Cultural Heritage Committee bridges divides through preservation
Source: in-cyprus.com
In a region often marked by political divisions, Cyprus’ Cultural Heritage Technical Committee has been working since 2008 to preserve over 140 monuments of historical, architectural, and cultural significance, transcending community boundaries. This effort demonstrates how culture can bridge conflicts, foster collaboration, and promote mutual respect.
Operating within the existing political framework, the Committee has a clear mandate to safeguard Cyprus’ cultural heritage, irrespective of community ownership. Its work aims to strengthen cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, helping build a culture of collaboration and respect.
Speaking to Phileleftheros, Committee Co-Chair Sotos Ktoris emphasized that adversarial approaches to cultural heritage have historically led to deadlock and destruction. “From its inception, the Committee distanced itself from the rhetoric of blame and confrontation. Instead, we consciously chose a path of understanding and cooperation,” he said.
Ktoris underscored the importance of working together to preserve the island’s shared history, noting that monuments embody the multicultural heritage of Cyprus. “These monuments dismantle divisive narratives and stereotypes, and their preservation is a step towards reconciliation. It fosters trust between the two communities and supports peaceful coexistence.”
The Committee’s efforts not only safeguard Cyprus’ past but also provide a hopeful model for its future.
EU provides crucial support to the Cyprus Cultural Heritage Committee
The European Union remains the primary financial supporter of Cyprus’ Cultural Heritage Technical Committee, which has successfully preserved over 140 monuments across the island, including Orthodox churches, mosques, and medieval structures. Co-Chair Sotos Ktoris noted that in recent years, efforts have been made to identify additional funding sources, as existing resources have proven insufficient to meet the numerous needs arising from the current state of many monuments.
“Within this framework, the Committee has secured financial backing from significant international organizations, such as ALIPH, as well as contributions from various communities demonstrating a genuine interest in preserving our cultural heritage,” Ktoris explained.
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