Turning Point in Cyprus: 22 Years Since Ledra Palace Crossing Opened

On 23 April 2003, mutual crossings began at the Ledra Palace checkpoint, named after the historic hotel in central Nicosia. The move marked the beginning of bi-communal crossings on the island, which had been divided since 1974.

The landmark decision was taken on 21 April 2003 by the Council of Ministers of the then-Ulusal Birlik Partisi (UBP) and Democrat Party (DP) coalition government in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The announcement, which made headlines internationally, allowed for the opening of three crossings: Ledra Palace, Beyarmudu, and Akyar.

Until then, movement across the divide had been severely restricted, with only very limited exceptions.

First Crossings at Ledra Palace
On 23 April 2003, the first mutual crossings took place at the Ledra Palace checkpoint, allowing both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots to cross to the other side of the island—many for the first time in decades. Initially open to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, the crossing was later designated for pedestrians only after the Metehan checkpoint opened on 10 May 2003.

Since then, an additional eight crossings have gradually opened, bringing the current total to nine, allowing for continued bi-communal movement across the island.