The restoration of the Hamidiye mosque in Lefkara, Cyprus, symbolizes peace and unity between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, supported by the UN and the EU. This project highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage as a means to foster understanding and cooperation, paving the way for a harmonious future on the island.
The documentary on the endangered Cypriot Maronite Arabic language, Sanna, sheds light on its cultural significance and the urgent need for preservation. With only 170 fluent speakers left, the film serves as a vital tool in raising awareness and documenting the unique linguistic heritage of the Maronite community in Cyprus.
The AG Leventis Gallery event offers a unique fusion of art, music, and storytelling with the narrative concert “Story of a Captive,” providing an intimate and historical journey through Asia Minor’s cultural heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in this enchanting experience, where every note and word create a vivid tapestry of human emotions and history.
The restoration of the Venetian watermill in Lefka showcases the community’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage, respecting its historical significance. With support from the EU and UNDP, the watermill and aqueduct now stand as monuments to past ingenuity and a shared commitment to safeguard Cyprus’s rich history.
The Lemba Art College, founded by Cypriot artist Stass Paraskos, faces an uncertain future due to recent government actions. Advocates fear that the college’s vibrant artistic heritage and independence may be at risk, challenging its legacy as a cultural landmark.
Collaborative efforts are underway to enhance Paphos’ cultural heritage through strategic meetings between the Paphos Regional Tourism Board and the Department of Antiquities. Plans include leveraging technology for immersive tours, infrastructure enhancements, and expert management strategies for sustainable tourism and preservation.
The EduTourism initiative in Nicosia aimed to enhance educational tourism by creating thematic tourism routes, a digital platform for educational materials, and conducting handson training sessions. It garnered significant support and funding, and its success contributes to the growing educational travel sector in Europe, which is projected to reach a market value of US$ 436.5 billion by 2033.
The participation of Turkish Cypriot representatives, Oguzhan Hasipoglu and Armagan Candan, in European Council discussions is a crucial step towards international collaboration. By engaging in dialogues on sports, cultural heritage, sustainable development, and more, they are advocating for their community on a global stage and bridging gaps in international relations. Their involvement not only strengthens their region’s international presence but also contributes to the shaping of policies with farreaching implications beyond their immediate borders.
The Phini Chair initiative in Cyprus, led by the Dio Dio Collective, aims to revive the traditional chairmaking industry in the village of Phini. It focuses on preserving this craft through skill transmission, research, and documentation, highlighting cultural resilience and the importance of sustainable practices in artisanal craftsmanship. The Dio Dio Collective, founded by Konstantina Achilleos and Tuomas Venalainen, utilizes reclaimed materials and recycled silver to create unique pieces of handicraft, including the Phini Chair. Through their research and education efforts, they aim to inspire others to embrace and innovate upon these timehonored techniques, while also seeking tangible cultural policy support to sustain the island’s heritage.
The Hambis Printmaking Museum in Plataniskia has closed due to severe water damage caused by neglect from adjacent properties. Despite Hambis Tsangaris’s efforts to protect the printmaking archive and call for assistance, bureaucratic inaction has left the culturally significant museum and its heritage at risk of permanent damage.
