Ayios Dhometios ( or ; ) is a suburb located west of the Cypriot capital Nicosia. It has a population of 12,456 (2011 census) making it one of Cyprus's biggest municipalities. There is also a population of 2,314 (in 2011) within the area of Ayios Dhometios under Turkish control. Since 2003 and the opening of the border, Ayios Dhometios is the site of the island's most important checkpoint in Cyprus, through which thousands of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots pass over the line every day. History Ayios Dhometios, has existed since ancient times as a small village, located 4 kilometres west of Nicosia. Mention of Ayios Dhometios comes from as early as the Franks era (Lusignan Period 1191–1489). The town is named after St. Dometios of Persia who originated from Persia in the 4th century AD and who became Christian later in his life. He lived in a cave in Mesopotamia and converted many people into Christianity. Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate accused Dhometios of tricking people, so Dhometios answered the Emperor that all of these harmless people visit him freely and he cannot just send them away. Julian the Apostate felt offended by his answer and ordered his death. Dhometios was stoned to death at 362 AD. The church of Ayios Dhometios was built in the 17th century and is dedicated to the Saint. It's built on a small hill and is one of the town's main attractions. At the first British census in 1881, the population was 430. This had grown to 10,055 at independence in 1960, including Greek 7,672, Maronite 73, Armenian 66, Turkish 1,British 2,065. Ayios Pavlos The parish of Ayios Pavlos is located around the church of Saint Paul. The Ayios Dhometios junior high school is also located in Ayios Pavlos. It is also considered an area within Ayios Dhometios, covering its northern area. Administration Ayios Dhometios has been a municipality since 1986 and the mayor is elected directly by the people in mayor elections that take place every five years. The elections of December 17, 2006 saw mayor Dr. Andreas Hadjiloizou get re-elected into office. He was elected into office in 1996 and re-elected in 2001. Mr Costas Petrou is the current mayor after defeating Dr. Andreas Hadjiloizou in the December 2011 elections. The part of Ayios Dhometios (known as Aydemet or Metehan in Turkish) under Turkish control is currently administered as a Mahalla