MYRIMIKOPH

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Myrimikoph, or Mirminko for Turkish Cypriots, was a village located in Chrysochou valley five kilometers southeast of Polis and one kilometer northwest of another ruined village, Ayios Isidhoras. Goodwin claims that the name is an abbreviation of myrmkopholia, meaning “ant hill.”

 
Historical Population:

As may be seen from the chart above, in the Ottoman census of 1831, Muslims (Turkish Cypriots) constituted the sole inhabitants of the village. However, in 1921 and 1931, the village had a reasonable number of Greek Cypriot inhabitants. The population of the village fluctuated constantly, its population peaking in 1921 with 78 persons. There was a sudden drop in 1931 from 78 to 25. The village was abandoned in 1958.

Displacement:

In 1958, due to rising intercommunal tension in the area where the village was situated, all of Myrimikoph’s 20 Turkish Cypriots evacuated the village and sought refuge in Pelathousa(330). They did not go back to the village, but stayed in Pelathousa(330) until 27 August 1975, when they were all escorted by UNFICYP to the northern part of the divide.

Current Inhabitants:

After the departure of the Turkish Cypriots, no one settled in the village. The entire village is now in ruins.   


 
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