Flowing through time
Tracing the Legacy of Nicosia’s Historic Water Systems and Their Role in Shaping the Urban Landscape
I. Petrou (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
C.M. Hein – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
M. Tenzon – Mentor
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Abstract
From its natural reliance on the Pedieos River to the development of complex water infrastructure, water has always been central to Nicosia’s survival, governance, and urban identity. In the context of heritage preservation, understanding the historical trajectory of water management in cities with complex pasts is crucial for modern urban planning. In Nicosia, water infrastructure reflects the influence of various ruling powers throughout the city’s history while also demonstrating how water management priorities and challenges shifted under each government.
This paper explores how historical water management practices have shaped Nicosia’s urban landscape and socio-political structures, from the early settlements to the contemporary challenges of a divided city.
By analysing historical maps, archival records, research, and architectural remains, this study investigates how water has been a defining element in the growth of Nicosia, both physically and culturally. It aims to uncover valuable insights into how past water management systems can inform contemporary urban challenges, including water scarcity, infrastructure sustainability, and equitable resource distribution.
Examining the water management strategies employed under different rulers in Nicosia offers lessons for modern water governance, particularly in politically divided regions. These historical strategies may help guide future water systems that are sustainable, decentralized, and integrated into cultural heritage planning.