The newly formed municipality of East Paphos intends to change its name. The new name is intended to better reflect his identity. The authorities of the administrative entity want to be called the Municipality of Ierokipia.
Hierokipia is the ancient name of Geroskipu, which is found in ancient sources. Translated into Russian, it means “sacred gardens” and indicates the existence in these parts of the sacred grove of the goddess Aphrodite.
“We want to preserve the historical identity of our area, especially Geroskipou,” said the mayor of East Paphos, Nikos Palios. The decision to change the name was made almost unanimously by the municipal council: 15 people spoke in favor and one against.
Hierokopia is mentioned in the work of the ancient Roman scientist Strabo, who lived in Asia Minor during the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. In Russian translations, the name is conveyed according to the classical transcription: Hierokepia or Hierokepida. “Not far from the sea is Hierokepida. Next comes Paphos, founded by Agapenor, with a harbor and beautifully built sanctuaries,” writes Strabo (“Geography”, XIV, 683, trans. G. A. Stratanovsky).
Nikos Palios served as head of the municipal department for culture under the previous mayor. He is known for advocating that work on a new five-star hotel in Geroskipou should be stopped because important archaeological finds had been made at the site.
The authorities of Geroskipou have previously sought to emphasize the rich history of the village and its connection with the goddess of love.
The text was prepared based on materials from Cyprus Mail.
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Residents, visitors and businessmen of Paphos are not very familiar with the myth of Aphrodite. This conclusion was reached by a study conducted by the Regional Tourism Development Association. We told you more here.
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