Editing Limassol (section)

=== Ottoman rule ===
[[File:Ottomans conquering the Limassol Castle.png|right|thumb|272x272px|[[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]] conquering the [[Limassol Castle]] in 1570]]The [[Ottoman Empire]] [[Ottoman–Venetian War (1570–1573)|invaded Cyprus]] in 1570–1577 and occupied it.<ref name="Turnbull57">Turnbull (2000), p. 57</ref><ref name="Abulafia447">Abulafia (2012), p. 447</ref> Limassol was conquered in July 1570 without any resistance. After the [[Ottoman–Venetian War (1570–73)|Ottoman acquisition of Cyprus]] in 1576, the remains or parts of the remains of the Limassol castle were incorporated in the new Ottoman fort, completed in 1590, which was considerably strengthened. The underground chamber and the first floor were transformed into prison cells and remained in use until 1950.<ref name=":2" />

Some neighbourhoods, primarily to the east of the city, were predominantly Greek, while those to the west were mainly Turkish, with a mixed area around the castle. Christians lived in small, low houses that required one to bend to enter, a deliberate design to prevent Turks from riding horses into the homes. During the period of Turkish rule, Cyprus experienced a general decline. The Turks did not contribute to any development, and Greeks and Turks lived in separate neighbourhoods. The intellectual standards of Cypriots declined due to the lack of interest from the conquerors, oppression, and high taxation, which hindered the intellectual development of children.<ref name=":1" />

The church played an important role in the education of Greeks during the years 1754–1821. During those years, many new schools were established all over the island, most notable in Limassol being the [[Laniteio Lyceum|Greek School]] (modern-day Laniteio Lyceum). [[History of Greece|Greek history]], Turkish and French were taught at schools.<ref name=":1" />