Nicosia's urban landscape is uniquely marked by the Green Line, a buffer zone established by the United Nations that divides the city into the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish Cypriot north. This division is evident in the contrast between the ancient, historic buildings in the old city and the modern infrastructure and developments in the surrounding areas. The presence of UN peacekeeping forces and the checkpoints for crossing between the two sides serve as constant reminders of the city's geopolitical reality. Despite these divisions, Nicosia is a vibrant city, with both sides offering a blend of traditional and contemporary cultural experiences, from art galleries and museums to cafes and shopping areas.