The area of the remains of the Church of Saint George of the Latins in Famagusta was revived during an emotional ceremony held on Wednesday, accompanied by the sounds of Cypriot songs and attended by dozens of people who worked on its restoration. Simultaneously, in Larnaca, the handover ceremony of the Tuzla Mosque took place, symbolising unity and respect for Cyprus’ multicultural identity.

These two historic monuments, projects of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, were carried out by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with funding from the European Union and the ALIPH Foundation, based in Geneva. The ceremony for the Church of Saint George of the Latins was held under the shade of trees, providing some relief from the hot July sun, while dozens of Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, diplomats, officials, and workers who contributed to the restoration gathered to honour this significant step in the revival of their cultural heritage.

ALIPH (International Alliance for the Protection of Cultural Heritage) Executive Director, Valery Freland, speaking on behalf of the Bariza Khiari, chair of the ALIPH foundation, said “it is with great emotion and deep pride we inaugurate today a landmark heritage preservation project.”

Noting these are the very first projects the foundation has undertaken in Cyprus, he thanked the Technical Committee for Cultural Heritage, describing it a “model of dialogue for the service of peace”.

Freland said ALIPH wants to promote the work of the Committee “all over the world because you are a reference for everyone all over the world to build peace through heritage protection. We will continue to promote your actions.”

On behalf of the European Commission Head of Section, Jutta Pomoell-Segurola said today “we celebrate the completion of the restoration works on these two beautiful restoration works” and described the church as ‘stunning’ and adding that she is very moved.

Both projects, she added, “represent the cultural richness and diversity of Cyprus which is unique and should be cherished and celebrated. Restoring these monuments and heritage is really important because it brings a sense of peace and stability to the island and we at the EC are very happy to support.”

UNDP head of Office, Jakhongir Khaydarov, said the successful completion of these two monuments was only possible due to the strong and trusted partnership.

He thanked ALIPH for “the generous support and unwavering belief in the mission of heritage protection”, noting “it has helped to restore trust”. He also thanked the EU for their longstanding and consistent commitment to the work of the Technical Committee.

Khaydarov said the two monuments share a common narrative, they are powerful symbols of Cyprus, rich diverse and intertwined past. Their preservation speaks to a commitment to dialogue, co-existence and shared future. As UNDP we are proud to have implemented this project, in close cooperation with the TCCH. He also praised the two co-chairmen of the committee for their commitment adding “the work you do goes to the future generations who want peace and trust on this island.”

Speaking at the event, Sotos Ktoris, the Greek Cypriot Co-Chair of the Technical Committee, said that the restoration of the Church of Saint George of the Latins and the Tuzla Mosque “remind us that Cyprus has historically been a crossroads of civilizations that have left an indelible mark on our shared cultural heritage.”

He added that these sites serve as a reminder that Cyprus’ cultural heritage has been shaped through a long history of coexistence, interaction, and blending of different religions, languages, and cultures. He emphasised that our identity is the fruit of this centuries-old coexistence.

The monuments handed down to us by Cyprus’ history are what keep us connected to the land and to one another, he said, adding “especially today, as Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots jointly protect these sites, they gain a new, deeper dimension: they become symbols of reconciliation, bridges of trust, and testimonies of a peaceful outlook for the future.”

Ali Tuncay, Turkish Cypriot Co-Chair of the Technical Committee for Cultural Heritage in Cyprus, said “ALIPH’s support for the preservation of the St. George of the Latins Church in Famagusta and the Tuzla Mosque in Larnaca reflects its mission to safeguard cultural heritage in historically complex regions.”

These monuments, he said, “which stand as reminders of the island’s diverse and intertwined past, also embody the vision of the Technical Committee for Cultural Heritage in Cyprus, which works to foster dialogue, mutual understanding, and shared responsibility.” 

“By backing the restoration of sites with religious and historical value, ALIPH helps promote respect for cultural diversity and contributes to the creation of a more trusting and open atmosphere. This effort underscores the role of heritage as a powerful connector between people and a foundation for long-term peace, reconciliation, and cooperation in Cyprus,” Tuncay noted.

During the event, engineers Angelos Smagas and Hakan Gokberk provided detailed insights into the restoration project. The atmosphere transformed as traditional Cypriot songs were performed in a special recital by Andreas Smagas and Andriani Kyprianou, creating a warm and unifying ambiance filled with optimism. The attendees actively participated, reinforcing the sense of collective heritage and hope, demonstrating how art and cultural identity can unite and inspire everyone.

The unveiling of the plaque in the church’s entrance followed, showcasing an exquisite example of Gothic architecture dating back to the late 13th century. In Famagusta, there were two churches dedicated to Saint George: one Greek Orthodox and the other Latin Catholic.

In Larnaca, during the handover of the Tuzla Mosque, Sotos Ktoris said “Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots collaborate and share the same vision for the preservation of our cultural heritage. The monuments in Cyprus are a legacy handed down by the history of this land; they highlight our historical journey and our relationship with this territory, shaping our identity over the centuries.”

He added that “these monuments, whether Christian or Muslim, belong to all Cypriots, to all the people living on this island,” and called on everyone to view these monuments not as symbols of division, but as bridges of understanding and reconciliation—a symbol of a different Cyprus, one of peaceful coexistence.”

On his part, Tuncay, described the Tuzla Mosque as a vital monument for Turkish Cypriots and beyond, noting that beneath the current structure was once a basilica, and later a Gothic church was built there.

He emphasised that the Tuzla Mosque is a shared monument for both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots living on the island, expressing his belief that the joint effort to restore this building and other monuments across Cyprus will contribute to fostering peaceful and cooperative relations between the two communities.