On the road from Paralimni to Ayia Napa and Protaras, you can see the windmills of the Famagusta District. They have stood there for decades as a symbol of the area.
Most of these windmills are from the early 20th century. In 1912, there were only a few, but by 1930, their number grew to 30. Today, in 2018, there are about 1000.
In 2015, the Municipality of Paralimni decided to repair the old windmills. They had been damaged by weather and neglect. This effort aimed to showcase the agricultural life of the area.
How They Work
The “setting of the mill” involved releasing a rope. This allowed the rotor to spin with the wind direction, even if it was weak. At the base of the windmill was a well with a water pump. The windmill’s movement pushed a piston, drawing water that was stored in a nearby tank. Villagers used this water for crops and household needs if it was safe to drink.
A hundred years ago and more, the windmill was essential for agricultural life in Famagusta. That’s why it’s now seen as an “iconic symbol.”
