The famous Ataturk square, which is located in the Northern Turkish part of Nicosia is one of the most significant historical places of the city. It is also called the "area of the Barn", as previously, by the Lusignans, there stood a beautiful Palace, which later, when the Ottomans seized power on the island, settled by the Governor. But even the Turks called this building "the Barn" – "Palace". The mansion was decorated in refined Venetian style – it was a real Palace complex with a courtyard, arcades, many beautiful rooms and even the throne room.

However, when the city was invaded by the British troops, this beautiful building was completely destroyed. All of the former splendor remained only a large fountain, built during the reign of the Ottomans. In addition, the area has remained high granite column that was moved there by the Venetians in 1489 from the Greek city of Salamis (Salamis). Then it was decorated with traditional sculpture of a lion. After the capture of the city by the Turks, the lion from the column was removed. Later, the British fortified on top of a large bronze globe, which was to symbolize the might of the British Empire. Also in 1953, they established on the area of new stone pedestal with the image of the coat of arms in honor of the ascent to the throne of Queen Elizabeth II. Also the British in the early twentieth century there were erected several large buildings, one of which now houses the Supreme court and the other Bank.

The current name of the square was given in honor of the famous Kemal Ataturk, the first President of the Turkish Republic, which is actually a founder of modern Turkey.