LARNACA

Greek Lrnax, Turkish Lrnaka, or Iskele, port town and district, southeastern Republic of Cyprus. The modern town, on the bay between Capes Kiti and Pyla, overlays much of ancient Citium, founded by the Mycenaeans in the 13th century BC; it was rebuilt by the Byzantines. Citium was the birthplace of the Greek philosopher Zeno, the founder of Stoicism. Its modern name (Greek: Funerary Urn) recalls the many tombs under its soil. The modern port, developed during Turkish occupation (15711878), was enlarged after the Turkish intervention (1974) in northern Cyprus closed the island's main port at Famagusta. Larnaca's port accommodates small craft at dockside; larger ships anchor in the roadstead and are served by lighters (barges) or use two floating pontoons completed in 1977. Potatoes and cement are exported through Larnaca. A developing industrial base includes a tannery, an oil refinery, a cooperative cheese factory, and the production of commercial salt, brooms, processed food, and chemicals. Larnaca International Airport has expanded since opening as a temporary facility in 1974 after the closing of the international airport at Nicosia. Larnaca is known for its schools, which include the American Academy (1908). According to tradition, Lazarus of Bethany settled there after his resurrection and became its first bishop; the chief church bears his name. Artifacts from archaeological excavations in the area are displayed in the regional museum housed in a Turkish fortress erected in 1625. Larnaca district is bounded by the districts of Nicosia and Famagusta on the north, Limassol on the west, by the Dhekelia British Sovereign Base Area on the east, and the Mediterranean Sea on the south. It covers an area of 436 sq mi (1,229 sq km). The northern tip of the district is in the Turkish Cypriot administered area. The Troodos Mountains cover much of the western part of the district; the highest elevation is 4,606 ft (1,404 m), on the border with Nicosia district. The northern tip of the district lies in the Mesaoria Plain and has patches of woodland in which eucalyptus, acacia, cypress, and lowland pine predominate. The eastward-flowing Vasilikos, Syrkatis, Xerapotamos, Pouzi, and Tremithios rivers drain southeastward across the coastal plain into the Mediterranean Sea. Under the Turks (15701914) the region probably formed part of the Mesaoria district. In 1914 British forces occupied the district as part of the British annexation of Cyprus. The northeastern portion of the district has been under Turkish Cypriot administration since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded northern Cyprus. Crops include wheat, barley, potatoes, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Industry produces milled flour, canned fruit and vegetables, beverages, wood and furniture, paper products, textiles, and margarine. Salt is extracted, and copper and gypsum are mined at Kalavasos in the west. Larnaca town, the district headquarters, is linked by roads with Dhekelia, Pano Kophinou, and Mazotos. A short railway line in the southwestern corner of the district connects Vasilikos and Kalavasas. Pop. (1982 est.) city, 35,800; (1973) district, 60,714.