Project Summary:

The cultural heritage of Cyprus emanates from diverse and rich cultures and civilizations which have populated the island throughout history. It constitutes the common heritage of all Cypriots and of humanity regardless of its origin. Since 2010 the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been assisting the bi-communal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (TCCH) to preserve the island’s cultural heritage.

The overall objective of the project is to support the reconciliation process and to increase the levels of trust between the two main communities on the island – the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. This overall objective will be achieved through the implementation of confidence building measures as agreed by the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (TCCH).

The project is aimed to preserve the Cypriot cultural heritage monuments of great importance by supporting conservation and/or emergency measures for high importance cultural heritage sites. The project will be funded by the Republic of Cyprus & local communities for the protection of heritage in conflict areas) aiming to support the efforts of the bi-communal TCCH to contribute to the ongoing peace and confidence building process by bringing communities closer to their shared heritage through conservation and emergency measures projects.

“The Cultural Heritage Technical Committee believes that it is the primary responsibility of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to protect the endangered cultural heritage of the island, and that it is important for these monuments to be preserved, not only because they are important symbols for both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, as well as for humanity, but also because they have an intrinsic value of their own.” (Press statement of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, 06 May 2009).

The Agreement of 21 March 2008 reached between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots under the auspices of the United Nations (UN), paved the way for the establishment of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, dedicated to the recognition, promotion and protection of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Cyprus. The Committee is supported in its work by an Advisory Board composed of archaeologists, architects, art historians and town planners from both communities. All its programmatic decisions are taken in line with the agreed principles and the task attributed to them by the two Leaders.

The Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage works to provide a mutually acceptable mechanism for the implementation of practical measures for the proper preservation, physical protection and restoration (including research, study and survey) of the cultural heritage of Cyprus. The Committee believes that the protection of cultural heritage is an integral part of the ongoing process of broadening areas of cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, which can most effectively be achieved through joint efforts. The protection of cultural heritage also stimulates sustainable development and mutual understanding.

An initial list of 40 sites in need of emergency care and conservation was approved by the Leaders. Additional monuments of great historical value or notable size have been added to this list. Particular attention was given to the archaeological importance of the monuments, reflecting their uniqueness, historical significance and role in society as well as their future educational role.