, the market area of approximately 4,500 m² was restored, 77 internal stalls were refurbished, the walls and roof were repaired, and the infrastructure was updated to restore the building's functional urban role.

Bandabulya Today

After the reconstruction, the market once again became a prominent part of life in the Old Town of Lefkoşa. Currently, there are retail outlets, cafes, bookstores, and spaces inside that are used not only for daily shopping but also for a peaceful stop while walking through the area.

In practice, Bandabulya is most convenient as part of a walking route through the center: nearby are the Selimiye Mosque, Bedesten, an ancient hammam, and the Büyük Han. Because of this, the market is often visited not for long shopping trips, but as one of the key points in the historical quarter.

Different operating hours are found in open sources, so it is wise to consider possible changes based on the day of the week and the season before a dedicated trip. For a short visit, daytime is usually more convenient.

How to Get There

The Bandabulya Market is located in the center of Lefkoşa within the city walls. If traveling by public transport, it is convenient to get off at the Kyrenia Gate and then walk just under 1 km.

By car, you can aim for the nearest parking lot across the road from the northern entrance to the market. Another parking lot is located to the east of the market.

If you don't have a car, rental options can be found via Discover Cars or directly from one of the car rental companies in Northern Cyprus. Details are gathered in the article "Car Rental in Northern Cyprus".

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you buy at the Bandabulya Market?

Inside, you can usually find everyday goods, souvenir items, various gastronomic stalls, and places where you can take a short break for coffee or a snack.

Are there exact operating hours?

Different open sources list different operating hours. Therefore, it is better to check the schedule on-site before a dedicated trip or aim for a daytime visit while walking through the Old Town.

Is the market suitable for a short visit?

Yes. 15–30 minutes is usually enough to see the building itself and make a short stop. If you plan to combine the market with a cafe visit and neighboring attractions, the walk will take longer.

Are there facilities for visitors with limited mobility?

Following the reconstruction, the market was adapted for easier access: descriptions of the site mention ramps in the main aisles and sanitary facilities for visitors with limited mobility.

What is there to see near Bandabulya?

Just a few minutes' walk away are the Selimiye Mosque, Bedesten, an ancient hammam, and the Büyük Han.